Bhagya Barrett, the Creative Business Woman at last year’s Women of Vision Awards, stands at the forefront of innovation and leadership at Rebel City Distillery. We invited her to reflect on the distillery’s journey of expanding domestically and internationally, and how the Women of Vision Award has inspired and empowered others in her field.
A Year of Expansion
Under Bhagya’s guiding hand, the business has seen remarkable milestones, such as the launch of Rebel City Distillery Citrus Vodka, and the expansion of Maharani Gin in Ireland and the USA. Highlights still include growing Rebel City Distillery as one of the Top 10 attractions in Cork city.
Central to their vision is the commitment to sustainability and empowerment, as demonstrated through Maharani Gin’s flagship. This product is infused with botanicals directly sourced from a women-run spice cooperative, adding a unique and empowering touch to the products.
Advocating for Diversity and Inclusion
Getting the Women of Vision Award has led to meaningful collaborations and expanded networking opportunities. “The award has provided a platform to inspire and connect with other women from different walks of life,” she reflects, emphasising the opportunities for mentorship and shared experiences that have emerged.
Over the past year, Bhagya has evolved her approach by driving engagement and fostering discussion. “As the only woman of colour leading a distillery in Ireland, I’ve used platforms to voice my experiences and encourage other women to join the drinks industry,” she explains.
Bhagya offers valuable insights for other aspiring women professionals: “Embrace the uniqueness of your perspective, assert your voice confidently, and seek mentorship within the industry.” She stresses the importance of viewing challenges as avenues for growth and contributing to the success of aspiring women in the industry.