Learn a little about the staff at M&D Smoke and Vape here.
Kelly Terrell – owner & Store Manager
Kelly’s journey with vaping began in 2012 when she picked up the E-Cig Pro, a cig-a-like device that closely resembled traditional cigarettes. At that time, she was determined to quit smoking, and for a brief period, she successfully made the switch. However, after about a month of vaping, she found herself returning to cigarettes—a common occurrence for many new vapers who struggle with the transition.
It wasn’t until 2014, after experiencing a life-altering stroke, that Kelly returned to vaping with a newfound sense of purpose. This time, the journey was different. Instead of an abrupt transition from smoking to vaping, she took a more gradual approach, giving herself the necessary time to adapt. She began by establishing boundaries in her home, first deciding to refrain from smoking inside the house. This small step proved to be a significant one, as she then extended the no-smoking rule to her car. Over the course of about two weeks, her commitment strengthened, and she ultimately succeeded in quitting smoking altogether.
Since making that final decision to quit, Kelly has occasionally slipped and had a few cigarettes. Each time, however, those moments serve as poignant reminders of why she chose to quit in the first place. At her peak, she was a heavy smoker, consuming three packs a day. Despite having tried various methods to quit—such as patches, gums, lozenges, and even prescription medications—nothing had worked until she turned to vaping. Initially, she started with a high nicotine concentration of 36 mg of freebase, but over the years, she has made remarkable progress, successfully reducing her nicotine intake to just 3 mg. This achievement is a source of immense pride for her.
Beyond her personal triumphs, Kelly has a rich background. She attended college locally and earned a Bachelor’s degree in education. She began her teaching career in Escambia County, where she dedicated herself to nurturing young minds, albeit for a relatively short period. Her personal life is equally fulfilling; as a devoted mother and grandmother, Kelly cherishes her three children and three grandchildren, who are the center of her universe. There’s nothing she loves more than witnessing their growth and achievements, and she takes great joy in spending quality time with her grandbabies, often taking them on adventures to create unforgettable memories.
Kelly’s household is lively and full of love, featuring two dogs—Allie, her beloved English Bulldog, and Mia, a spirited Pit Bull. Additionally, she shares her home with two playful cats, Tabbie and Ashes, as well as a Bearded Dragon named Bane. Looking to the future, Kelly has aspirations of welcoming a Sulcata Tortoise into her eclectic family, further adding to the vibrant household.
In her leisure time, Kelly indulges in a variety of creative hobbies. She has a passion for arts and crafts, with interests that include diamond painting, loom knitting, and coloring. Her talent shines through as she crafts beautiful little trinkets, which she often gifts to friends and family members. She also has a fascination for all things related to “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” particularly anything featuring the iconic character Jack Skellington.
Another thrilling aspect of Kelly’s life is her involvement in local Bass Head competitions, where she showcases her impressive car audio system. Those who have experienced her car stereo know it packs a punch, with bass that can vibrate the fillings out of your teeth, a testament to her dedication and enthusiasm for car culture.
As of September 1, 2024, Kelly has taken a significant leap forward by becoming the proud owner of M&D Smoke and Vape. This new chapter in her life marks not only a professional milestone but also a culmination of her personal experiences and passions. Congratulations to Kelly on this incredible achievement—wishing her nothing but success and happiness in her entrepreneurial journey!
Kelly added this in closing,
“I started working for M&D in 2019, when we first opened. I have been here from day one and have watched the shop go from Chuckin’ Clouds to where it was bareboned and without personality onto where we are today. I have poured my whole heart into making M&D Smoke and Vape what it is today. My whole business goal is education, safety and advocacy for our rights to vape. My dream for the shop is to offer the consumer a place to come and feel welcomed and valued by everyone who represents M&D Smoke and Vape. We pride ourselves on customer service and honesty. I started my journey in the vaping industry to teach adults that they can safely quit deadly tobacco.”
Ed Morgan – Assistant Manager, Web and Social Media admin
Ed has been a valued member of our team for approximately three or four years, although I can’t recall the exact timeline. My schedule primarily revolves around weekends and whenever I’m needed, allowing me to balance my personal commitments with my work at the shop. My journey with vaping began on November 12, 2012, and it marked a pivotal change in my life. Almost immediately after I started vaping, I successfully quit smoking and have never looked back. I started with a Magma kit from Volcano Vapors, which served as a fantastic introduction to vaping. Soon after, I upgraded to a Lavatube, my very first mod, and I still have that device to this day—remarkably, it still works like a charm!
Interestingly, I never really wanted to quit smoking at first; however, my motivation stemmed largely from my wife, Melissa. She wasn’t particularly fond of my smoking habit, and I knew that quitting would be a positive step for our relationship. Additionally, I have several birds and a dog at home who clearly prefer a smoke-free environment. Transitioning to vaping was a beneficial choice for all of us, and I’m grateful for it.
In my professional life, I have cultivated a niche for myself as an expert in parrot care. For several years, I wrote articles on the subject, sharing insights and tips with fellow bird enthusiasts. I even hosted a podcast dedicated to parrot care, where I delved into various topics and provided a platform for discussions around avian well-being. This experience has allowed me to connect with a vibrant community of bird lovers. Given my extensive background in online engagement, it felt like a natural fit to assist with the website and social media for M&D when I began working here.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to interact with our customers. I genuinely enjoy talking with them and appreciate the care and concern they’ve shown me throughout my time at M&D. Over the years, many have followed the ongoing “soap opera” of my life, and I’m grateful for the support they provide. The owners and management at M&D have treated me exceptionally well, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found a place that feels like a second home.
Now that I’m 60, I find myself embracing the role of the “old man” of the shop. I’ve gathered a wealth of experiences and stories to share, though I sometimes struggle to think of everything to say about myself. In addition to my work, I’m a bit of a gamer, and I have a deep appreciation for sci-fi and fantasy movies. One of my favorite pastimes is visiting our neighbor, Mr. Comics, where I enjoy browsing through the latest comic book releases and collectibles to add to my personal stash.
When I’m not busy working at the shop or immersing myself in gaming and films, I dedicate time to writing. Currently, I am working on a book, which I hope to have published someday. It’s the first installment of a trilogy that I’ve been passionately developing, and I’m excited about the journey ahead. My love for birds extends beyond just my pets; I also like to bring a bit of that passion into the shop. Each year, I purchase a whimsical chicken calendar to display at the register, which customers often enjoy as they check out.
In summary, my life is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences and passions, and I’m grateful for the community at M&D that allows me to share my journey with others. Whether it’s through my expertise in parrot care, my writing ambitions, or simply chatting with customers, I look forward to many more fulfilling years ahead.