Discovering Havana: A Journey Through Time and Rhythm

Havana, Cuba

Photography by Lucas Stoffel can be licensed on Shutterstock and Getty Images

Downtown Havana by Lucas Stoffel Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Havana, the charismatic capital of Cuba, gracefully balances between the old and new, offering a vibrant, soul-stirring experience to every traveler who steps onto its historic cobblestones. As the rhythms of salsa echo through the lively streets, and the scent of Cuban cigars gently fills the air, let's dive into a meticulous exploration of this enchanting city.

Downtown Havana by Lucas Stoffel Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Discover Old Havana (Habana Vieja): A Stroll Through History

Embark on a journey through time as you traverse the streets of Old Havana. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Habana Vieja mesmerizes with its Spanish colonial architecture, historic forts, and vibrant plazas.

Must-Visit: Pay a visit to the Cathedral of Havana and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza.

Insider Tip: Engage with a local guide to uncover hidden stories and visit lesser-known gems in the old city.

Seaside Strip by Lucas Stoffel Fine art prints available on Etsy.

The Malecón: Havana's Picturesque Seaside Promenade

Stretching along the coastline, the Malecón is a lively hub where locals and tourists alike gather to relish the panoramic views of the sea, especially during the magical sunset.

Note: Be sure to explore the numerous bars and cafes dotting the Malecón for an authentic Cuban cocktail experience.

Art and Culture at Fusterlandia

Step into a realm where art seamlessly melds with community life at Fusterlandia, a mosaic-tiled neighborhood curated by artist José Rodríguez Fuster. It’s a vivid, imaginative landscape that offers a striking contrast to the historic hues of Old Havana.

Classic Cars by Lucas Stoffel Fine art prints available on Etsy.

Classic Car Tour

No trip to Havana is complete without a ride in a classic American car. Tour the city in a vintage convertible and explore notable sights such as Revolution Square, Miramar, and the verdant Forest of Havana.

Traveler Tip: Negotiate and agree on a fare before embarking on a classic car tour to avoid any confusion later.

Havana's Nightlife: A Symphony of Sights and Sounds

As the sun sets, Havana comes alive with an electrifying nightlife. Engage in the dynamic energy at a salsa club, experience the famed Tropicana show, or enjoy a quiet evening with a classic Cuban cigar and rum pairing.

Plan Your Visit

Remember that travel can be complex due to varying international relations and policies. Always check travel advisories, visa requirements, and any COVID-19 related guidelines applicable to your journey.

Reality TV Pitch: Fairy Boss Mother!

My Startup Run on Sparkles prepares for Reality TV.

New York, NY

Are you ready for a magical journey into the world of fashion, technology, and unstoppable millennial dreams? Get ready to meet the dynamic duo behind Cinderly, a startup like no other, as they empower a generation to sparkle, dream big, and redefine the rules of success.

Your Fashion Forward Fairy Godmother

In a world where self-expression meets innovation, follow the enchanting journey of Luke Stoffel and Laura von Holt as they build Cinderly, a whimsical fashion app with the tagline, "Your Fashion Forward Fairy Godmother." This reality TV series is a delightful fusion of tech entrepreneurship, creative inspiration, and the magic of self-belief.

The Cinderly Story: Cinderly, founded in 2015, is not your typical startup. It's a realm of dreams, where the extraordinary meets the everyday. Hailed as a "startup to watch" by MediaBistro, Cinderly has captured the hearts of over 100,000 millennials with its collection of Apps, Podcasts, and Insta-worthy Cookbooks. But it's not just about products; it's about inspiring a generation to rise, sparkle, and take on the patriarchy.

Meet the Co-Founders:

• Luke Stoffel (Chief Executive Belieber): An entrepreneur with a penchant for all things sparkly, Luke has spent a decade as a branding and digital expert in NYC's top advertising firms. His art and photography have graced the pages of renowned publications like the New York Times, Huffington Post, Vanity Fair, and Hawaiian Airlines Magazines. But Luke's true magic lies in his ability to turn dreams into reality, one sparkle at a time.

• Laura von Holt (Fairy Boss Mother): An award-winning author and entrepreneur, Laura is the creative force behind Cinderly. Her vibrant personality and innovative brand have inspired countless artists in the bustling heart of NYC. Known for her speaking series, "Don't Quit Your Day Dream!" she's taken her message of self-empowerment to prestigious stages like SXSW & Seriesfest. Laura's belief in the transformative power of self-belief is nothing short of enchanting.

The Series: "Cinderly: Your Fashion Forward Fairy Godmother" takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through the creation of the Cinderly app. From brainstorming sessions that border on magical incantations to navigating the treacherous waters of tech entrepreneurship, Luke and Laura's adventures are equal parts inspiring and whimsical.

Each episode is a kaleidoscope of creativity, filled with fashion-forward ideas, heartwarming success stories, and moments of sheer enchantment. As they build their startup on sparkles and dreams, they'll encounter challenges that test their resolve and see their vision come to life in ways they never imagined.

But this isn't just a story about business; it's a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a Fairy Godmother to help them shine in their own unique way.

Get Ready to Sparkle: Join Luke and Laura on this reality TV adventure where tech meets fairy tales, and the journey is as magical as the destination. "Cinderly: Your Fashion Forward Fairy Godmother" is a show that will leave you inspired, believing in your wildest dreams, and ready to add a little more sparkle to your life.

Sparkle Glitter Poop Pills Is A Thing, LOL.

New York, NY

Now on Etsy.com

You can now get my most popular Etsy item: Glitter Poop Pills!

You know you love Unicorn hair… but it takes so much time. Well now you can have Unicorn Poo in no time flat with these amazing Glitter Poop pills on Etsy. Please note they come with a sh*t ton of warnings, so do what you will at your own risk. LOL.

Buy Now on Etsy.com

Basically if you want to live the ultimate #UnicornLife of your very own, then the Magic Unicorn Pack is your next must have accessory! Hell they make a great gift for any girlfriend who truly is a unicorn inside and out.

The Etsy store also has a ton of other amazing packs, like the “Mystic Mermaid Pack,” the “Golden Poo Pack” and a very special selection of glitter pills to conjure up some disturbingly awesome “Dark Magic!” And while we do not encourage anyone to ingest these, each precarious pill package does comes with an amazing incantation to get your inner magic flowing.

Be sure you read the F.A.Q. on Etsy!

Q. Will these make my poop glittery? A. We have no idea, they are for decorative purposes only.

Q. Am I supposed to eat Glitterpills? A. No, absolutely not, the risk is entirely on you, the customer.

… more on Etsy!

All the warnings aside OMG we have to try! While we all realize that this fascination with a glitter poo is probably taking us a step backward on the evolutionary ladder, the fact remains: IT’S KINDA AWESOME!

Interested in more fun ideas? Check out my Unicorn Cookbook!