Cocktails, culture, and a life well-travelled. In this article, Wangari Mwangi, Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador, invites us into her journey, her work, and the lifestyle behind the brands.
Personal Background & Journey
Can you tell us a bit about your journey? How did your background as a barrister shape your current role at Diageo?
Well, my career as a bartender started out of necessity. I needed to raise money to pay for my college education. My dad had cut me off after high school making it clear that I would have to figure it out if I wanted to further my studies. Which led me to get a job at an agency that had been contracted to promote an energy drink in bars for their client.
The energy drink sales plateaued shortly after the launch so as an intervention to turn around performance, the agency came up with the resolve to launch a campaign for cocktails and use the energy drink as a mixer. I was the only one interested to learn about cocktail mixology in the team, so I got the job. They called in an expert to train me on the basics. The rest around craft and technique, I learned on the job…and as they say, the rest is history!
What inspired you to become a brand ambassador, especially in the luxury space?
I got to meet the Diageo Kenya team while working as a bartender for the agency and I loved the swag KBL guys had at events back then. They really knew how to throw a party! The passion for what they do felt like a cult and I loved it. So I started to network with KBL sales team and always made to sure to do an excellent job when I was called for a gig. I made a silent promise to myself to pursue a career at Diageo Kenya at the first opportunity I got.
But my first interaction with the world of luxury was while working for the legendary Chris Kirubi. Chris worked hard, and played harder. From luxury cars, to designer jackets, he never compromised on quality. I got to appreciate luxury not just because it was expensive, but more because of the attention to detail luxury offers.
The aura of exclusivity luxury exhumes. I remember when he bought his first Maybach, the CEO and GM of DT Dobie came in for a meeting to go over the finer detail of his Maybach.. from what colour of leather he wanted for the seats, to initials to be engraved in the interior, the customised number plate. Every detail. You see, when you are playing at Chris’ level, you don’t have to go to the car showroom… the showroom comes to you.
I was inspired by Chris’ taste for luxury. Because I too, have a taste for the finer things in life. I enjoy travelling and driving in exotic cars. When the opportunity to join Diageo Kenya as a brand Ambassador came knocking, it felt like the right career move.
Career & Brand Work at Diageo
What does a typical day look like for you as a Luxury Brand Ambassador?
That’s the thing, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day in my world! It’s a fast-paced industry with a lot of spontaneous projects. One day you could be hosting bartenders for a mixology workshop at the office, the next you could be hosting a group of CEOs for a paired dinner experience at a golf club and have to jump on a flight a week after to attend Worldclass bartending competition in Sydney, Australia.
The only constant is you will almost always have client facing engagements. My position requires some flexibility and adaptability. That and clean set of outfit stored safely in your car for that random appearance you may be called on for an interview that was confirmed last minute!
What do you love most about working with Diageo’s luxury portfolio?
Three things – the inspiring stories behind the brands, the opportunity to travel the world and the fact that the liquid is great quality! Diageo is intentional with the kind of brands they choose to include to their wide portfolio and invest in the future to stay ahead of the game in the industry. Working for Diageo gives you a front seat to what the future of luxury drinks experiences will look like.
How do you tailor brand experiences to appeal to Kenya’s premium consumers?
It all starts with understanding what Kenya’s HNWI wants to experience and being able to meet that need. I always purpose to understand what my client desires to achieve from the partnership. Then marry that with the right brand that best fits the audience and message for the day. My speciality being sales and marketing, my number one goal is to help my customers achieve their desired outcomes while connecting those achievements to Diageo’s luxury portfolio.
What does “luxury” mean to you in the context of spirits and experiences?
To me, “luxury” in the world of spirits and experiences isn’t just about price or prestige. It’s about intention, craftsmanship, and how it makes you feel. When it comes to spirits like Tanqueray, luxury means knowing that what you’re sipping has a story that someone carefully selected the botanicals, refined the recipe over time, and created something with real purpose.
It’s about quality you can taste and authenticity you can trust. But beyond the bottle, luxury is also in the experience. It’s the way a gin cocktail is served at a beautifully curated event, the atmosphere, the conversation, the attention to detail. All the little things that make a moment feel rare, personal, and memorable. It’s not about excess; it’s about elevated simplicity like the right drink, the right setting, and a feeling of ease and connection.
