Deeply intertwined with Mezcal Vago’s growth is the story of Fátima Barriga Manzano, Packaging & Export Chief, who has worked at Vago, located in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, for 12 years. What started as her part-time job while finishing her degree, has blossomed into a full-time career at Vago which was acquired by Heaven Hill in 2022. Since then, her time with the company has been marked by tremendous growth professionally and personally. Fátima’s career began as a temporary bottling operator. After three years, she began assisting with administrative tasks three days a week before joining the company full time in 2018.  

Fátima’s long tenure with the company has given her a unique perspective on Vago’s growth. Fátima can recall a time as a bottling operator when operations were so small she was the only team member who stayed in the office while her teammates managed the production process. 

“As the company grew and more staff joined, a stronger organizational structure was achieved. From then on, I became responsible for bottling, export and supply control,” Fátima said. 

Marked by a deep passion and dedication to her work, Fátima thrives in the effort that goes into making a high-quality product. For her, every step is rooted in honoring the dedication of her teammates. She believes their collective efforts have helped build the prestige of the Vago name. 

“When I see a bottle of Vago displayed in a distribution center, I see the dedication and teamwork of all the people who are part of this project,” she said. 

Fátima’s commitment to her team exemplifies what it truly means to thrive together. She sees how Heaven Hill’s success is the result of the combination of each and every team member’s effort and believes that when the company grows, employees grow alongside it both personally and professionally. 

“Her enthusiasm, energy, and positive attitude are a constant source of inspiration for the entire team. Fátima has a unique ability to spread motivation to those around her, fostering an environment of collaboration, commitment, and growth that strengthens the organization as a whole,” Javier Díaz, DV General Manager, said. 

Fátima hopes the legacy she leaves behind is one rooted in passion and teamwork. 

“I believe that any work we do should inspire passion in us, because that passion drives us to always give our best,” she said. “When we put in effort and commitment, it is directly reflected in the quality of the results.” 

Whether it’s taking pride in a finished product on the shelf or supporting a teammate along the way, Fátima shows that Thriving Together takes place in every part of the distilled spirits process.