Fact. While the average distillery tends to have a workforce that comprises 14% women, at Archie Rose we’re proud to have around 40% women leading the charge in our bar, distillery, marketing and operations teams. This number is no accident. It also must be said, this 40% is so much more than just a number.

As we nurse our tired feet and full hearts after three euphoric weeks of Sydney WorldPride, we’re continuing our theme of ‘Proudly For Everyone’ into International Women’s Day. In the spirit of celebration and reflection, we’ve called upon the brilliant minds (and palates) in our team to fill us in on the women who inspire them, their greatest lessons learned and the future of women in the business of distilling.

FIONA

Name and role:

Fiona Kim, New Product Project Manager

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

14 months.

The moment you realised you wanted a career in this space?

I initially started as an industry change to move out of fashion. However, I landed at Archie Rose as I always have been a big fan. I love what AR does, challenging the conventions in the distilling space and social norms with collaborations like the Mardi Gras lube.

Is there a woman or person who inspired you to take this path?

My mum is always a great support for me in every aspect of life. Working at Archie Rose was a significant career change for me, as my previous career was in fashion. However, she supported me in taking risks and challenges and gave me the confidence to jump ship! And once again, she was right!

Greatest lesson learned during your time at Archie?

Still my mum’s support on “Go for it! If it is not the path you imagined, then this is just a detour!”

In the world of spirits, cocktails and distilling, what does “Proudly For Everyone” mean to you?

Proudly for everyone from all cultural, sexual and gender backgrounds.

Your desert island spirit and cocktail?

Gin for G&Ts and martinis, and vodka for Bloody Mary! Can I take both?

The future of women in the distilling game is…

Just starting! It’s still a male-dominated industry, I believe. Actually, most industries are still. All industries should take a moment to reflect on how much progress we have made!

What does IWD mean to you at this stage of your life and career?

International Women’s Day celebrates all women from all walks of life and ensures we create a better, more equalised, and balanced society for women now and to come. We had a few unfortunate events for women overseas, so IWD is even more significant. I am so grateful I work in a company where women are well respected and to live in a country like Australia.

We should take IWD as a yearly check-in to see where we are and how much progress we have made together as a society for creating a safe place for women, gender pay gaps and support for mothers in the workforce.

SILVIA

Name & role:

Silvia Segato, Spirit Blender

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

Almost 1 year and half.

The moment you realised you wanted a career in this space?

I never thought that I would become a spirit blender, it all happened by coincidence… I did apply at Archie Rose for a Distiller role and during the recruitment process the offered position changed to Spirit Blender. One of my life’s mantras is “Why not?!” so I took this opportunity as a challenge, followed the flow, trusted my intuition (and my nose) and I got this amazing job. I am incredibly grateful for that. I have always been passionate about flavours and the harmony that you create once you blend them together. I enjoy the creative process and the attention to details that this role requires.

Is there a woman or person who inspired you to take this path?

I have always looked at Lyn Lark of Tasmania’s Lark Distillery with great admiration. She is definitely a woman who inspires me in many ways.

Greatest lesson learned during your time at Archie?

“Knowledge is power”. Sounds like a cliché but my family (90% WOMEN) always taught me that being educated and informed will help you to make good choices in life.

In the world of spirits, cocktails and distilling, what does “Proudly For Everyone” mean to you?

To me it is about contributing to creating an experience that has a positive impact in other people’s life as well as be willing to share and open to receive.

Your desert island spirit and cocktail?

I am a gin lover. Give me a Dry Martini with a twist and you will make me happy(er).

The future of women in the distilling game is…

Full of possibilities to explore and packed with creative, delicious and innovative spirits.

What does IWD mean to you at this stage of your life and career?

Balance, Respect and Equality in my private, professional and social life. I keep those values in mind every single day (not only on IWD) and do the best to live accordingly.

RIAHNE They/Them

Name & Role:

Riahne, Senior Bartender

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

Almost 3 and a half years.

The moment you realised you wanted a career in this space?

I realised I loved the hospitality industry after I got out of it for eight months or so. It helped me gain perspective on what sort of role I wanted to have, and what brought me joy in the industry, which is leaving people in better spirits than I found them.

Is there a woman or person who inspired you to take this path?

My Mum got me into Hospitality to begin with. I was 17, had finished year 12 with a Certificate 2 in Hospitality, and had absolutely no direction in life. She told me to get my RSA because “there’s always work in Hospitality.” She wasn’t wrong!

Greatest lesson learned during your time at Archie?

Our Head of Hospitality, Harriet, taught me the art of being a duck when under pressure - cool, calm and collected on the surface, but paddling like mad underneath!

Your desert island spirit and cocktail?

Spirit would have to be Archie Rose’s White Cane - so versatile and moreish. Cocktail will have to be my Snape’s Maple Old Fashioned - Blasphemy Coffee Whisky, maple syrup, chocolate bitters and black walnut bitters. I’m obsessed.