In a Kenyan or African context, luxury also means celebrating culture with pride like enjoying a gin cocktail infused with local ingredients or being in a space that feels both premium and rooted in who we are. It’s about honouring where we come from while enjoying the very best of what the world has to offer.
So for me, luxury is not just something you consume. It’s something you experience with all your senses and carry with you long after the glass is empty.
Have you had to overcome any stereotypes or challenges working in a male-dominated space like liquor branding?
Yes I have. A lot. Unfortunately, I faced my first and strongest resistance from my dad. He was not very pleased when he learned about my career in bartending. There is a notion that a young lady working in bars in not considered to be a respectable career choice. But that did not deter me as I was determined to raise school fees to pay for my college. He finally came around and now we can bond over me giving him a tutorial on how to make the perfect G&T!
As a woman playing in a male dominated field, you are required to prove yourself as some of your male colleagues might feel you don’t deserve a seat at the table. Having been brought up with boys for the larger part of my childhood, competition does not scare me. Losing does.
How would you describe the Gin Culture in Kenya?
Gin culture in Kenya is honestly one of the most exciting and fast-evolving parts of our social scene right now. In the past few years, we’ve seen a real shift in that gin is no longer just a drink; it’s become a lifestyle statement. There’s a growing appreciation for craft cocktails, botanical blends, and the full experience that comes with enjoying a good gin.
People are paying attention to the flavor notes, the presentation, and even the story behind the bottle, and Tanqueray has played a big role in that. What’s beautiful about the gin culture here is how it’s blending global sophistication with local flair. You’ll find mixologists infusing gin with Kenyan herbs like basil, rosemary, or hibiscus, or garnishing with fresh fruits and spices from our markets. It’s creative, playful, and very expressive, just like the people who enjoy it.
How do you position Tanqueray to resonate with both seasoned gin lovers and new consumers?
Tanqueray is an easy to drink gin. The variety of flavours offered in the portfolio cater to diverse flavour profiles. For seasons gin consumers that prefer their martini shaken, not stirred for that perfectly balance cocktail, Tanqueray Ten is your go for a perfect Martini. And for a new consumer that is starting out on their gin exploration journey and enjoys a refreshing yet semi-sweet gin serve, then Tanqueray Sevilla suits you best.
If you are a bartender and enjoy creating delicious drinks for your guests, you can play around with the Tanqueray LDG expression, great for gin classics for both its price point and citrus notes.
Fun Fact, the Tanqueray bottle design is inspired by the three-piece cocktail shaker because Tanqueray is best enjoyed in cocktails. Whether you are starting out your gin exploration journey with a simple yet classic G&T, or if you are seasoned and open to explore a more complex gin serve infused in a high tea cocktail, there is a Tanqueray variant available for you pair the occasion with.
How do you bring the Tanqueray brand to life for Kenyan audiences?
What worked well for me was online engagement around Tanqueray cocktails on my social media platforms. Once upon a time, my IG handle was actually ‘Wangari Tanqueray’. The name grew bigger than I had anticipated. It became a fun, memorable way to create brand association, especially among my audience who connected with the playful yet refined energy of the name.
I also collaborated with bartenders to spotlight Tanqueray on occasions like World Gin Day. These collaborations allowed us to hero the craft behind the cocktail, and bring the brand’s elegance to life in creative, locally relevant ways. What really stood out, though, was how naturally Tanqueray aligns with sophistication and style, not just in cocktails, but in culture.
Globally, the brand is often seen alongside high fashion, art, and elevated experiences. It’s a gin that doesn’t just taste refined, it looks refined. That seamless blend of classic craftsmanship and modern luxury makes it a perfect pairing for fashion-forward storytelling and premium lifestyle content. So whether it was in a glass, at an event, or through digital content, Tanqueray provided a canvas for self-expression. One that mirrored my love for elegance, bold aesthetics, and timeless quality.
What’s your personal favourite way to enjoy Tanqueray?
In a delicious cocktail – the basil smash. Offers a refreshing taste from using fresh citrus and basil infusion. I love the color and how easily it pairs with seafood. Another favorite of mine.
Travel & Lifestyle
You’re a known travel enthusiast how do travel and culture influence your work?
