Adriana Soley Livanos has always been a natural-born hustler. Born and raised in Spain, Soley Livanos was eager to chart her own path, leaving the comforts of home at an early age to pursue her dreams. Now, Soley Livanos is the epitome of modern entrepreneurship, serving as the co- founder and CEO of Stray Dog Wild Gin.
“I started in the hospitality industry as a way to become independent and leave home at 18 years old,” Soley Livanos tells GRAZIA USA. “I started as a runner at a restaurant in Barcelona and quickly grew into server, bartender, and bar manager positions through hard work and dedication.”
Soley Livanos not only had a fierce drive, but she wasn’t scared to ask for what she wanted. “I always treated all the companies I worked for as my own and went above and beyond, so when I asked for a promotion, I got it.” Moving from local brand ambassador to national sales manager for spirits brands, Soley Livanos honed her skills, drawing inspiration from every corner of the industry. Yet, it was a deep- rooted connection to nature and the flavors of husband Johnny’s homeland of Greece that sparked the creation of her own brand.
“On a hike through the mountains of Greece we were drinking Tsipouro, a local grape distillate, and realized there were wild herbs around so we decided to put some in the glass,” says Soley Livanos. “After a while the flavors of those herbs infused with the spirit.” While sipping the mixture, Soley Livanos says, “a lightbulb went off and we said to ourselves, ‘Omg! This tastes like gin. Why is there no gin made in Greece?’ We knew we had to make a gin that captures the essence of the Mediterranean and Greek flavors in a new modern way.”
Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit, Soley Livanos transitioned from idea to execution with unwavering determination. Teaming up with her husband — who also brought a background in hospitality — they embarked on a journey fraught with challenges but full with promise. “After years of building and growing other brands, and as the culmination of my life and experience, I created my own brand,” she shares. “Stray Dog Wild Gin is now the highest award- winning Greek gin, made with wild foraged botanicals that donates back to animal shelters.”
Along the way, Soley Livanos found inspiration in the challenges she faced,
viewing them as stepping stones towards greater success. Guided by the wisdom gleaned from mentors, both formal and informal, she embraced the unpredictable nature of the entrepreneurial path, finding solace in the belief that every obstacle was a sign of progress.
“Anyone who would talk to me and be willing to teach me something has been kind of a mentor,” shares Soley Livanos. “I have always believed that you can learn from anyone just by watching them talk, work, or behave. The world is your teacher, you just must be willing to listen and learn.” For Soley Livanos, the journey is far from over.
“It’s pretty amazing how the stars align at the beginning of the journey, and how when you are close to the next step-up moment in the business, challenges arise,” she shares. “I see these challenges as proof that we are on the right path, because these are overlookable challenges that once you pass them, you are at a whole new level.”