The future of the distilling industry is…

Progressive, supportive, and kind.

VICKY

Name & role:

Vicky, Events Planner

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

9 months

What does your career mean to you at this stage of your life?

For me, my career is a means of being creative and feeding my drive for finding solutions. I’m lucky enough to be in a role that lets me work with a wide range of people, allows me to visit places that I otherwise wouldn’t have dreamed of, and put together events that bring people joy!

Greatest lesson learned from a woman or person during your time at Archie?

I work with so many amazing women who bring their passion, strength, and kindness to their work every day and I am grateful to work with them. Shout out to Harriet and Nina for leading the Events team and taking the time to listen to and support our ideas.

What does “Proudly For Everyone” mean to you?

Working with spirits means we sometimes come across traditional and unnecessary gendering of different spirits. As an example, whisky being assigned as a ‘masculine’ drink, and gin being assigned as a ‘feminine’ drink. I’d like to work towards making spirits accessible to everyone, because as long as you enjoy a drink, it’s for you!

Your desert island spirit and cocktail?

This is not my official answer but you would surely opt for litres and litres of water. I’ll take mine in a martini glass??

What does IWD mean to you at this stage in your life and career?

Celebrating International Women’s Day means a commitment to equality and representation at all levels and areas of a business, and if that’s not what it looks like currently, investing in our people until it is.

DAVID (FISH) FISHER

Name & role:

David Fisher, Senior Spirits Blender

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

Two and a half years

What does your career mean to you at this stage of your life?

I think it’s important for us to find meaning wherever we feel we need to. I am lucky enough to have a job that I love coming into every day. As a new parent, any time that I am spending away from the little man is tough, so I’m lucky that my job has that feeling as it makes being away from him a little bit less difficult.

The moment you realised you wanted a career in distilling?

I have worked hard on always following my passion and that has led to a pretty varied career. I have worked in rural pubs, through to world-class international bars, one of the top multi-disciplinary engineering firms in the world, and now one of the most innovative distilleries in the world. I have always been passionate about the products I used in bars, always wanting to understand how something that can be so heavily regulated (like scotch or cognac) can create such a diverse range of flavours. The moment of clarity was actually when a close friend of mine sent me the sensory analyst job here at Archie Rose. I realised then that everything I had done up to that point had been unconsciously leading me into the world of blending.

Is there a woman or person who inspired you to take this path?

My partner Lex. The way she views the world is so amazing. She has an amazing ability to see to the root of things with, oftentimes, scary clarity. She constantly inspires me to fully understand my own drives so that I am always making decisions that will lead to the best outcomes. When the opportunity came up to move into distilling she saw just how perfect the role was for me long before I did.

Greatest lesson learned from a woman during your time at Archie?

Tori (Victoria Tulloch) has taught me the importance of having a diverse group of voices in decision making.

Your desert island spirit and cocktail?

Brandy, but if I have to be specific, Calvados (French apple brandy). Hard to go past a Pina Colada or a Mai Tai on an island, isn’t it?

The future of the distilling industry is…

Diverse and supportive.

SIMON

Name & role:

Simon - Trade Marketing Manager

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

A joyous 2 and a half years.

What does your career mean to you at this stage of your life?

My career is the result of 20 years of constant learning and growth. It is a reflection of my own personal development just as much as it is professional development.

The moment you realised you wanted a career in distilling?

I’ve been in and around the liquor industry for most of my marketing career and so the opportunity to work for a distillery that was up-and-coming and also progressive felt like the natural next step for me.

Is there a woman or person who inspired you to take this path?

My partner Dominique certainly encouraged me. She is not only an incredible marketer with a lot of experience but also someone who knows me incredibly well and so could see that the move to Archie Rose would be a great fit for my career and also a great cultural fit coming from agency land.

Greatest lesson learned? If someone else can do it, so can you.

What does “Proudly For Everyone” mean to you?

Exactly that! We are an inclusive company that prides itself on the people that work here. Egalitarianism is part of our DNA and so an outward-facing message that reflects what and who we stand for makes total sense for us. It is important for brands to stand tall with, discuss and be a beacon/voice for minority representation - both in the workplace and also society. It’s just one really easy way in which a brand can help influence progress and change to happen in the right way.

Your desert island cocktail?

A Dark and Stormy.

The future of the distilling industry is…

The continuous learning and challenging of the norms that often come with distilling production techniques, but also some assumptions of what has been a traditionally male-dominated industry. There are some great female distillers already doing this (both at Archie Rose but also at a number of other distilleries in Australia and further afield). It is important to continue celebrating this, as everything we do now helps influence future generations, which ultimately means better workplaces - and of course better spirits.

What does IWD mean to you at this stage of your life and career?

It’s incredibly important! Not only is it a great opportunity to celebrate the women in our lives both at work and home but IWD also presents an opportunity to share and listen to experiences and struggles that women have faced in the workplace. Discourse like this is important and it’s also important for Men to attend and to be involved more.

