Exploring Life & Business with DeAndre Robinson of Sticks & Stogies Mobile Cigar Lounge

Today we’d like to introduce you to DeAndre Robinson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, a place where it is not hard to meet successful people who look like me. I have always had a knack for being in business for myself. I played around with different journeys throughout college and even during my career in the military. I served in the U.S. Army as a 68A biomedical equipment specialist, essentially repairing medical equipment. During my time in service, I developed strong skills in mechanical, electrical, and structural work, which later became a foundation for my business as I utilized those skills to build my mobile cigar lounge myself.

I was introduced to cigars while at Fort Hood, my first stick was a Don Pepin Garcia JJ series. I had it while playing golf and I remember everything about that stick. The aroma, the black pepper, the calm it provided. It felt like everything in my chaotic life slowed down. During my deployment to the Middle East, cigars became more than just something to enjoy. They boosted morale in tough environments and brought people together in ways that were unexpected. I’ve shared cigars with people I had just met, sitting in bunkers having real conversations, building bonds in the middle of everything going on around us.

Over time, I realized cigars had a way of slowing life down. They gave me a moment to reset, whether it was after a long day, dealing with the stress of being away from family, or even something as simple as shaking off a bad round of golf. No matter the situation, they created space to pause and breathe.

After retiring from the Army, I wanted to build something I genuinely cared about. I knew I loved cigars and what they represented but knew nothing about the industry and how to thrive in it. I took time to learn the business. I am grateful for the seasoned vets within this industry that stopped to give me guidance and connect me with the right people along my journey. I would not be where I am at without people taking the time to speak to me when I was thirsty for knowledge on how to operate a cigar lounge. I took that information saved up money and in 2023 I launched Sticks & Stogies Mobile Cigar Lounge.

Now I get to bring that same feeling to other people, creating an environment where they can slow down, connect, and enjoy the moment. It is a wonderful feeling to have people include me in some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been an easy road. Being in business for yourself will humble you quickly. It’s been a roller coaster of wins and losses.

The number of times a door was slammed in my face or a call wasn’t returned is honestly what drove me to where I am now. Over time, I developed a thick skin because there were stretches where I genuinely questioned if this was going to work out.

One of my biggest challenges has been stepping out of my comfort zone. I am a private person, and now I have to be the face of a brand. That means interacting with people, showing up consistently, and opening parts of my life to the public. It’s something that doesn’t come naturally to me and it’s a challenge I’m still working through.

At the same time, I was transitioning out of the military while building a business from the ground up. It’s hard trying to find an identity when you feel like the one thing you were really good at has come to an end. Going from a structured environment where I had already made a name for myself to figuring everything out on my own as a newbie was a huge challenge.

Another challenge has been growing in the industry. When you’re new, not everyone takes you seriously, and some opportunities don’t come your way early on. That forces you to stay consistent, keep improving, and let your work speak for itself.

Looking back, those challenges built resilience and shaped how I approach the business today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sticks & Stogies Mobile Cigar Lounge is a 100% mobile, luxury cigar experience that brings a high end, relaxed atmosphere directly to weddings, private events, and corporate functions. We specialize in creating a space where people can unwind, connect, and enjoy premium cigars in a unique setting.

What sets us apart is that I built the entire lounge myself. From the structure to the electrical and overall design, every detail was intentional. Because of that, I bring a different level of care to every event. I’m not just showing up with something I purchased, I’m sharing something I personally created.

We’re known for the experience as a whole. The atmosphere, the presentation, and how we engage with guests all matter. I’m most proud of the consistency of the brand and the attention to detail behind everything we do.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in luck. What people call good luck is usually just preparation paying off, and what gets labeled as bad luck is really just part of the process.

I’ve had situations that could easily be seen as bad luck, like damage to the trailer or events that didn’t go as planned, but I don’t dwell on them. I focus on what I can take from it and how I can adjust moving forward.

Looking back, those moments were only bad in the moment. They all pushed me to improve, upgrade, or approach things differently. So instead of focusing on luck, I focus on how I respond, because that is what keeps me progressing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Sticksandstogiesatl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sticksandstogiesatl?igsh=MWpwMHg3djV5bGhxdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sticksandstogiesat