Vaniitha Jaiin is deeply passionate about creating something extraordinary. It is this passion that led Ms Jaiin – born into a traditional family in Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu – to venture deep into a man’s world of wines and spirits and craft a heady cocktail of entrepreneurial success.

In fact, her entrepreneurial instincts were stirred up at a very tender age of 13, when she began funding her own education. Her corporate journey at top companies like Satyam, Ogilvy, Adecco, Flipkart and Edifecs helped her develop and hone her expertise in marketing, brand strategy and consumer engagement.

And then in 2010, she shifted paths to pursue her true calling in wines and spirits. Ms Jaiin immersed herself deeply in understanding the world of alcoholic beverages (alcobev) by pursuing her studies at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, London. She also earned a specialisation in Luxury Brand Management from ESSEC Business School, Paris. Starting off with her first alcobev venture, The Perfect Pour, Ms Jaiin – a globally-recognised wine and spirits judge – went on to set up Revelry Distillery and Vanaha Gin. Sharmila Chand meets up with Ms Jaiin and comes back amazed after an engaging chat with one of the few Indian women to own, operate and head an alcohol distillery.

Your philosophy of work
Create meaningful value. Work with sincerity and excellence. If something doesn’t inspire me, I don’t pursue it.

Your philosophy of life
Live with intention, stay grateful, and keep evolving.

Your passion in life
Creating something extraordinary – building brands, crafting experiences and curating things that feel truly ownable; I am passionate about what I do.

Your management mantra
Lead clearly, empower people, and execute strongly.

Your source of inspiration
Nature – especially forests, Vanaha itself is inspired by the forest –and the strong women in my life, especially my mother

What do you enjoy the most in life?
Meaningful conversations, soulful food, nature and music

How do you de-stress?
I disconnect, step into nature, or spend a quiet evening with myself.

Your message to youngsters
Value your time. Keep your hobbies alive. Be patient – real growth comes with consistency.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Building meaningful brands, mentoring young founders and contributing to India’s beverage industry and global innovation

What dreams remain unfulfilled?
To take Revelry Distillery and Vanaha Gin from India to the world; we’ve crafted something world-class, and I want to see it celebrated globally.

Lastly, how would you define yourself?
A curious creator, a resilient entrepreneur and someone who builds with purpose