A Conversation in Havana: Kirby Allison Meets Dominique Gyselinck

Kirby Allison meets Dominique Gyselinck in Havana during the Festival del Habano for a wide-ranging conversation on Cuban cigars, retail, and the evolving role of women in the industry.

Filmed on the Malecón with El Morro and the sea in the background, the video documents a relaxed yet substantive discussion between two well-known figures in the world of premium cigars. Gyselinck, founder of Dominique London, traces her entry into cigars back to a single moment: walking past a small humidor in a Belgian clothing shop and asking about the cigars inside. A few days and three Cuban vitolas later, her trajectory was set. “I never smoked in my life,” she recalls, “but these cigars were smiling at me.”

That curiosity turned into a business which today includes over 30 retail locations across Europe, 10 of which are La Casa del Habano stores. Gyselinck reflects on how the culture of Cuban cigars, and the shared experience they foster, became central to her life. Rather than selling cigars, she describes her mission as helping customers find the right cigar for them: “Each cigar is a piece of art with a lot of love and a lot of work inside.”

Looking ahead, she speaks about the soon-to-open Monte Carlo Cigar Club, a private space located in the Casino de Monte Carlo. After nearly a decade of planning, it’s intended to be a unique and elevated experience for serious enthusiasts.

The two also touch on iconic cigars like the Cohiba Siglo VI. For Gyselinck, it’s more than just a well-known name. “It’s the king of cigars,” she says. “It’s creamy, delicate—and comfortable to smoke.”

Watch the full conversation below.