Anaylis Cañizares Exclusive Interview - Control What You Can, Release The Rest

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Anaylis Cañizares was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and here is the Q&A we had with Anaylis.

Anaylis Cañizares As Cover Story Interview – May 2026 Magazine Edition

Anaylis Cañizares

Born in Cuba, raised in the Dominican Republic, and now based in Miami, Anaylis Cañizares has built a multifaceted career as a registered nurse, cigar sommelier, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Puro y Tacón, the first cigar podcast hosted by Latin sisters. Driven by purpose, authenticity, and a passion for education, she has dedicated herself to creating meaningful conversations and expanding access to cigar culture worldwide. Her resilience was tested in 2023 when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer shortly after becoming a mother, an experience that strengthened her faith, gratitude, and perspective on life. Today, Anaylis continues to inspire others through her commitment to impact, lifelong learning, and the belief that discipline, perseverance, and purpose can transform even life’s most difficult challenges into opportunities for growth.

How do you introduce yourself?

My name is Anaylis Cañizares. I was born in Cuba and raised in the Dominican Republic, currently living in Miami, Florida my journey has been shaped by culture, resilience, and purpose. Professionally, I’m a registered nurse, cigar sommelier, former broadcaster and communications professional, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Puro y Tacón Podcast which I created alongside my sister, Majela Cañizares.
More than twenty years ago, what began as simple curiosity about cigars evolved into a genuine passion and eventually into a mission. Through Puro y Tacón, we created the first cigar podcast hosted by Latin sisters, where we bring a fresh perspective to cigar culture and create meaningful conversations with cigars serving as the common thread that connects people and experiences.
Above all else, I’m a wife and a mother. Every role I’ve embraced throughout my life has contributed to who I am today, but creating impact, opening doors, and building a meaningful legacy for my family is what truly drives me.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

I’ve learned that some of life’s greatest lessons arrive through moments we never expect. In 2023, shortly after becoming a mother, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Receiving that news during what should have been one of the most joyful chapters of my life was certainly a defining moment.
However, I’ve always believed that we are not defined by the challenges we face, but by the way we choose to respond to them. I made the decision to approach that season with faith, gratitude, and strength. Rather than allowing fear to lead, I focused on what I could control each day and trusted the process.
That experience changed my perspective in many ways. It reminded me not to take life for granted, to appreciate the present moment, and to recognize that strength is often discovered in the circumstances we never ask for. Today, I don’t view that chapter as a story of hardship; I see it as a testimony of resilience and a reminder that difficult moments can reveal the best parts of who we are.

What do people usually not know about you?

I think many people see confidence and assume it naturally exists, but confidence is something that’s built over time through experience, discipline, and personal growth.
I’m also naturally very reflective. I enjoy quiet moments, observing, listening, and learning from the people around me. No matter where I am in life or professionally, I believe there is always room to grow, and I genuinely value remaining a student of life.

What sets you apart from others?

I believe what sets me apart is intentionality. I’m not driven by visibility alone; I’m driven by purpose and impact. Whatever I choose to be involved in, I want it to add value and create something meaningful.
I also believe authenticity is one of the most powerful qualities a person can have. I’ve never felt the need to fit into expectations or follow someone else’s path. I’ve learned that your greatest strength comes from embracing who you are and allowing your own experiences and values to guide you.

What are your upcoming major events?

We’re entering a very exciting chapter with Puro y Tacón. We are proud to be partnering with the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), The Cigar Academy (TCA), and Ricardo Carioni for a worldwide educational initiative designed to provide deeper cigar education for cigar retailers and the general public.
Education has always been at the center of our mission, and we’re excited to continue creating experiences that help elevate cigar culture while making knowledge more accessible and engaging for audiences around the world.

What expert advice would you like to give?

Focus your energy on what is within your control and learn to release what is not. Much of our stress comes from trying to manage outcomes, opinions, and circumstances that were never ours to control in the first place.
Discipline will carry you much further than motivation ever will. Motivation changes with emotions and circumstances, but discipline creates consistency, and consistency builds character.
Also understand that adversity is not something to fear. Difficult moments often become our greatest teachers. Strength is not developed during easy seasons; it is developed in how we choose to respond when life tests us. Stay grounded in your principles, continue learning, and move forward with purpose regardless of circumstances.

Your social media handles and website links?