Vapouround magazine Issue 02 | Page 62

F E AT U R E “I entered the vaping industry about six months ago after being a vaper for about 18 months. It’s something I have absolutely loved being a part of, from day one. It’s challenging but very rewarding when you actually help someone quit smoking.” Emma - Nuclear Vapours T he world’s worst kept doublewhammy secret is finally out – vaping is healthier than smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes1 AND it is here to stay. In fact, the vaping scene has exploded over the past 5 years. The use of e-cigarettes has tripled since 2014 demonstrating that vaping is no longer a trend, but a way of life for over 2 million in the UK alone. E-cigarettes are fairly new, yet vapers worldwide cannot seem to get enough of mods, bespoke e-liquids in hundreds of flavours, and various vaping paraphernalia including coils, wicks and squonks. As reported in The Telegraph2 earlier this year, soaring e-cigarette sales increased by 75%, whilst global sales of vapour devices smashed the $6bn mark for the very first time. The rising popularity of vaping is giving rise to a revolution, which means more users are being attracted to vaping than ever before. The popularity of vaping does not seem to wane, despite obstacles in the form of the impending Tobacco Products Directive that could ultimately see a dramatic change in e-cigarette regulation and manufacture. In an industry previously dominated 58 WINTER EDITION VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE by men, now over 50% of vapers are female, according to a Daily Mail survey3. Famous females seen snapped with a vape in hand include Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne and Katherine Heigl. Although this is inconsequential to an industry that doesn’t need celebrity endorsements as it thrives and enjoys exponential growth all of its own accord. So what is it about vaping that is attractive specifically to women? Why are females flocking to vaper expos and events worldwide? Vapouround caught up with three female trailblazers in the vaping arena; Emma (Nuclear Vapours), Lisa (Vaping For Girls) and Pip (Suicide Bunny). Here is what they had to say. Vapouround: Tell us a little about yourselves. Emma: I’ve been in the customer service industry for years, and when I finally managed to quit cigarettes I became passionate about vaping. I now own a vape shop in Bristol with my partner. Lisa: I’m a 35 year old Community Project Office living in Newport, South Wales, with my boyfriend and our variety of pets. I spent a great deal of my 20s moving around the UK and working in a variety of fields from PR to Fashion, to the Civil Service. I love my job but I’m also passionate about vaping and raising awareness of the presence of female vapers. Pip: I’m a passionate individual who desires nothing more than to help people quit smoking and lead a healthier, happier lifestyle. Creating e-liquid is an art and an extension of my personality. I take great pride in creating premium e-liquids that I believe, help change the world one person at a time. Vapouround: How did you enter the vaping industry and what was your initial reaction to it? Emma: I entered the vaping industry about six months ago after being a vaper for about 18 months. It’s something I have absolutely loved being a part of, from day one. It’s challenging but very rewarding when you actually help someone quit smoking. Lisa: I first started vaping around three years ago, starting with the cig-alike style e-cigs (both the supermarket bought and the more expensive internet bought) and although I loved the idea, the product never lived up to the hype. The market at the time was very limited and information about safety was scarce. I moved on to the pen style about two years ago and instantly loved it – it worked! As time