Fall in TO

The Meaning Behind the Photo: Old Oaks Cigars & Liquor Co.

"Old Oaks Cigars & Liquor Co.," established in 1996, has long been a Thousand Oaks landmark. Nestled on Thousand Oaks Blvd, this Armenian-owned shop has become a trusted neighborhood spot where people from all over the Conejo Valley gather to unwind, share stories, and connect over a cigar. For me, however, it holds a deeper, more personal meaning. While it’s not specifically an Armenian gathering spot, the shop’s Armenian ownership resonates with my own family’s journey in the area. My family was one of the key founders of the Conejo Valley/Ventura County Armenian Apostolic Church, building a foundation for our heritage in a place where the Armenian community is relatively small. Through family friends, we have a personal connection to the owners of Old Oaks Cigars, and, over the years, this shop has become a place that reminds me of the importance of roots and community, even when far from home. Through my photography, I hope to capture the essence of Old Oaks Cigars as a welcoming space where diverse lives and stories intersect. Each photo is a tribute to the spirit of connection that this shop fosters, and a nod to the unique ties that make Thousand Oaks feel like home.