Travelling has exposed me to a new world out there beyond Kenya. It’s enabled me to experience diverse cultures and appreciate various perceptions on drinking experiences. For example, I was shocked when going out to a night club in Sydney Australia, and the bartender refused to sell to us a bottle of Tanqueray gin. He went on to explain that responsible drinking was a requirement by law. This meant he risked getting into the wrong side of the law if he sold to us a bottle. This was because of the risk of exposing customers to drunken driving.
A huge contrast to back home where most bars prefer bottle sales. This inspired me to become more intentional with advocacy on moderation and responsible drinking. By incorporating trainings in my day-to-day interactions with bar teams, I drive education on our responsibility as industry leaders and stakeholders to take an active role in ensuring safety of our consumers. I believe the beginning of any significant shift leads with education on the why.
My hope is to witness change in the culture where Kenyan consumers plan better to ensure their safety is top of mind while interacting with the vibrant nightlife.
Which destination has inspired you the most professionally or personally?
Professionally, I found Shanghai incredibly inspiring. The city’s deep-rooted commitment to excellence, combined with its integration of ancient wisdom into modern craft, was unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere.
The precision, discipline, and professionalism with which business is conducted there left a lasting impression on me. It’s a standard of excellence that continues to influence how I approach my own work. On a personal note, my time in Morocco particularly in Casablanca and Marrakech left a deep emotional impact. I was moved by the way Moroccan culture places such importance on family, identity, and traditions, especially those centred around beauty and self-care. Seeing how beauty secrets have been passed down through generations really resonated with me.
The women I encountered had the most radiant skin and hair, a testament to the richness of their rituals and ingredients. It inspired me to reconnect with my own roots and embrace my feminine energy more intentionally. Shopping in the local souks introduced me to organic beauty oils tailored for African skin and hair, and it was empowering to find such natural, effective solutions rooted in our continent.
One of the highlights was experiencing a traditional Hammam at the Hassan II Mosque. It was one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating treatments I’ve ever had and my skin was literally glowing afterward. But what stood out most was how accessible these beauty rituals are. The quality, tradition, and care that go into them, at such an affordable price, made the experience even more meaningful.
Women, Luxury and Leadership
As a woman representing global luxury brands, how do you define power and elegance?
When I think about power, especially as a woman in the luxury space, it’s not about being forceful. It’s about presence. It’s the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing your worth and leading with authenticity. People feel that kind of energy, and they respond to it.
Elegance, for me, is very similar. It’s not about being overly polished or perfect. It’s about refinement with personality. It’s strength expressed with ease, and beauty that doesn’t need to shout to be seen. That’s something I really connect with in the world of luxury, and also with a brand like Tanqueray, which has this incredible balance of classic style and bold character. Whether it’s the craftsmanship behind a couture piece or the care that goes into the perfect gin cocktail, true elegance is in the details. It’s subtle, thoughtful, and lasting.
What advice do you have for women looking to pivot or expand their career path into luxury or lifestyle industries?
Don’t be afraid to take up space. The luxury and lifestyle industries can seem intimidating from the outside, but they’re built on passion, creativity, and connection. If you bring those qualities to the table, you already have a strong foundation. Pivoting into this world doesn’t mean you need to have it all figured out. What matters more is being curious, staying open, and letting your unique perspective shine.
The most memorable brands and the most inspiring careers are built on authenticity. So don’t try to blend in. Bring your story, your background, your voice. That’s what makes you stand out. Also, surround yourself with people who challenge and champion you. The right community can open doors you didn’t even know existed. And finally, have fun with it. This industry is about storytelling, beauty, and experience. Lean into what lights you up, and let that guide your next step.
Do you see Kenyan or African women influencing global luxury trends?
Yes in fact, I do. African women and Kenyan women in particular are already shaping global luxury trends in ways that are both subtle and profound. From fashion to beauty, art, and even hospitality, their influence is being felt in the global spectrum. Kenyan women have a unique ability to blend heritage with modernity.
Whether it’s through fashion that draws on traditional beadwork and fabrics popular in the kikuyu traditional attires, or through beauty standards that celebrate natural textures and bold expressions, they’re challenging and expanding global definitions of luxury. And we’re seeing that the world is paying attention.
Luxury today isn’t just about price tags. It’s about authenticity, storytelling, and cultural depth. And African women are leading that shift. Designers like Anyango Mpinga are putting Kenyan aesthetics on global runways, and influencers, artists, and entrepreneurs from across the continent are redefining what aspirational living looks like.
