Vapouround magazine Issue 02 | Page 166

FYI Vapey Jacks is the first dedicated vaping venue in Derby and its owners already have big plans for the future. Although it has only been open for business for a few short weeks the signs that owners Blake and Mark Lowis are onto a winner here are already very clear. For a start the Derby Vapers group have already adopted it as their official home and hold their regular meet ups at the venue on Green Lane in the St Peter’s Quarter of Derby City Centre. This is a huge vote of confidence in both the venue and also in the team behind it who are all passionate vapers and put serving their local community at the heart of their business model. Blake and Mark are already planning to open two more vaping venues in Matlock and Rotherham and also want to actively break down barriers between the vaping 162 WINTER EDITION VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE and non-vaping communities. The vapers love the fact that Vapey Jacks is owned and run by knowledgeable and passionate vapers who make their own juice on the premises, carry out repairs and recommend products they may like to use. Non vapers love the fact that this is also a great place to relax - whether you vape or not - and that it is a great place to chill out for a few hours, do some work, have a business meeting or eat their lunch. Mark said: “As well as selling vaping products, we sell premium bottled beers and wines on the premises, serve excellent teas and coffees too and make no distinction between vapers and non-vapers. “We want the wider community to realise that vapers are generally some of the most warm, friendly, open and approachable people you will ever meet and that is very important to us.” Mark and brother Blake are both former smokers who turned to vaping as a means to quit cigarettes and are passionate about helping others do the same. Mark said: “Most of the vapers who come here were once regular smokers and turned to vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. “Unlike smokers, vapers are generally much more appreciative of the flavours involved and it is easy to see why. After all it is difficult to taste anything or appreciate subtle flavours when your tongue is constantly coated with tar from smoking. “I used to smoke 40 a day until I started