We recently connected with Katrina Kelley and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Cigar Bella started with a single, bold idea: to create luxury **cigar rolling experiences** that felt intentional, elegant, and truly unforgettable—especially coming from a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space.

It all began after I attended a high-end event where a cigar roller was present, but the experience felt disconnected—almost like an afterthought. That moment sparked something in me. I remember going home, grabbing a notebook, and sketching out a vision: a brand that would bring artistry, interaction, and elegance to **live cigar rolling** in a way people hadn’t seen before.

The next few weeks were filled with research. I dug into everything—how to source premium tobacco, what licensing and insurance were required, and how to connect with skilled **cigar rollers** who aligned with my standard. I wasn’t just looking for talent—I wanted professionalism, presence, and passion.

Finding my first **cigar roller in Los Angeles** was a breakthrough. From there, I began building the brand: creating packages, developing the visual identity, designing a website, and pitching myself to event planners, venues, and luxury clients.

Cigar Bella launched in Los Angeles, but our demand grew quickly. Today, I’m proud to say we provide **live cigar rolling experiences** across **San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Austin, San Antonio, Newport Beach, Phoenix, Scottsdale**, and **New York City**. Each city has its own vibe, and we tailor our service to match the tone of every event—whether it’s a wedding in Scottsdale, a rooftop party in NYC, or a corporate gala in Dallas.

Getting from idea to execution wasn’t easy. There were challenges—figuring out logistics, building a trustworthy team, managing rapid growth—but I was driven by a clear vision. Cigar Bella has grown one event at a time through word-of-mouth, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to elevating the cigar experience.

Now, when people search for **cigar rollers in Los Angeles, Miami, or New York**, they find us—and they know they’re getting something refined, unforgettable, and rooted in excellence.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Katrina Kelley, founder of **Cigar Bella**, a woman-owned luxury brand offering **live cigar rolling experiences** for upscale events across the country. We provide professional **cigar rollers**—including seasoned **master cigar rollers**—to create elegant, interactive moments at weddings, corporate events, private parties, and brand activations.

I entered this industry because I saw a space for something different. At many events, **cigar rolling** was treated as an afterthought—lacking refinement, engagement, or intention. I envisioned an experience that honored the craft while elevating the vibe. I wanted to bring a new kind of energy to the cigar world: one where luxury, culture, and connection intersect.

What sets Cigar Bella apart is our focus on detail and the guest experience. Our **live cigar rollers** don’t just roll—they educate, engage, and create a refined atmosphere that guests are drawn to. Whether it’s a black-tie wedding or a brand launch event, we tailor every activation to fit the tone and goals of the host. And our **master cigar rollers** bring decades of experience and artistry, making every event feel like a celebration of tradition with a modern twist.

We currently serve multiple markets including **Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Austin, San Antonio, Newport Beach, Phoenix, Scottsdale**, and **New York City**. No matter the location, our approach is consistent: top-tier service, beautifully curated setups, and professional cigar artisans who take pride in their craft.

Clients come to us because they want more than just entertainment—they want a luxury experience. We solve the problem of uninspired activations by delivering a visually stunning and highly engaging feature that stands out. Our presence often becomes a focal point at events, sparking conversations and elevating the atmosphere.

I’m most proud of the brand we’ve built: one that reflects elegance, innovation, and cultural appreciation. We’ve grown through word-of-mouth, referrals, and repeat business, which to me is the highest compliment. People trust Cigar Bella to show up professionally, deliver excellence, and leave a lasting impression.

At the heart of it, Cigar Bella is about celebration—through craftsmanship, culture, and connection. We’re proud to lead the industry in premium **live cigar rolling**, and we’re just getting started.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that stands out happened early in Cigar Bella’s journey—one of those moments that could’ve gone terribly wrong but ultimately proved just how resilient I had to become as a founder.

We had a high-profile event booked in Los Angeles—hundreds of guests, luxury venue, and a big opportunity for brand exposure. I had secured one of our best **master cigar rollers**, coordinated every detail, and felt confident everything would go off without a hitch.

The morning of the event, I got a call: our cigar roller had a family emergency and wouldn’t be able to make it. No backup, no notice—just hours before showtime. I had a choice: panic, or pivot.

I got on the phone, tapped every connection I had, and within an hour secured another **experienced cigar roller in Los Angeles** who was available and willing to step in. I personally drove across the city to deliver supplies, set up the station myself, and worked the event to ensure everything ran smoothly. Most of the guests never knew there had even been an issue.

That night, I stayed calm, resourceful, and solution-focused—and that experience changed how I run the business. I learned to always have contingency plans, to build a deep bench of talent, and to never rely on just one point of failure. More than anything, I learned I could handle chaos with grace—and that my commitment to excellence would carry me through any challenge.

That kind of resilience has shaped Cigar Bella into what it is today. Whether it’s providing **live cigar rolling** in **Las Vegas, New York, Miami**, or anywhere in between, I’ve built systems that are strong, flexible, and client-centered. Because at the end of the day, no matter what happens behind the scenes, the experience for the client should always feel flawless.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team—especially one that works in live, high-pressure environments like events—requires a balance of clarity, trust, and appreciation.

First, **set the standard early and communicate it often**. At Cigar Bella, our **cigar rollers** are not just performers—they’re the face of the brand. From how they dress to how they interact with guests, I’m very clear about expectations because it empowers everyone to deliver a consistent, elevated experience.

Second, **treat your team like partners, not just contractors**. Most of our team works independently in cities like **Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and New York**, so it’s important to create a sense of connection and pride in what we do. I make sure they feel valued—not just for their skill, but for the way they carry the brand forward. A check-in call, a thank-you message, or acknowledging great feedback from a client goes a long way.

Third, **involve your team in the bigger picture**. When people understand *why* their role matters, it boosts morale and motivation. I share client wins, goals, and updates with my team so they feel part of the growth—not just booked for a gig.

Lastly, **stay human.** Events can be stressful, and things don’t always go as planned. When challenges arise, I stay calm, communicative, and solution-focused. That energy sets the tone and earns respect.

High morale comes from feeling seen, respected, and part of something meaningful. If you build that into your leadership, your team will show up with pride—and that translates directly into the client experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cigarbella.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cigarbella/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarBellas/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cigarbella
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigarbella

Image Credits

Epic Entertainment