Description

What does it take to transform adversity into a thriving luxury empire? Join us on this episode of Lookbook Magazine as host Gil Zetbase takes you on an inspiring journey to Geneva, Switzerland, where we delve into the extraordinary life of Sanja Lopar—a woman who not only broke barriers but also redefined the luxury cigar industry. From her humble beginnings in war-torn Sarajevo to becoming a prominent figure in Geneva’s high society, Sanja’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in luxury experiences.

Sanja's journey begins in Sarajevo, where she made history as the first woman to gain government permission to trade in oil and tobacco. However, her life was forever altered when war broke out, leading to her son's critical injury and the heart-wrenching decision to leave her homeland for his survival. Arriving in Switzerland, Sanja faced the daunting task of reinventing herself. She learned French, navigated the intricacies of Geneva’s elite, and challenged societal norms by boldly smoking a cigar in a restaurant, an act that sparked her mission to elevate the cigar experience.

Through years of dedication and innovation, Sanja developed a unique product that addresses the shortcomings of the cigar industry, proving that luxury is not just about status but about creating meaningful experiences. This episode of Lookbook Magazine is not just a tale of personal triumph; it’s a deep dive into the world of luxury travel, community and culture, and the art and design that shape our lives. Discover how Sanja’s journey resonates with the essence of the French Riviera lifestyle and the wellness trends that are redefining self-care practices in today’s fast-paced world.

Whether you’re a cigar aficionado, a lover of luxury travel experiences, or simply someone who appreciates creative inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of fashion and beauty, travel and wellness, and the vibrant lifestyle that defines our modern existence. Tune in to Lookbook Magazine for a captivating exploration of Sanja Lopar's remarkable story and learn how one woman’s defiance can reshape an entire industry.

Don't miss this episode filled with impactful stories, luxury lifestyle insights, and a celebration of resilience that will inspire you to pursue your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Join us as we explore the world through the lens of Sanja’s incredible journey, and discover how you can embrace your own path to success in the ever-evolving landscape of luxury.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Lookbook Inspirations. If you enjoyed it, be sure to subscribe and explore more of our luxury, design, and wellness content on Lookbook Magazine.

See you soon for another immersive journey.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

• Speaker #0

  Welcome to Lookbook Inspirations, the podcast that explores new luxury experiences in art, design, and refined living. Today, we're heading to Switzerland, more precisely to Geneva, to meet an extraordinary woman, Sanja Lopar.

• Speaker #1

  Imagine being told you don't belong somewhere simply because you're a woman, and then turning that moment into a multi-million dollar luxury empire. That's exactly what happened when one woman dared to smoke a cigar in Geneva.

• Speaker #2

  You know what fascinates me about this story? It's how a single act of defiance in a fancy restaurant became the catalyst for completely disrupting the male-dominated cigar industry.

• Speaker #1

  Well, let's back up a bit because this story actually begins in Sarajevo, where our protagonist was already breaking barriers as the first woman to receive government permission to trade in oil and tobacco, industries that were completely controlled by the state at that time.

• Speaker #2

  That's such an important detail about her early success. How did she end up making that dramatic shift from journalism to such regulated industries?

• Speaker #1

  You know, it's interesting. She had spent 10 years as a journalist in radio and television, but she saw an opportunity when Bosnia and Herzegovina started opening up to the private sector. She actually went straight to the prime minister and secured official permission, which was practically unheard of at the time.

• Speaker #2

  Hmm. But then everything changed when the war broke out, right? The story takes such an unexpected turn.

• Speaker #1

  Oh my goodness, yes. And this is where it becomes absolutely heartbreaking. Her only son was critically injured in an explosion with severe brain and lung damage. The doctors basically gave her an impossible choice. Get him out of Sarajevo or watch him die.

• Speaker #2

  The way she describes it. Moving mountains to save her child really captures the intensity of what she faced. And somehow she managed to get all the way to Switzerland.

• Speaker #1

  That's what I find so remarkable about her story. She didn't just survive the transition. She completely reinvented herself. She learned French, worked her way into Geneva's high society, and eventually landed a position on an investment company's board of directors. Like, who does that while also caring for a severely injured child?

• Speaker #2

  And then comes this amazing moment in the restaurant that changed everything. Can you walk us through exactly what happened?

• Speaker #1

  Well, picture this. She's having dinner with colleagues, and they all light up cigars after their meal. Two women at another table get up and leave in protest, but one of them, get this, actually comes back to confront her.

• Speaker #2

  Oh, no, Pat. What did she say?

• Speaker #1

  She told her she should be ashamed of herself, that cigars weren't for women, and that she belonged at home serving her husband and raising children. But here's where it gets good. Instead of getting angry, she just calmly turned her cigar and said, I don't see where it says for men only.

• Speaker #2

  That response is just perfect. And from that moment, she made it her mission to smoke cigars in public spaces, right?

• Speaker #1

  Exactly. But here's where the story takes another fascinating turn. She wasn't content just being a cigar smoker. She noticed this problem with cigars that nobody was addressing. That final third, called the purin, that's full of nicotine and tar. Instead of accepting it as just how things were, she spent two and a half years researching and testing to create a better cigar. low-par.

• Speaker #0

  Thank you for joining us on this episode of Lookbook Inspirations. If you enjoyed it, be sure to subscribe and explore more of our luxury design and wellness content on Lookbook Magazine. See you soon for another immersive journey.