Shifting Your Journey with Dr. Sonat Birnecker of KOVAL Distillery
When you think of a distillery, who comes to mind as running the show and working the floor? Let’s be real, you assumed a man. And if I’m being honest with you, that was my first thought.
BUT, little did I know one of the largest independent and female-owned craft distilleries was right here under my nose (in CHICAGO!) and surprise surprise, there are a ton of amazing women running distilleries all over the world!
It’s actually been that way since ancient times. At points, even considered “women’s work.” It’s only in modern day that the correlation between scotch, whiskey and gin became “man’s work.”
So without further ado, let me introduce Dr. Sonat Birnecker, co-owner of KOVAL Distillery. She and her husband, Robert, founded KOVAL in 2008. With over 100 international awards and placement in 55 markets as well as around the globe, you’d assume they’ve been doing this forever BUT, what’s an episode without a good twist?
Plot twist: Sonat dove in head first after having a decade as a professor under her belt, and her hubby? A long standing career in government. Shocked?
If there is anything you’ve grasped from this season of Smart is the New Sexy, it should be that if you really want to change something in your life - DO IT. You are capable, just as Sonat and her husband did, or Kinda several times over, even Ashley when launching the Period Project.
With sticky liquor laws dating back to the 1800s, some heavily charged credit cards, a massive Covid shift, and a #BOSS team paving the way for other distillers out there, this is a story worth hearing!
And the next time you picture a gruff man, tossing back a swig of scotch…. put a finely pressed woman, decked to the nines, sipping her scotch neat next to him.
If you know someone with an inspiring story that can motivate and help others grow, we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out here and tell us a little more about them or you!
Follow KOVAL Distillery on instagram and if you’re 21+, find KOVAL near you and give it a try!
Hey! I’m Arsiak.
Hi I’m Arsiak Vartenian and I’m the Founder and Host of ‘Smart is the New Sexy’ an uplifting talk show and online platform that highlights the power of dreaming big through storytelling, connection, community, and heart.
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