Alumna Gabrijela Brigljević: Crafting a legacy in the spirits industry

Gabrijela Brigljević is no ordinary distiller. A graduate of RIT Croatia’s International Business program in 2017, she now spearheads her family’s Brigljević Distillery, a boutique operation crafting premium spirits like gin, cognac, and whiskey. Gabrijela’s journey into a traditionally male-dominated industry is a testament to passion, resilience, and creativity, qualities that have propelled her business to new heights.

From Helping Hands to Leadership

Brigljević Distillery was founded by Gabrijela’s father, Miljenko, in 2002. Gabrijela started helping out when she was just 13 years old, learning the ropes of spirit-making alongside her dad. As she grew older, she balanced full-time jobs in marketing with her growing responsibilities at the distillery. “I wanted to gain experience in different fields, but it became clear my heart was with the family business,” she shares. Today, she proudly leads the distillery as its manager.

The RIT Croatia Experience

Gabrijela credits her studies at RIT Croatia with shaping her approach to business. “The International Business program gave me the variety I needed. I loved learning about different aspects of business and how they connect,” she explains. Her co-op internships were especially influential. She worked one summer at a marketing agency and another at a startup, both of which helped her develop practical skills and gain confidence. “These internships had a huge impact on my mentality and prepared me for real-world challenges,” she says. Even today, she often finds herself turning to lessons from her time at RIT. “When things get messy, I go back to basics and revisit the theory. Those marketing and operations management textbooks still come in handy!”

Breaking Stereotypes in the Spirits Industry

The spirits industry has long been male-dominated, but Gabrijela has faced the challenge head-on. She credits her father and the community of spirit enthusiasts he introduced her to for making her feel welcome. “They cared about the craft, not stereotypes,” she says. Gabrijela believes the industry is changing, and diversity plays a big part in that. “More young people and women are enjoying premium spirits. It’s pushing the industry to be more creative,” she notes. To support this shift, Gabrijela organizes tastings and events to introduce women to the world of spirits. “I want to share the opportunities I was lucky to have and inspire others to get involved.”

As a boutique distillery, Brigljević focuses on creating limited-edition spirits with unique flavor profiles. “We like to say we craft aromas, not just alcohol,” Gabrijela explains. Their process relies on sustainable, local sourcing, using ingredients from nearby orchards and vineyards. “This supports local growers and gives us the best quality raw materials,” she says. Brigljević also blends Croatian, Scottish, and French traditions to create spirits that are truly one of a kind.

Balancing Family and Business

For Gabrijela, running a family business is about more than just work. “Family always comes first,” she says. While it can be challenging, she values the connection it gives her to her roots and loved ones. “At one point, I let work take over my life, and it made me unhappy. Now, I know work is just one part of life, not the whole thing,” she reflects.

A Vision for the Future

Gabrijela has big plans for the future. The distillery is working on its first-ever Croatian whiskey, set to launch next year. She’s also expanding their cask management system, which plays a key role in crafting complex, flavorful spirits. “There are so many exciting ideas we’re exploring. I can’t wait to see where we’ll go next,” she says.

To women entering male-dominated fields, Gabrijela offers this advice: “Be curious, not judgmental. If you focus on learning and growing, the idea of a ‘man’s world’ will stop mattering.”