From Clinical Psychology to Cocktail Culture: Meet Heather Zamanian

What happens when you follow your curiosity down a brand-new path? Just ask Louisvillian Heather Zamanian. After a fulfilling 20-year career as a clinical psychologist, Heather embraced the unexpected, inspiring her husband to launch one of the city’s most celebrated bourbon brands (and even coining its famous name!). Today, she’s charting her own course as president of Hotel Starlino and partner at Lory & Eaglet. We caught up with the muse behind Rabbit Hole Distillery to talk bourbon, business, and the magic of saying “yes” to new adventures.

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What led you to the world of spirits?

My path into the spirits industry was unconventional. Like my husband, Kaveh, I spent nearly 20 years as a clinical psychologist, and I loved that work. As our children grew up and our youngest prepared to leave for college, I found myself at a natural transition point in life.

After years of supporting Kaveh as he built Rabbit Hole, I began thinking about what my own next chapter might look like. When the opportunity to acquire Hotel Starlino came along, it felt like the right opportunity at exactly the right time.

Can you tell us how you inspired Rabbit Hole Distillery?

When Kaveh first started exploring the world of bourbon, it was simply a personal passion. I encouraged him to pursue that passion, even though it meant stepping away from a successful, established career.

We spent countless evenings talking about what it would take to build something of our own, what kind of company we wanted to create, and how we could do it differently. Those conversations became the foundation for Rabbit Hole.

While Kaveh was the visionary behind the whiskey itself, I’ve always been his sounding board, biggest supporter, and partner throughout the journey. We built Rabbit Hole on a shared belief that curiosity is worth following.

We hear you even coined the name Rabbit Hole. Is that true?

The name came from a comment I made long before there was a distillery. At the time, Kaveh and I were running our private psychology practice together while raising three young children. Between our careers and family life, we already had plenty on our plates. But as Kaveh became more fascinated with bourbon, every vacation and road trip included another distillery visit.

After one particularly bourbon-filled trip, I looked at him and laughed, “You’re taking this whole family down the rabbit hole.”

The phrase immediately resonated with both of us. The more we talked about it, the more we realized it perfectly captured what happens when curiosity takes hold: you start with one question, and before long, you’re immersed in an entirely new world.

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What drew you to Hotel Starlino?

The opportunity to build something meaningful while introducing people to a different side of cocktail culture — one rooted in hospitality, gathering, and the Italian tradition of aperitivo. One of the greatest joys has been the people I’ve met along the way.

The spirits industry has been incredibly welcoming, and I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with talented people from around the world who are generous with their knowledge and genuinely supportive of one another. I’ve also had the privilege of meeting so many inspiring women whose leadership, creativity, and generosity have made this chapter even more meaningful.

Looking back, the transition may seem unexpected, but many of the skills I developed as a psychologist — listening, building relationships, and understanding people — have proven invaluable in the spirits industry.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

What many people also don’t know is that I graduated from college as an art major. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. After graduating, I discovered art therapy, which ultimately led me to psychology, where I spent nearly 20 years building a career I genuinely loved.

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If life had taken you in a different direction, what do you think you’d be doing today?

I imagine I’d still be helping people in some capacity. Psychology was incredibly rewarding, and I loved that work.

If I weren’t in the spirits industry, I think I would have found a way to combine psychology with some of my other passions. I’ve practiced yoga for more than 20 years, and I’ve always loved art, movement, travel, and experiencing different cultures. I could see myself creating a wellness center that brings those elements together or doing therapeutic work while traveling abroad.

No matter which path I chose, I think it would still center around helping people grow, connect, and live more meaningful lives.

What’s your favorite thing about Louisville?

One of my favorite things about Louisville is that it offers the best of both worlds. It’s a city with incredible restaurants, arts, and culture, and it’s also easy to navigate, surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces.

Many of our parks were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary landscape architect best known for designing Central Park. I spend a lot of time there, and having that kind of natural beauty woven into the city is something I never take for granted.

There’s also a real sense of community here. It’s one of the things I love most about the city, although it also means it’s hard to blend into the crowd. People genuinely know and support one another, and that closeness is part of what has always made Louisville feel like home.

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What are your favorite spots around town?

I tend to gravitate to NuLu quite a bit. There are so many great local shops, restaurants, and galleries, and there’s always something new to discover.

We live in the Highlands, so we spend a lot of time there as well. One of my favorite things is being able to walk to dinner or to grab a coffee. It gives Louisville a surprisingly urban feel while still maintaining the warmth and charm of a smaller city.

Our family has diverse tastes, so we love having so many great options close by. Some of our favorite spots include Seviche, bar Vetti, and Dragon King’s Daughter.

What’s one of Louisville’s hidden gems that shouldn’t be missed?

One of my favorite hidden gems is Cave Hill Cemetery. It may sound like an unusual recommendation, but it’s one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Louisville. The history, architecture, and landscape make it a wonderful place to take a walk and reflect.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever given or received?

If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that you don’t have to have every step figured out. Sometimes simply staying curious and saying yes to the right opportunity is enough. Curiosity has been the thread connecting every chapter of my life. It led me from art to psychology, from psychology to Rabbit Hole, and ultimately to Hotel Starlino. Looking back, every step prepared me for the next, even when I couldn’t see it at the time.

But as much as I love my work, my greatest joy has always been my family. Kaveh and I have three wonderful children, and some of my favorite moments are the simplest ones: hiking together, traveling, exploring new places, or just spending time outdoors.

Those experiences keep me grounded and remind me that the best moments in life are often the simplest ones: sharing a meal, taking a walk, exploring somewhere new, or simply spending time together.

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