November/December 2025 Entrepreneurship

Karen Enid Reyes

College, Creative, CEO

Can you list three words that describe how you have evolved since being on LDL Magazine’s first cover in November 2022?

Confident, resilient, intentional.

How has becoming a college student impacted your life?

It’s impacted my life in a major way, in a good way. It forced me to adapt to the stresses of
school. It also taught me patience and dedication. It’s been really hard juggling everything in
my personal life, including being a mom, while making sure I keep good grades in school
and apply myself adequately. But, I wouldn’t change anything. I know I’m where I’m
supposed to be.

What major are you pursuing in school?

I am pursuing my registered nursing degree.

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Follow At:

Instagram: @karenenid_

TikTok: @allaboutkaren_

Facebook: Karen's Art Box

YouTube: All About Karen

Photographer
Cee It Differently
Instagram: @ceeitdifferently

Makeup Artist:
Noelis Reyes
Pristine Beats
Instagram:@pristinebeats_

Hair Stylist:
Hair by Pearl
Instagram: @pearl_brandy

Diyar Concept Store

Curated Persian Artistry

What inspired you to start your journey as an entrepreneur?

My journey as an entrepreneur grew naturally from my relationship with art and culture. Painting, ceramics, and gifting meaningful handmade pieces were creative practices of mine, but they slowly showed me that I wanted to go beyond my personal work. I wanted to create a space where Persian and Middle Eastern artistry could be seen, valued, and appreciated. I wanted to help other artists like myself to have a place where they can be their true selves, display what they create, and have the freedom to evolve their art. I could see that there was a need for spaces that honored Persian artists, especially young individuals, ones that moved beyond stereotypes and tradition, and focused on the contemporary expression of culture. Entrepreneurship became a way for me to foster two things that I love, creation and community. Starting Diyar was less about building a “business” and more about building a home for stories, creative exchange, and where other communities to Persian art and traditions. And so, Diyar became a space for connection between past and present, artists and art-lovers, culture and community.

Follow At:

Instagram: @diyarconceptstore

TikTok: @diyarartshop

C i g a r B r o s ®

R e m o n M a n s o u r

F o u n d e r a n d P r e s i d e n t
o f C i g a r B r o s ®

What inspired you to start CigarBros®?

During my many years of working in the wholesale side of the cigar industry, it grew
beyond being just a business. I learned a lot about the people who make cigars, the
dedication and craft that goes into making them, and the culture and community that
grows around it. I fell in love with all of it. However, the push to conceive CigarBros
stemmed from my constant disappointment with the inconsistent quality of the cigars I
found around my hometown, and I kept running into the same problem. The entire
experience hinges on the freshness of the cigar. But retailers, and plenty of customers,
have been set up to lose from the start. The things you had to keep in mind to get that
level of freshness were far too many and became too intimidating for the average
consumer. I started this brand to give anyone, from the eager beginner or casual
enthusiast to the serious collector, a way to enjoy cigars with confidence. Not as a stressful
hobby that requires a manual, but as a truly elevated lifestyle experience.