RACHEL

Name & role:

Rachel - eCommerce & Digital Marketing Manager

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

Nearly two wild years! I moved back into spirits after 10 years in fashion & cosmetics.

What does your career mean to you at this stage of your life?

Aside from being a mother and a partner, my career is hugely important to me and makes me who I am. It allows me to be creative, use my skills, work with amazing people and be part of an incredible team.

As a mother to a seven year old boy, it’s so important to me that he sees that you have to work hard in life, put your all into everything you do and take pride in and love your work.

Is there a woman or person who inspired you to take this path?

Strong women have always been a huge inspiration to me, but I’m equally grateful for the men who have encouraged and empowered me along the way. My family has played a big role in shaping who I am today. My grandmother, who travelled the world. My mother, a strong feminist who taught me to stand up for what I believe in. My dad, who always encouraged my sister and I to explore and see the world. And my sister, who has accomplished so much in her life.

I’m also grateful for my partner, who believes in equal partnership and has always supported me in building my career. Throughout my career in the UK, the US, and Australia, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible women who not only supported me professionally but also helped me navigate personal challenges. I’m proud to be part of a community that uplifts and empowers women and men alike.

In the world of spirits, cocktails and distilling, what does “Proudly For Everyone” mean to you?

Being proudly for everyone means just that. We really are proudly for everyone. It’s something that everyone in our community embodies, from our team members to our customers. It’s what makes us successful. We believe that everyone’s ideas, opinions, and input are essential to our growth and success. Without collaboration and diverse perspectives, we couldn’t be where we are today.

Your desert island spirit and cocktail?

I LOVE White Cane. How good is a daiquiri!

The future of women in the distilling game is…

Bloody exciting! There is so much more to come.

What does IWD mean to you at this stage of your life and career?

It’s amazing to see how International Women’s Day is gaining more momentum every year. I woke up this morning to messages from friends, family, and colleagues all celebrating this special day. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to acknowledge the progress we’ve made but also to recognise how much further we have to go.

VICTORIA (TORI)

Name & role:

Victoria (Tori) Tulloch, Head of Marketing

How long have you been at Archie Rose?

Since the beginning, initially working together with Will and Squad Ink to launch Archie Rose in December 2014 and I then joined more officially as Head of Marketing in 2017.

What does your career mean to you at this stage of your life?

I’m in my 50s and together with family and friends, my career is one of the three major foundations of the last 30 years. I’m incredibly grateful for all the things that allowed me to enjoy the privilege and choice of a full career including a good education, excellent bosses and colleagues but most importantly a partner who shares the belief in an equal career opportunity along with equality around the role of parenting. My career has also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with a really diverse group of hundreds of people which has significantly shaped my understanding of the experiences of others and by consequence of that, the kind of person I am.

The moment you realised you wanted a career in distilling?

My family have been making wine for more than 125 years - so food and drinks have been the centrepiece of my life since birth. The opportunity to work with Archie Rose and grow it into the world’s best spirits and hospitality brand is therefore bang on for everything I love doing.

Is there a woman or person who inspired you to take this path?

My mum is obsessed with food and entertaining people so it started there. I was then lucky to work with two women - Deeta Colvin and Marguerite Julian - across two jobs for a total of 18 years, both of whom showed me how the tenets of a good life could also be a career, which is one of the key things that has sustained me through the rigours and high intensity of full time work and parenting. And otherwise my partner / husband James is the main reason I’ve been able to enjoy my career to its utmost thanks to our mutual agreement that we should contribute equally to work, parenting our kids and to all the domestic stuff that kicks off at 5am each day until we collapse into bed each night.

Greatest lesson learned during your time at Archie?

The entire Archie Rose team inspires me daily with their wide ranging views, life experience and the considered, caring way they approach working together and growing the business. It’s a joy coming to work with them all.

What does “Proudly For Everyone” mean to you?

Archie Rose was created as a distilling company that gives anyone that likes spirits and cocktails the opportunity to access the highest quality Australian versions whether that be whisky, gin, vodka, rum - so the phrase really starts there in terms of representing our ethos that a love of great drinks shouldn’t be confined to just one spirit. It also beautifully represents - or demands, really - that to create and deliver on this mission we require a diverse team that represents as many experiences, facets and views of all the people we’re looking to reach. And finally, of course, it then serves to communicate our belief that the pleasure of an impeccably crafted spirit or cocktail is something we all deserve.

The future of the business is…

Services, products and people that represent and reach a diverse cross section of people, as a conscious contributor to building a more balanced, fair and enjoyable society.

What does IWD mean to you at this stage of your life and career?

I wish I could say that after thirty years the opportunity for women to work and support themselves was equal to men, but we still have so far to go. IWD is therefore a critical reminder to people of this inequality and the importance of unlocking every person’s choice to work and be paid equally as the most important accelerant to a better society.