IHTTI School of Hotel Management Student: Youngest Cigar Specialist in the World

At the young age of 22, current IHTTI student Manu Harit has already rubbed shoulders with industry giants and made a name for himself in the exclusive cigar industry. Born in the Ivory Coast to an Indian father and French mother, Manu is an admirable example of how passion, hard work and determination can open doors to a life beyond our wildest dreams.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and an inquisitive approach to life, Manu entered the doors of the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts London during the Hotel’s grand opening week in 2012. With very little knowledge of the cigar world but full of curiosity, he found himself in the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge sharing a conversation (over a cigar of course) with Eddie Sahakian, the son of the world-famous cigar aficionado.

Edward Sahakian has a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and passionate cigar experts in the world. The Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge in the Bulgari Hotel London is filled with an exquisite and rare selection of cigars sourced from Mr. Sahakian’s own private collection. Involved in the family business since the beginnings in 1980, the younger Eddie Sahakian now supports all angles of the business and oversees the running of the Davidoff Shop of London on St. James Street with the same knowledge and passion for the industry that his father passed down to him.

The Phone Call That Set His Career on an Incredible Path
Months after his chance encounter with Eddie Sahakian, Manu was looking for work experience. Manu shared, "I’ve always wanted to work for and learn from the best so I decided to pick up the phone and call Mr. Sahakian directly. I explained that I was available for 4 months and that I knew next to nothing about cigars – but I was willing to learn!" Mr. Eddie Sahakian responded by saying that he will be waiting for him in London bright and early Monday morning!

Under the wing of the Sahakian family, Manu worked very hard to get to a professional standard. He went through intensive training and learned from some of the most informed people in the business including two cigar masters Mike Choi and Attila Szabo. He described the cigar shop as a family atmosphere, "the people involved were reliable, honest and the business is run and led with heart". As the Cigar Sommelier at the Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge he worked directly with Mr. Sahakian’s private collection and offered guidance to a very affluent and knowledgeable clientele.

Cigars and Champagne in Accompaniment
Following the return to his studies, Manu remained in contact with the Sahakian family and was recently met with a surprise opportunity to plan and organise a special Christmas dinner featuring cigars and wine. Manu explained that when the opportunity was presented, he made the suggestion to change the dinner to feature champagne pairings throughout evening, as this was something truly unique and never before done. Full of passion and ideas he approached a trusted contact at Champagne Mailly Grand Cru and together they organised an unforgettable dinner with champagne, cigars and a carefully selected menu.

The event was held on Wednesday December 3rd, 2014 where Manu was flown to London to join the exclusive table of 17 comprised of top cigar enthusiasts and professionals from across the world. Manu stood up and presented the pairings at the start of each course. Manu shared: "The entire experience was surreal! I am 22 years old starting my professional career and was surrounded by great gentlemen and very successful businessmen and women all looking to me as the expert!"

It All Starts With Education
Manu was quick to express that he believes that education is invaluable for the professional world and has had a very positive three years during his studies at IHTTI School of Hotel Management. He credited both the IHTTI Academic Director Jaco Van Wielligh and Wine and Bar Teacher Tzvetan Mihaylov with introducing and nurturing his enthusiasm for the industry. For future students looking to study hospitality management he encourages passion: "Find your passion no matter what it is and keep fighting for what you want as truly anything is possible if you set your mind and heart to it. Your education is only the beginning."

Today, Manu is back in class at IHTTI preparing for his Swiss Higher Diploma graduation at the end of January, 2015. All of us at the Swiss Education Group will be following along closely to see how his career unfolds, as it is clear that a great future is in store for this young and talented gentleman of the cigar world.

Follow Manu’s love of cigars and wine on Instagram at @manuplanning.

Article Update May 2015: Since original publication Manu has graduated and started a new job as Cigar Sommelier Jr. at Corinthia Hotels in London, United Kingdom. Good luck with your new role Manu!