As a space where a woman’s hand has redefined cigar culture, La Sigaraia is a concept founded by Lisa Stramiello, Luminisa, that transcends traditional luxury entertainment. It transforms the art of live cigar rolling into an immersive experience rich in ritual, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Inspired by her Italian-American roots and the legacy of women rollers, she created La Sigaraia as a tribute to tradition, to the art of storytelling, and to the generations of skilled hands that came before her.
– What inspired you to create La Sigaraia, and how did you get started in the luxury cigar-rolling business?
The inspiration began more than twenty years ago during a wedding. I remember standing there, completely mesmerized, watching a cigar roller for the very first time. He was an imponent man, smoking while he worked, with a strong presence and without saying a single word. I told myself: “One day, I want to be just like him” –she smiles.
Twenty years later, a friend gifted me a two-hour rolling class. The moment I walked in, I became obsessed. I knew that, one way or another, I had to go to a factory in the Dominican Republic to learn the craft. That manifestation led me to someone who opened the doors of his factory to me, where I was able to immerse myself in the tradition, surrounded by tobacco, passion, and music. Right there, I confirmed my destiny.
Additionally, my heritage played a crucial role. I noticed there were no Italian-American cigar rollers specializing in events with cultural roots, and I saw a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of my father and my ancestors.
– How would you describe the experience that La Sigaraia offers at events?
What impacts me the most is the expression on people’s faces when they see a woman rolling live. There is an instant look of surprise and curiosity. Guests approach not just for the cigar, but for the atmosphere: they ask about the process, my story, my vintage suitcases, and the energy I bring to the space. It turns into a place of conversation and genuine human connection.
– What type of events do you usually attend, and how do you tailor the experience?
I approach each event as a complete sensory experience. I am a very aesthetic person, so I take care of everything from the aroma of the tobacco to the music playing from a vintage radio in the background, and my attire, which always matches the elegance of the occasion.
I have primarily worked at weddings, but also at Italian-American heritage events where I include traditional elements that evoke nostalgia. I have taken my table to golf tournaments, car shows, and casino nights, always with the desire to make the experience feel authentic and cultural.
– How do you select the tobaccos you use?
I work closely with trusted factories in the Dominican Republic. I look for aged fillers that offer balance, smoothness, and complexity, making them ideal for both seasoned aficionados and beginners. The wrappers are chosen with the same care, prioritizing texture, elasticity, and the beauty of their burn.
– What specific techniques do you focus on to ensure quality?
I focus on bunching –which is the uniform distribution of the filler-tension control, and the application of the wrapper. What makes me unique is the fusion of old-world rolling discipline with the performance of a live event; I maintain technical precision while gracefully interacting with the guests.
– Do you have a favorite cigar to roll or smoke?
I appreciate every cigar for its construction and history. I love getting lost in a humidor looking at vitolas and brands. But I have a special affection for the rustic, cheroot-style (or purito). It reminds me of Toscano-style cigars, which can be split in half and shared. It represents that cigar culture is not just for the elite, but for the worker, the artisan, and the everyday person. It is a cigar with a soul.
– Any memorable moments you would like to share?
I have had incredible moments, like being hired for an extravagant wedding in India. But what I treasure the most are the conversations. I often hear: “The smell of tobacco reminds me of my grandfather.” I love awakening that nostalgia. I also enjoy introducing women who always wanted to try a cigar but didn’t feel comfortable until they saw me; watching them take their first puff and hearing them say they feel “like a boss” is incredibly powerful.
– What styles do your clients prefer for the setup?
The most rewarding part is the trust they place in me. They almost always tell me: “I love your style, I trust your vision, do whatever you want.” Many find me through Instagram and connect with the aesthetic of La Sigaraia: the vintage details, the way I dress, and the narrative I create. They trust my artistic instinct to curate their event.
– How do you enhance the cultural aspects at Italian-American events?
I bring pieces of my own family history: the original boat tickets my great-grandparents used to arrive at Ellis Island, their passports, and immigration documents. I always travel with vintage suitcases; to me, they symbolize that my ancestors arrived in this country with nothing but a suitcase and a dream. Additionally, I include a QR code that allows guests to watch my father’s documentary, Growing Up Italian, which aired on PBS in 1999.
– How do you collaborate with premium cigar brands?
I don’t see this industry as a competition, but as a collaboration. If I trust the tobacco and the vision of a brand, I am happy to represent them. In these cases, the brand usually provides the tobacco, and I bring everything else: my tools, my expertise, and, above all, the atmosphere and energy of La Sigaraia.
– How do you view the role of women in the industry, and how has it evolved?
Women have always been the invisible hands behind the craft in the factories. What is changing now is visibility. The name of my business, La Sigaraia, literally means “female cigar roller” in Italian.
Through my research, I discovered that in Italy, the female factory rollers were among the first women in the workforce to receive equal pay and rights. As a single mother, I was deeply moved to learn that those factories had nurseries so that mothers could nurse their babies and return to their craft. I am not here for the male gaze; I am here as a creative, as a mother, and as an independent businesswoman whose talent deserves to occupy a space in this industry.
– What services do you offer, and how can people contact you?
I offer luxury live cigar-rolling experiences for local events and international destinations. My work also extends to lifestyle, travel, and collaborations with fashion and hospitality brands. You can find me at LaSigaraia.com, on Instagram as @luminisa_sigaraia, and on my YouTube channel @LuminisaLifestyle. My goal is to remind everyone that the most memorable luxury is found in the connection, the culture, and the stories we share.
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