Meet Katrina Kelley

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katrina Kelley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katrina, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I developed my confidence over time, mostly by doing things that scared me—and proving to myself that I could.

Starting Cigar Bella was a huge leap. I stepped into a space where women, especially as cigar rollers, were barely represented. I had moments where I questioned everything. But each time I showed up—at a wedding, a corporate event, a new city—I got stronger. Confidence came from showing up before I felt ready and learning through experience.

I also worked on trusting my instincts. Whether it was hiring, branding, or rolling cigars at events myself in the early days, I leaned into the idea that no one knew my vision better than I did. That self-trust turned into confidence, and confidence into momentum.

My advice? Take the risk, even if your voice shakes. You won’t magically feel confident one day—you build it by doing the thing, especially when it’s uncomfortable. And surround yourself with people who reflect your strength back to you. That matters more than you think.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of **Cigar Bella**, a luxury cigar experience brand that brings live, hand-rolled cigars to upscale events across the country. We specialize in **live cigar rolling** for weddings, private parties, corporate events, and luxury brand activations—all delivered by an all-women team of professional **cigar rollers**.

What makes this business so special is the blend of tradition and elegance we bring to each event. We’re not just offering a cigar station—we’re creating a curated experience that’s interactive, polished, and unforgettable. From the visual presentation to the way our team engages with guests, it’s all done with intention and style.

The part I’m most proud of is that we’re carving out space for women in a traditionally male-dominated space—and doing it in a way that’s powerful, feminine, and elevated. When people see a **cigar roller for a wedding** or a black-tie event, they’re surprised—in the best way—and they walk away remembering us.

Professionally, I’m really excited about our continued growth. We’ve recently expanded into **Scottsdale**, **New York City**, and **Chicago**, and we’re building strong relationships with luxury planners and venues in those markets. We’re also working on new packaging for personalized cigar favors and a few exciting brand collaborations.

Cigar Bella is about more than cigars—it’s about celebrating culture, confidence, and connection. Every time we’re invited to be part of someone’s big moment, we bring our best—and we make sure they feel it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things that shaped my journey with Cigar Bella are: **vision, resilience, and presence**.

1. **Vision**

From the start, I had a clear idea of what I wanted Cigar Bella to be—luxurious, intentional, and led by women in a space that wasn’t used to seeing that. Having that vision made it easier to make decisions, stay focused, and grow with purpose. My advice for anyone starting out? Get clear on what your brand *feels* like, not just what it does. That clarity will carry you through the chaos.

2. **Resilience**

There were moments—especially in the early stages—where things went wrong: bookings fell through, people doubted the idea of women **cigar rollers**, and I had to roll cigars myself, load up gear, and handle every detail. But I kept showing up. Resilience means sticking with your vision even when it’s not glamorous. To build it, stay grounded, take breaks when you need to, and remember why you started.

3. **Presence**

Whether it’s at a wedding, a corporate event, or even just a conversation with a client, presence is everything. People remember how you make them feel. I’ve built lasting relationships just by being engaged, responsive, and genuinely interested in what people need. My advice? Treat every moment like it matters. In business, it really does.

These qualities didn’t come all at once—they were built through experience, mistakes, and small wins. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Just lead with heart, and let the rest grow with you.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I’d spend it fully *living in alignment with what matters most*—connection, creativity, and impact.

I’d pour everything into growing Cigar Bella—not just as a business, but as a legacy. I’d train and mentor more women **cigar rollers**, expand our presence internationally, and build a brand that people remember not just for the service, but for the experience and message behind it. I’d want Cigar Bella to be known as the company that changed the face of **live cigar rolling**, made elegance accessible, and gave women a seat at the table in an industry that rarely saw them.

But I’d also slow down in all the right ways. I’d travel more—with intention. I’d go to places that feed my soul, share beautiful meals with the people I love, and make time to breathe deeply. I’d show up fully at every wedding, every celebration, every cigar activation—not as a vendor, but as someone who’s grateful to be part of someone’s moment.

And most of all, I’d make space for joy. Unapologetically. Because if there’s a time limit on life, the only thing that really matters is how deeply we live while we’re here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cigarbella.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cigarbella