A passion for vaping, a love of meeting people and a complementary duo: behind Soho’Vape and Soho’CBD are Laura and Manu. They share their story, the way they work and a few little secrets… over coffee, of course!
1. How did the Soho’Vape adventure begin?
Laura and Manu: It all began in 2018. Laura worked in marketing, human resources and accounting. Manu had just left the restaurant he owned in the canton of Neuchâtel and was already passionate about vaping. He had been thinking about a shop: he loves meeting people and selling. Laura brought her administrative experience and organisational skills. The ideal duo to get started! Manu began alone in the shop, then Laura left her job in 2022 to join him.
2. Manu, where did your passion for vaping come from?
Manu: I have always liked new technology, and e-cigarettes were part of that. In my own journey, they helped me stop smoking. That is where the passion began and the idea of opening a shop took shape.
3. Laura, why did you join the adventure in 2022?
Laura: To bring us closer and build a project together. We complement each other at work as well as in private life. So why not make that our everyday working life too? 😉
4. Who does what in the shop?
Laura and Manu: Manu is in his element advising on CBD and devices. Laura loves selecting e-liquids and introducing new flavours. The admin quietly lands with Laura: Manu hates it! Laura, on the other hand, happily leaves new products and technologies to Manu. What motivates both of us is supporting smokers who want to leave cigarettes behind.
5. How should customers feel when they walk in?
Laura and Manu: We like people to feel at home. We even have a bar where we are happy to offer coffee or a beer, to be enjoyed in moderation. Beyond a purchase, we want to build a relationship and provide ongoing support. Our greatest reward is that customers want to come back.
6. A memory that particularly touched you?
Laura and Manu: A 90-year-old customer decided to stop smoking after more than 75 years. We supported her and she successfully quit. Her doctor congratulated her too! This memory means a great deal to us and reminds us that a plan to quit deserves to be heard, whatever the person’s age.
A personal account: every journey is different.
7. What happens on a first visit to stop smoking?
Laura and Manu: We start by listening. How many cigarettes does the person smoke each day? When do they have their first cigarette? These discussions help us talk about a nicotine strength suited to their habits. We then show different devices and introduce flavours. We want them to leave with clear explanations, motivation and a smile.
8. Laura, a flavour that surprised you?
Laura: I hate the taste of liquorice… but when vaping, Blue Lagoon made me appreciate that flavour! Liquorice sweets still are not for me, though. Tastes can sometimes surprise you 😉
9. Manu, what attracts you to a new device?
Manu: The pleasure of testing it! I like discovering products before everyone else and finding a device you do not see everywhere. Curiosity is really part of my passion.
10. Why create Soho’CBD and choose Naturalpes?
Laura and Manu: Initially, we were looking for ideas for Manu’s moments of relaxation… yes, he needs a break too! We discovered Naturalpes and appreciated this Swiss brand. We then wanted to introduce it to our customers through our Soho’CBD selection.
We share our experience and preferences here without promising any therapeutic effect.
11. What does your CIMVAPE training mean to you?
Laura and Manu: We chose this training to better understand the processes involved in quitting smoking, e-liquid ingredients and selection criteria. This knowledge informs our advice and daily support. We want to guide people, with listening that continues after purchase, rather than limiting ourselves to selling.
Our advice in the shop does not replace medical care when it is needed.
12. Do you manage to switch off from the shop in the evening?
Laura and Manu: Our work is our passion, so we often talk about it! We also discuss customers we welcomed separately, to ensure continuity of their support when they return.
13. Laura, what do you enjoy outside the shop?
Laura: I walk a lot, but shopping remains a major passion! In summer, the lake in Colombier is perfect for cooling off. A little walking, a little shopping and a swim: that makes a lovely day 😉
14. Manu, is cooking still a passion?
Manu: Absolutely! Cooking and trying new restaurants are still among my greatest pleasures.
Laura adds: He is a fantastic cook. He could spend all day doing it!
15. Describe each other in three words!
Manu, about Laura: Calm, patient and always ready to listen.
Laura, about Manu: Passionate, a great talker and kindness personified.
16. Why the name Soho’Vape?
Laura and Manu: For the atmosphere and for Soho, the London district we love. We wanted to bring a little of that spirit to our shop in Colombier.
17. What if someone is afraid of asking a “silly question”?
Laura and Manu: There is no such thing as a silly question! Everyone is listened to here. You can walk in even if you know nothing about vaping, or simply come and chat over a good coffee. You do not need to prepare a presentation about e-cigarettes to meet us!
18. Who talks the most?
Laura and Manu: Manu, without a doubt! He is so passionate about everything around him. And “we are closing, the customer can come back tomorrow” is not really our style: we like taking time to finish a conversation without pressure. Laura’s calm nature has a lot to do with that!
19. Your dream for the future?
Laura and Manu: To keep working with passion in this wonderful village of Colombier and develop our website further, so that our welcome and advice are available online too.
20. A final word for those who do not know you yet?
Laura and Manu: Come as you are: you will never be judged here. We hope your visit will be the start of a lovely encounter and, if you want to quit cigarettes, a journey we will enjoy supporting. See you soon at Soho’Vape! 😊
