Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your current role?

I’m Kyra, an English Filipina based in London and I am the European Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill, across Europe and parts of the Middle East. I have the pleasure to share the craftsmanship and stories behind my brands, blending both education and advocacy.

From years of bartending and drinks development experience, I aim to promote spirits in an engaging, meaningful way. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between hospitality, distilling, and advocacy so those who serve spirits understand them and those who produce them feel connected to the people who share them with the world.

What path led you into the drinks industry, and what drew you to the role you’re in now?

Hospitality wasn’t just a job; it was the foundation of my life in spirits. I began over a decade ago, working across many areas of the industry, from back-of-house to internationally acclaimed cocktail bars. Those early years taught me creativity and the power of storytelling through a glass, so what began as bartending evolved into an exploration of flavour.

My curiosity eventually led me to production, where I gained hands on distilling experience. I got my forklift license in an East London car park, not many people can make that statement. Moving from bar to pot still gave me further respect for the precision behind every bottle. Understanding how spirits are made transformed the way I spoke about them and served them.

Today, I have the privilege of representing and exploring brands I once worked with behind the bar but now with a broader, global perspective.

What are you currently working towards or enjoying most in your role?

Alongside my ambassador role, I work with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) as a Spirits Educator, delivering training for the Heaven Hill team and local accounts. Education has become a pillar in my career, and I’m a big advocate for accessible learning opportunities. Particularly for those who may not have access to funded courses or bursaries, much like my younger myself. 

Personally, the more I learn, the more I realise how much there is still to discover.

Is there something you’ve learned so far - about the industry or about yourself - that you didn’t expect when you started?

One thing I didn’t expect when I started in this industry was how the concept of “fake it till you make it” would resonate and how differently I feel about it now. At first, I believed I was simply pretending to be the person I wanted to become, acting as if I already had the confidence or skills I aspired to have. And yes, there were moments where this led to me feeling like an imposter.

Looking back, I realise that I wasn’t being fair to myself. I wasn’t pretending, I was giving myself the chance and opportunity to learn and grow and make decisions that aligned with the professional I wanted to become. Those moments of self-doubt were natural, but they didn’t define my capabilities. Instead, they highlighted my willingness to stretch myself and embrace learning in real time.

It taught me something I didn’t expect, growth came from leaning into discomfort, not only acting like I knew the answers. And in that process, I realised that the skills and confidence I “faked” were simply developing all along.

Is there anything you’d like to share with other women considering a career in the drinks industry? Or any final thoughts you’d like to share?

Apply for that job or turn up to that masterclass. Put yourself forward even if you’re unsure. This industry celebrates curiosity and ambition so giving yourself permission to take up space, ask questions, and pursue knowledge may open doors you never expected.

There is room for you here and the industry is stronger when diverse voices help shape its future.

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