RoyalCig since 2013: a story of passion, people and trust

A journey that began with a career change

My name is Marc Waniez, and I founded RoyalCig. Before this journey, I worked as a head chef. In 2013, I decided to change careers and move into retail.

Long before opening my first shop, I was already using an electronic cigarette, at a time when they were still relatively uncommon in shops. As a former smoker, I personally believed this system could help me stop smoking conventional cigarettes. That was my own experience and motivation, not a promise to anyone else.

There was also a connection to cooking: discovering aromas, their diversity and different flavour combinations reminded me of a world I knew well.

2013: working alone in my first Pau shop

I opened my first RoyalCig shop on Boulevard Alsace-Lorraine in Pau in 2013. At the time, I worked alone, welcoming customers, running the shop and dealing with every daily task.

I had no idea that this first shop would become the starting point of a shared adventure. The photograph of that original shop remains a precious memory to me.

Tarbes, Rue Massey: Jean-Marc joins the journey

I then decided to open a second shop at 12 Rue Massey in Tarbes. This was a real turning point: for the first time, I needed to entrust a shop to someone else.

That was when I hired Jean-Marc to run the Tarbes shop. He has given a great deal to RoyalCig and played a major part in the company’s success.

His responsibilities grew over the years: Jean-Marc is now the director of RoyalCig. His journey and the trust between us are central to this story.

Julie: great potential in Tarbes and Lannemezan

Julie works mainly in Tarbes alongside Jean-Marc and also helps out in Lannemezan from time to time.

She is an important member of our team. I see great potential in her and am especially pleased that customers are delighted with her work.

I hope she will keep developing her skills and bringing her personality to RoyalCig.

Nay: Rémi runs the shop and manages online orders

After Pau and Tarbes, we opened our shop in Nay. Rémi, an exceptional young man in my eyes, gave that shop an identity of its own.

Rémi manages the RoyalCig Nay shop and is also responsible for orders placed through royalcig.fr, including their preparation and dispatch.

These two responsibilities demand considerable organisation and commitment. His work has made Nay an especially important part of our operation.

Billère: Guillaume goes from customer to shop manager

When planning our shop in Billère, I thought of Guillaume, who was then a customer at our original shop on Boulevard Alsace-Lorraine.

Through our conversations I had noticed his distinctive personality and an ability to connect with people that I felt would be ideal for retail.

One day I asked whether he would like to work with me when I opened Billère. His answer came straight away: “GO!”

That is how Guillaume became the manager of the new shop. A chance connection turned into a story of trust.

Idron: Camille, a new manager I believe in

Our growth continued with the shop in Idron. It has recently found its new manager: Camille.

She too was previously a RoyalCig customer, this time in Nay. Her personality stood out to me and made me want to place my trust in her.

Camille is at the start of this responsibility and still has a great deal to prove, but I genuinely believe in her potential. I am confident she will make it work!

Lannemezan: Joakim’s energy and hard work

Our most recent shop opened in Lannemezan, where Joakim is the manager.

Joakim is not afraid of hard work. He puts a great deal of energy into running his shop and helping it develop.

Above all, his customers think highly of him. That relationship with customers is a valuable recognition of his everyday commitment.

Pau, Alsace-Lorraine: Lucas takes over

I always feel something special when I return to the first shop in Pau, where it all began. Today, I focus mainly on managing our website and the administration of RoyalCig.

Lucas is now responsible for the shop on Boulevard Alsace-Lorraine.

He knows a great deal about rebuildable devices and is full of ideas. I value the knowledge and personality he brings to this historic location.

Cameron and Sylvain: keeping all six shops running

I certainly do not want to overlook Cameron and Sylvain. Their job is to cover for shop managers during holidays and days off.

That calls for real adaptability: each shop has its own routines and customers, and each manager has their own way of working.

Thanks to their versatility, the shops keep running when managers are away. Their contribution is essential to the balance of our organisation.

Today: six shops and a human story

From working on my own in 2013, RoyalCig has grown to six shops: Pau, Tarbes, Nay, Billère, Idron and Lannemezan.

Yet the people behind the journey are what make me proudest: Jean-Marc, Julie, Rémi, Guillaume, Camille, Joakim, Lucas, Cameron and Sylvain. Each has their own character, background and strengths.

Some joined early on, others more recently; several were customers before joining the team. Each has contributed in their own way to a journey built on hard work, encounters and trust.

Thank you to my entire team. Without you, RoyalCig would not be what it is today.
Marc Waniez — Founder of RoyalCig