How would someone become a Profecional Master Blender? And make a living?

[tokerpipes]

I am not sure if this would be the correct Forum section but...
I have been playing with blending tobaccos for friends and for samples, and was wondering if this could be my calling. Everything I have made has been pretty good. Some have even said they would pay money to make it their regular smoke.
So, how would one get into the industry? What cind of liscensing would be needed? How would you market your product and get known? And most important can you make a living doing this, starting on your own rather than going through a shop or company?
I am the little man holding down a full time job and a family. I hate my job(who doesn't)and want to do what I love to do and I want to get paid doing it(who wouldn't want that). I want to make the change and am willing to do what ever it takes, but can't let the family hang in the wind. Can I get some advise, thought, grants to get started?
P.S.- I have been doing a lot of thinking and its time for a change in my life.

 

[ace57]

Some place in this forum Kevin has a post on this. I just can't find it now but it's here.

 

[mluyckx]

This would be a good start. Making money.. Sthat's another story ;-)
http://tobacconistuniversity.org/certified-tobacconists.asp

 

[ace57]

Tobacconist University.org
Check here.

 

[sherlock]

The first step is finding a B&M or a blender and getting a job working with a master blender. I have a feeling that it is one of those fields that takes years of working your way up to become the master blender.

 

[tokerpipes]

Not to mention that the only B&M's in Jacksonville, Fl dont blend tobaccos, they order in house through mail order and very few tins even.

 

[pipeinhand]

I too have been thinking of my lifestyle as a vocation. I think you can get a lot of knowledge from TU but, with that said it is not all. As sherlock as noted you must be in it, to get it. I have been smoking a pipe for over 40 years. I have come to know the difference in tobacco, their tastes, their cuts and the nuances of blending them together using casings and toppings. I have been experimenting for the past 20 years. Only this past week have I thought my blends would be good enough to release to the public. The first one I let out seems to be able to stand on its own. I have many more but, just because I like them does not mean everyone will.
Start with doing it, combining your tastes and then letting it out to friends, family and then offer it to people you do not know, to get a sense if your blends are up to, as they say, snuff.
Remember, knowing something and doing something are two different dogs.

 

[baronsamedi]

What those dudes said. Also blending up the good stuff and getting samples out there to people on forums like this one as well as setting up at pipe shows once you have a few good signature blends. Guys like Russ and Greg would be good to talk to for insider knowledge, too. Lastly, you have to have a good review from baronsamedi 8)

 

[blendtobac]

The truth of the matter is that there's no formal training or program for tobacco blenders which means that you have two ways to go- work with a tobacconist who is a blender and willing to teach you; or, read everything you can and experiment on your own while recording your findings.

One of the problems is that the job can take on many faces depending upon what tobaccos and equipment you have available. I'll certainly be glad to help if I can.
Russ

 

[lonestar]

The truth of the matter is that there's no formal training or program for tobacco blenders which means that you have two ways to go- work with a tobacconist who is a blender and willing to teach you; or, read everything you can and experiment on your own while recording your findings.

One of the problems is that the job can take on many faces depending upon what tobaccos and equipment you have available. I'll certainly be glad to help if I can.
Russ

From the Master himself.

I dont think I can give better advice than Russ Oulette, so I shuts up now.

 

[baronsamedi]

Ditto.

 

[sirsmokesalot]

I'd be glad to sample all of your creations if you'd like my opinion! :lol:

 

[tiltjlp]

As a very small-time retired blender, it's my opinion that the only way to make money from blending is to find a B&M that would be willing to pay you a living wage in the beginning, and then a sizable % of the profits from your blends. Or buy one of the existing, successful tobacco campanies. On a small scale like I was, I spent more sending out sample packs than I ever made from sales.