WVA’s Community Manager, Liza Katsiashvili will sit down over the next months with participants of the 2021 WVA Academy, to talk about vaping, activism and how the WVA Academy is helping a new generation of pro-vapers raise their voices.

This week, Allison Boughner talks about her story and how she’s helping others quit smoking through vaping.

What is your vaping story?  I started smoking at 16, by 30 I was a pack a day smoker and was diagnosed with a blood clot.  My haematologist advised me to quit smoking. I tried patches, gum and Chantix with no success.  My employer introduced me to vaping because it had worked so well for her husband and herself.  The first time I picked up a vape was the last time I ever smoked a cigarette.  I am healthier, happier and my life has improved greatly since I was able to finally free myself from cigarettes.  Eight years cigarette free, all thanks to vaping.

How has vaping changed your life? I can breathe easily, keep up with my 14-year-old son without fatigue and have had no health issues since I stopped smoking and started vaping. I have also worked in the industry for eight years now helping other smokers find their way to vaping.

What has been your experience with WVA Academy? What did you learn? I have learned how to be more confident when approaching politicians and lawmakers to discuss vaping.  I have also been able to see what the climate for vaping is in other parts of the world. I have been able to connect with so many amazing individuals that have also done so much to help this industry. It is truly inspiring to me and makes me want to fight even harder for vapers rights.

Why do you think it is important to stand for vaping? Plain and simple, vaping truly saved my life. I will do whatever I can do to save vaping. I think it is important to tell the truth about vaping and help adult smokers find this life saving technology.