Lawrance Holton

I am a native of Indianapolis, Indiana where I was a creative and competitive kid. I grew up as a music scholar playing to violin and piano, which none of my friends knew about. I hold a master’s degree from Indiana University and PMP from the PMI.  I am a Senior Project Manager for a security and technology company here in Atlanta.  Much of my experience is in corporate America, but my passion has always been in education institutions.  I relocated to Atlanta in July 2008 with Apple Inc as a technician and a technical trainer before leaving for other ventures.

I founded Calada Cigars Services as an alternative for people that did not want to go into Cigar bars or lounges. Calada provides cigar bars in your home and hosts various events during the summer in Indianapolis and Atlanta. Feel free to check us out at caladacigars.com.

When did you fall in love with cigars? I was first introduced to cigars in 2000, at Nicky Blaine's Cigar lounge in Indianapolis Indiana. My first experience was just ok but the lifestyle maintained my interest. It would be years before I really knew how to smoke a stick. I am also a Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) and aim to assist new novice smokers. I have been smoking now for 22 years now, but the last 10 would be some of the best ones.

Where is your favorite place to smoke in Atlanta? You cannot beat outdoor smoking, but I smoke where I can smoke. I am a member of Cigar City as well as Red Phone Booth are the places where you can normally find me. But don’t leave out Fellaship, the Patio, or Cigar Bar -  so my favorite place to smoke is in Atlanta.

When you are not enjoying a cigar, what do you like to do? I fake at golf. Yes, I said fake. I enjoy losing golf balls as well as traveling.

What is 1 Atlanta must-see/must-go for out-of-town attendees? If you have never climbed Stone Mountain, you have not lived life. When you reach the top, it’s a rush and a great experience.

Instagram: @caladacigar