The Cloud
The Cloud
A Vape Shop with a Flavorful Twist!
Sioux Falls, South Dakota - When it comes to the local vape scene, there's one place that stands out from the cloud of competitors - The Cloud. With their vast selection of over 17,000 different flavor and vapor combinations, this vape shop is a haven for vape enthusiasts in the area. But The Cloud is not your average vape shop; it's a place where tangents on breastfeeding, nutrition, and the fate of the economy are just as common as discussions about vape flavors. Our very own Hope Hoffie sat down with Karn, the owner of The Cloud, and had a blast listening to his unique perspective on life, vaping, and everything in between.
When asked to provide a brief overview of his business and the products and services they offer, Karn proudly stated, "We provide 17,000+ different flavor and vapor combinations in different sizes and ratios." But the conversation quickly took a hilarious turn when Karn reminisced about the time the FDA came to inspect his shop. "They asked me all these questions with their fancy acronyms, and I had to explain to their inspector what those acronyms even stood for. It was like a comedy show!"
The Cloud has been operating in the local area since Halloween of 2014, which means they are approaching a decade of serving the vaping community. Karn shared that he started making vape juice 14 months before that for a now-defunct vape connection. But what inspired Karn to start his own vape shop? "I wanted to help guide people away from cigarettes because I used to smoke and my brother has smoked for over two decades. I believe people should be able to choose what they put in their bodies. Since switching to vaping, I feel better, and many of my customers have told me the same thing. They get sick less often since making the switch."
When asked about what sets The Cloud apart from its competitors in the area, Karn enthusiastically explained, "It's all about my manufacturing process, which I have refined over the years. No one else has been manufacturing liquid as long as I have, if they are even around anymore. We have a HEPA filtered clean room that is pressurized to maximize cleanliness. And unlike other places, where they use pumps and constant calibrations, we use medical-grade pipettes. We don't reuse anything, and we use clean pipettes every time we mix the product. It's all about quality and consistency."
One of the notable achievements for The Cloud is reaching their 10-year mark this year. Karn fondly remembers the early days of the shop when they would throw parties and have 50 people dancing while he played DJ. "Those were epic times," Karn reminisced. "But I'm also proud of registering over 17,000 SKUs to have one for every variation we offer. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it to provide our customers with endless choices and comply with the FDA’s ambiguous requirements."
The Cloud is not just a business; it's a part of the local community. Karn and his team have sponsored everything from softball teams to dart teams, motorcross racers to music festivals. They have even donated to ARM, a motorcycle club fighting addiction. "We love supporting local causes and being a part of the community," Karn said with a smile.
When it comes to special events, The Cloud used to throw legendary parties that brought the vape guys and the pool guys together. "We had pool tables and game consoles in the shop, and everyone would just hang out, play games, and stay out of trouble. It was a real community vibe. And now, with our 10-year anniversary coming up, I'm thinking about hosting another epic event," Karn hinted mischievously.
Customer service is paramount at The Cloud. Karn believes in building a rapport and trust with his customers. "I ask people what they are looking to achieve and help them pick a customized blend based on their preferences and goals. It's all about the personal touch. And it's amazing to see young generations turn into blooming parents and update me on their kids' milestones. It's like being a part of their extended family."
As for future plans, things are at a standstill due to new legislation that aims to restrict the vaping industry. However, Karn has his sights set on a new side venture - metal fabrication. "I've already got a plasma table for it, and I'm currently welding a water table to use with it. It's a passion project that I'm excited to explore."
When asked what he loves most about being a local business owner in this community, Karn didn't hesitate to answer, "Being my own boss and having the freedom to sponsor people and events in the area. It's a rewarding feeling to know that our support makes a difference in people's lives. Plus, being a part of this vibrant community is just icing on the cake."
So, if you're in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and looking for a vape shop that offers more than just your average flavors, head on over to The Cloud. With their extensive selection, dedication to quality, and a touch of comedic flair, you're sure to have a vaping experience like no other. Keep an eye out for their upcoming 10-year anniversary event - it's bound to be a blast!
If you want to read more about the pending legislation read our other article on it here.
