Meet Katrina Kelley | Founder – Master Cigar Roller – Hospitality Marketing Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katrina Kelley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started Cigar Bella, my thought process was simple but deeply personal: how can I create a luxury experience in a traditionally male-dominated industry, led by women, and make it unforgettable?

I had attended countless events where cigar rolling felt stale, outdated, or overly masculine—and I knew there was room for something more elegant, intentional, and elevated. I envisioned a space where women could confidently step into the spotlight as cigar rollers, offering not just a service but an experience that adds style, sophistication, and storytelling to any celebration.

I wanted to honor the tradition of the master cigar roller while modernizing it through the lens of hospitality, inclusivity, and feminine energy. And I knew that live cigar rolling—done with grace, skill, and visual appeal—had the power to turn heads and spark conversation.

It wasn’t just about business; it was about creating a vibe and filling a gap. I wanted every wedding, party, or luxury event we touched to feel one-of-a-kind—and that meant bringing an unexpected blend of tradition, beauty, and artistry to the table. That was the spark. And once I saw the excitement from clients, I knew we were onto something much bigger than cigars. We were creating memories.

What should our readers know about your business?
Honestly, I never set out to just “start a business”—I wanted to create an experience.

Cigar Bella was born from the desire to bring something elegant and unexpected to events. We offer live cigar rolling for everything from weddings to brand launches, but it’s more than that—it’s the way we do it that makes it special. Our team is entirely made up of women, which is rare in the cigar world. That alone catches people’s attention, but what keeps them coming back is how we carry ourselves: with style, skill, and real connection.

We’re not just cigar rollers for weddings or events—we’re part of the memory people take with them. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of. Our clients don’t just get a cigar bar; they get an experience that’s interactive, intimate, and completely unforgettable.

The road here hasn’t been smooth. I had to learn a lot—fast. From figuring out permits and contracts to managing a team and building trust in a space where we were the underdogs, there were moments that really tested me. But every challenge pushed me to build a stronger foundation. I learned to be scrappy, to ask for help when I needed it, and to hold tight to my vision even when others didn’t see it yet.

What makes us stand out isn’t just the service—it’s the intention behind everything we do. We’re not just rolling cigars; we’re showing up with presence and passion. And when someone hires a cigar roller for their wedding or milestone celebration, that intention shows up too.

If there’s one thing I want people to take away from our story, it’s this: we’re rewriting the rules of luxury entertainment. And we’re doing it with grace, grit, and a whole lot of heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting Los Angeles, we’d definitely keep it fun and light. There’s so much to do here—from hitting the beach to exploring artsy neighborhoods.
We’d start our mornings with coffee in Silver Lake or Larchmont Village,

Followed by a stroll down Venice Beach and maybe rent bikes to ride along the boardwalk to Santa Monica Pier. We’d take a day to hike in Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park (you can’t beat those city views), and catch a sunset at El Matador Beach in Malibu.

For arts and culture, we’d check out LACMA, the Broad Museum, or explore street art around Downtown LA’s Arts District. Evenings would be about rooftop cocktails in West Hollywood, tacos from a food truck, and live music at Hotel Café or Troubadour.

LA’s got this perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and creative energy—it’s easy to keep things spontaneous and exciting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I believe no one succeeds alone—and I’m proud to say that my mother has been a massive influence on my journey as an entrepreneur.

Watching her build and run her own business showed me firsthand what resilience, independence, and hard work look like. She never waited for permission to chase her vision, and that mindset is what inspired me to launch Cigar Bella, my luxury cigar rolling business.

I also want to give a shoutout to the powerful, talented women on my team—the cigar rollers who bring sophistication and skill to every event we serve. Whether it’s a high-end wedding or a luxury brand activation, our live cigar rollers are redefining what people expect from cigar experiences.

And to our early clients—thank you. Your belief in my concept, especially when women cigar rollers were rare, helped turn a dream into a thriving brand. Your support gave me the confidence to show up boldly and deliver a level of elegance and professionalism that’s now signature to Cigar Bella.
This journey was never just about cigars—it’s about legacy, creating space for women in luxury event entertainment, and building a brand that leaves an impression.

Website: https://cigarbella.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigarbella

Other: https://tiktok.com/@cigarbella