Meet Gaylan Hester | Mobile Cigar Lounge Owner & Hand Roller

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

Hi Gaylan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been a creative person my whole life, my mind is always working. I always wanted to do something that made people happy, excited, energetic, emotional, because that is me all the time. While smoking a cigar and speaking to my wife (Tierra) about leaving a legacy behind for our kids, the business idea hit me. We decided to start our own cigar company. Where we can just be in our own lane, give something to the world that is ours and us. I think you have to put these things together in harmony + passion + business= success. Thinking outside the box, we decided to bring our love for cigars to the people by operating out of an 1976 Airstream, creating our own blend, and hand rolling all cigars.

What should our readers know about your business?
Polished Smoke, LLC operates as a mobile cigar lounge, where we can bring the event space and love for cigars to you. We have unique features of our 1976 Airstream being renovated into mobile cigar lounge. There are several cigar brands around, however it is very rare you will find the owners creating there own blends and hand rolling all cigars. We got to where we are today by thinking outside of the box to reach customers. It was not easy, especially in a pandemic, but by standing by our values of honesty, integrity, and fellowship has helped us greatly. A big lesson learned was doing your research, but not overthinking. This was initially hard to overcome when we were excited about the renovation of our lounge. Most importantly take a risk on yourself. For years I had various business ideas, but when you are passionate about something go and share it with the world. The detail and preparation that it takes in rolling a cigar is indicative of luxury and heritage passed down throughout the year. Cigar rolling is skilled artistry and I would love share with the world through fellowship, weddings, retirements, baby showers and any other milestone in ones life.

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?
When going in Houston there is always something to do. On a night out on the town I love to get a private room with family and friends at Spotlight Karaoke and sing my heart out while drinking. Also, a great place to visit and have great seafood with impeccable service is Saltwater Grill in Galveston. They have an amazing dish with catfish over sweet potatoes I have it every time I visit the island. You can not leave Galveston without stopping by La King’s candy and ice cream shop in Galveston for a truly “sweet” experience where candy is made right in front of you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first give thanks to God for all he has done for me. I also want to recognize my wife, Tierra (co-owner) for always supporting my dreams, I would not be where I am today without you. To my children thanks for encouraging me to do great each in everyday. My in-laws Terry & Denise are always there to provide support and feedback on any crazy ideas I may have, thank you. My friends are amazing, big shout out to Torri for being A1 since day 1. Last, but not least to my customers, I am truly grateful for you and all your support.

Website: www.polishedsmoke.com

Instagram: @polishedsmoke

Facebook: Polished Smoke, LLC