Read also – Tanqueray Blends Luxury, Sport, and Style at Padel Kenya Event
Trends & Outlook
What luxury trends are emerging in Kenya or Africa that excite you?
There’s so much vibrancy and innovation coming from Kenya and across Africa not leaving out important trends, but here are a few I observed;
Afro-fusion Couture
Designers are blending traditional fabrics like kitenge with contemporary, tailored silhouettes. The result is luxury wear that honors the rich African heritage while giving fresh and fashion-forward. It’s storytelling through style.
Heritage-Inspired Beauty
We’re seeing premium beauty brands drawing on African botanical ingredients such as the popular shea butter, marula oil, both great for radiant soft skin, my personal favorite – coconut oil for that deep moisturized skin. I also use it to treat excessive exposure to sunlight…works like magic! If you observe their packaging, some of the brands are incorporating their stories with elegance. The deep connection to land and culture makes the skincare experience feel both luxe and soulful. I am truly proud of strides we are making in embracing authentic African beauty secrets!
Sustainable Hospitality & Design
Luxury lodges and boutique hotels in East Africa are embracing eco-conscious architecture. Think solar power, upcycled materials, and immersive experiences that connect guests with local communities and landscapes. It’s luxury with purpose. This can be observed with lodges in the Maasai Mara.
Fusion of Food & Hospitality
Fine-dining concepts that spotlight African ingredients (like East African heirloom grains, indigenous spices, even foraged herbs) paired with top-tier service are flourishing. A good example is the Tribe Hotel, whose executive chef doesn’t only celebrate and highlight African flavors but tells a story with each meal creation.
What excites me most is how these trends redefine luxury with an African touch. There’s an authenticity here a sense of pride and purpose for Africa and what we have to offer to the world. That blend of culture, creativity, and redifined luxury is where I see Africa and Kenyan women especially. Shaping the future of global luxury.
How is Diageo adapting to modern luxury consumer expectations, especially among millennials and Gen Z?
Through brands like Tanqueray, has been quite intentional about redefining what luxury means for a new generation. Millennials and Gen Z are looking for more than just status or exclusivity. They’re drawn to experiences, authenticity, sustainability, and personal connection. And Diageo is listening.
For example, we’re seeing the brand focus more on craftsmanship and story celebrating the heritage and careful process behind each spirit, but presenting it in a way that feels accessible and relevant. It’s no longer just about owning a bottle; it’s about understanding what’s inside it and why it matters.
Also, Diageo is tapping into experiential luxury. From curated tasting events to collaborations with local artists, chefs, and mixologists. The younger consumers want to feel something when they interact with a brand, and Diageo is creating those moments.
And of course, sustainability is key. From eco-friendly packaging to responsible sourcing, with a good example being KBL’s ‘Project Rudisha’. Project Rudisha is a drive to collect used bottles and repurpose them, to reduce glass bottles being discarded to the environment, a clear effort to align with the values of conscious luxury.
Ultimately, Diageo is doing what smart legacy brands must do: respecting tradition, while staying agile and open to evolution — because modern luxury isn’t about perfection, it’s about purpose, presence, and connection.
Fun & Personal Touch
Who or what inspires you daily?
What inspires me daily is the quiet strength and bold creativity of African women and especially Kenyan women who have always been trailblazers, often without recognition.
I think of women like my namesake, Wangari Maathai, who didn’t just plant trees, but planted ideas of empowerment, sustainability, and resistance. Her legacy reminds me that impact often starts with something small, rooted, and deeply personal and grows into something world-changing.
I’m also inspired by today’s women who are redefining what luxury, success, and leadership look like creatives like Anyango Mpinga, who’s making waves in ethical fashion globally, or corporate giants like Jane Karuku, who broke through a male-dominated industry to lead East Africa’s most successful beverage brands.
These are women who lead with vision, resilience, and a sense of purpose bigger than themselves. And beyond the well-known names, it’s the everyday women mama mboga, artists and tech innovators who keep showing up, adapting, and creating beauty in the most unexpected ways. On a personal note, my aunt and sister inspire and keep me grounded.
They both are constantly striving to for progress and excellence and I admire their intelligence and resilience. These women collectively inspire me to do the same. To create with intention, to lead with heart, and to never underestimate the power of where I come from. That blend of heritage, hustle, and hope…that’s what fuels me daily.
