Times are changing. Cigars aren’t just for men any longer. After all, it’s not the ‘80s anymore with big hair bands and cassette tapes. It’s 2025. Women are lighting up as well, celebrating events, birthdays, fundraisers, and corporate events with style, sophistication, and a perfectly rolled cigar in hand.  

 

Resident Carolina Oehler (Carol-eena Ay-ler) is on a mission: to bring the luxury, culture, and sheer joy of fine cigars to private events across California—one perfectly curated puff at a time.  

 

As the founder of Habana Cabana Events, she doesn’t just bring cigars. Think bigger. She brings a mobile cigar lounge that transforms weddings, fundraisers, and corporate gatherings into immersive, Instagram-worthy experiences. Think of it as a slice of Little Havana, a splash of Miami flair, and a little magic rolled into one—minus the mojitos. 

 

Carolina personally oversees every detail, from the cigars to the cutters, ashtrays, and tropical-inspired ambiance. Want guests to learn how to hold, cut, and light a cigar without looking like they’re burning a stick of wood? She’s got you. Fancy a whiskey or rum pairing that turns your event into a James Bond moment without the espionage? She’s got that too. Her motto: slow down, enjoy the moment, and leave the ordinary behind. 

 

Stepping into the cigar world wasn’t easy—it’s historically a men’s club—but Carolina never let that intimidate her. Her story begins in 2014, with her YouTube channel, website, and cigar culture group Hoochly, a passion project pairing cigars with whiskey and sharing the experience online. She hosted tastings, educated guests, and promoted brands, slowly earning respect and building a loyal following. 

 

Carolina also worked as a brand ambassador for several cigar brands. “They would hire me to work their table,” she shares. “I would educate guests about cigars, their strengths, their construction – everything.” 

 

Her adventures took her straight to Nicaragua, the beating heart of premium cigar production. Carolina learned from master blenders, crafted her own cigars, and studied every step of the process—from seed to harvest to hand-rolled perfection. 

 

“With the temperature, soil, and climate in Nicaragua, they produce amazing cigars,” she comments. She witnessed the process for herself. But it was more than growing her knowledge, this trip ignited a passion to create an immersive, bespoke cigar experience like none other. 

“Smoking a cigar forces you to be in the moment – to sit and enjoy it,” she reflects. “It’s grounding.” She wanted people to experience that same feeling for themselves. 

 

Carolina was born in Bogotá, raised in Florida, and her travels eventually brought her to California after meeting her husband, Geoff, through cigar culture groups they both belonged to.  

 

In 2016, she relocated from Florida to Bakersfield to be with her future husband, stepping back from her cigar ventures while exploring new career opportunities. But cigars never left her life. Even while pursuing other paths, she and Geoff continued sharing their passion daily. 

 

Then came October 2024. A friend’s wedding in Bakersfield needed advice on sourcing cigars for their celebration. Carolina recognized an opportunity to elevate their experience. She didn’t just curate a fine selection of premium cigars; she created a full experience. She transformed the space into a mini-Havana, complete with cigar cutters, ashtrays, and the full education of cigar etiquette. The event was a hit. Guests raved. Habana Cabana Events was born. 

 

“The overwhelming success of this impromptu service ignited the spark for a full-fledged business venture,” says Carolina. “My wheels started spinning. I had ideas in mind and wanted to get the ball rolling.”  

 

With her background in hospitality marketing, she knew how to translate the concept into something that would stand out. Soon after, Habana Cabana Events was born, complete with its own website, habanacabanaevents.com. 

 

Carolina’s vision is simple yet bold: every event should be curated to deliver unforgettable moments that transport guests to the vibrant heart of Little Havana. She curates cigars, guides guests through tastings, shares cigar education, culture, and etiquette, and offers optional pairings that elevate an event from memorable to unforgettable.  

 

Her packages include: 

The Habana Breeze – A small, intimate experience perfect for backyard parties or birthdays. Guests enjoy hand-selected cigars, vibrant tropical décor, and the guidance of a personal cigar sommelier, turning even casual gatherings into something memorable and exclusive. 

The Habana Social – Weddings, milestone birthdays, and private soirées get the full Little Havana vibe with boutique cigars, optional custom bands, and spirit pairings. Carolina entertains, educates, and delivers a crash course in cigar culture, making the host look like the ultimate VIP. 

The Grand Habana – Designed for galas, corporate events, golf tournaments, fundraisers, or large weddings, this package makes a lasting impression. Premium cigars, curated spirits, and personalized touches create an atmosphere rich in sophistication and connection, where every detail is crafted to wow guests. 

 

Carolina is a tobacconist—essentially a cigar sommelier—trained to personalize every experience. She educates guests on proper cigar etiquette: how to hold, cut, toast, light, smoke, and savor without a hint of awkwardness. Pairings, tastings, and curated flights add a sophisticated flair, tailored for each event. 

 

“I personalize every aspect of my business from setup to breakdown and everything in between,” she says. 

 

Carolina doesn’t sell cigars or alcohol; she provides a luxury experience where cigars are included as part of her curated event service. Her goal is simple: to create connection, culture, and celebration—helping guests slow down, savor the moment, and make memories that last long after the final puff. 

 

Carolina draws inspiration from Miami’s Little Havana, where she spent years absorbing the culture, music, and traditions of cigar-making communities. Habana Cabana Events brings that vibe to California, infusing every gathering with warmth, elegance, and a touch of playful charm. 

 

Her company name reflects that vision: Habana nods to historic cigar culture, while Cabana evokes exclusivity, leisure, and celebration. Tropical décor and curated setups complete the immersive experience—essentially a mini-vacation for your event. 

 

Carolina’s mission is to create magic at every gathering. Whether a small tasting or a grand celebration, she crafts moments, weaves stories, and builds connections that last long after the event ends. 

 

With Habana Cabana Events, every cigar is more than smoke—it’s a celebration. Every event is more than a gathering—it’s an experience. And Carolina Oehler? She’s just getting started, one perfectly curated puff at a time.