Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Casimiro.
Hi Caitlin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The business came about after the abrupt closing of another cigar lounge in the same spot. I was a member of that cigar lounge and had grown to love everything about it; the people and relationships I developed, the environment was great for working in, relaxing in, or socializing. So when that lounge closed, it felt like the local cigar community broke up and that inviting space was gone, it was very sad. So, I felt my next calling was to open another cigar lounge with my own vision. At the time I was married (divorced now, but very happily in a new relationship), and we both were entrepreneurs, so he had his tasks and I had mine. After all but gutting the old place, we quickly transformed an otherwise empty building into the beautiful upscale cigar lounge it is today. From the first day we started working on the space to the day of opening, it took less than 45 days…and that may have been one of the most stressful and tiring times of my life (although I am happy I did it). We opened March 13th, 2020…and two days later shut down because covid-19 arrived. Great timing, right? Out of our first 12 months of business, we were closed for about 10 of those months. We stayed connected with the community through social media, and by their support, they kept our spirits up and when we were able to re-open, people started coming through the door again. Over time, we started getting busier and busier. When we finally got our liquor license, that was a big hit because now not only could you smoke inside, you could also have an adult beverage. We made it through prior to that with sodas and specialty coffees, all of which we still have. I hired a Cocktail Director to help design the bar menu and train me on bartending knowledge, skills etc. She played a huge roll in the bar for Bold, I am very thankful to have had her part of my team. I myself play every roll of the business…bartending, serving, scheduling, payroll, inventory, even janitor lol. I have an amazing staff that are all like family to me. Working together means we spend a lot of time together, so its our own little family. We help each other through everything, whether its business or personal, were always there for each other. My team has gotten me through some very tough personal challenges and have also kept my spirits up when things felt too heavy. The building and space is beautiful, but its the people inside that truly make it amazing… I am very thankful for my team, and very proud of everything they have done here.
We have very loyal and supporting customers, some have become part of the Bold family as well. We enjoy the networking, fellowship, community, and always entertaining conversations we have together. There has always been something special about cigar lounges…people just naturally come together. A place where you can engage in meaningful conversations, make new relationships, and always feel invited and valuable. I absolutely love what I do and cannot think of doing anything else. With that being said, I hope to be here for a very long time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In life, including business, the road is not always smooth. As a small business, there are many challenges. Some of those you naturally grow out of over time, some are always there, and some come and go. It has taught me to be flexible and patient, lean on others for help and guidance…there is always something new you can learn. Some of the struggles was just getting to know the cigar industry in general. Another was learning all of the rules and regulations to each license we had; liquor, indoor smoking, food etc. There are monthly filings with the State of Michigan that need to happen, so I needed training there as well. Once the doors were open, other challenges naturally came, all of which every small business owner will face at some time. One of my biggest struggles was marketing. Why? Because we are a cigar lounge, hence “tobacco”. Apparently marketing a tobacco themed business is banned across a lot of different platforms. While I have Facebook and Instagram, I am not allowed to “boost” the posts that we create, all because of the tobacco aspect. So I have had to learn how to market without any added help, and be patient because I knew that would slow how many people I reached.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bold Cigar Bar & Lounge?
We specialize in two areas, premium cigars and cocktails. We set ourselves apart from others by offering 2 worlds inside the same building. Michigan has very special and very difficult licenses to allow indoor smoking of any kind…so when I was able to obtain one to allow indoor smoking of premium cigars, that was huge. At the same time, I applied for a liquor license, so one day we could combine cigars and cocktails under the same roof. Inside the lounge you will find a speak-easy environment of leather and velvet chairs, dark hardwood, marble and mirror tables, an amazing sound system, and several different spaces for gathering. We take pride in our handcrafted cocktails, using only fresh citrus, herbs and premium liquor etc. We are most known for our Old Fashioned cocktail, but we have many other favorites as well.
I believe I am most proud brand wise of our overall consistency. What I mean by that is no matter what staff is working or what time of year it may be etc, you will always find the same lounge. We are consistent with our premium cigar selection as well as rotating new inventory. Our cocktails are trained the same way so no matter who makes it, it will be the same as any other time. Our staff is always on point, so regardless of who is there and who is not, you will always have the full service experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of environment, products, and service.
Throughout the year we host several events. For example, we have a Cigar 101 event that teaches everything about cigars and the world of which the came from, how to properly cut and light a cigar, and even how to smoke one. We also have Ladies Night that features a live DJ and specials on cigars and cocktails. We have a Cigar Society that you can become a member of. We meet once a month and have a new cigar each time. Society also features a private dinner party in December for its members. We transform the lounge into a beautiful upscale restaurant and have prime rib/crab catered in. Part of the package also includes red and white wine with dinner.
We also like to celebrate holidays so we will host something fun throughout the year.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I believe what shocks people the most about me is I use to be a guitarist and have played in several different bands. Although I do not play anymore, it was a large part of my life for many years. I still absolutely love music, it naturally speaks to me, I just no longer have the strength in my hands and wrists to play anymore. When I graduated high school, I dove straight in to Massage Therapy. After almost 5 years full time of that, I unfortunately destroyed my own hands and wrists and had to step away. Since then, I have been an entrepreneur in different industries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BoldCigar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldcigarbar/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/BOLDCigars
