Dr. Marija Radulovic is not your typical academic. With a PhD in quantum engineering, expertise in photonic quantum computing, and a career dedicated to bridging cutting-edge research with real-world applications, she thrives at the intersection of science, strategy, and human connection. Born in Serbia with Montenegrin roots, her academic journey took her across Europe and the UK, shaping her into a global thinker with a passion for mentorship –particularly for young women in STEM.
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But beyond the lab and boardroom, Marija cultivates another kind of expertise: the art of cigar culture. For her, cigars are more than a hobby –they’re a ritual, a space for reflection, and a celebration of presence.
From Quantum Computing to Cigar Lounges
Marija’s fascination with cigars began in childhood, watching her father and uncle engage in the quiet ceremony of smoking. Later, as an adult, she found herself drawn to the deliberate pace and depth of conversation that cigar culture fosters. “It’s not just about the smoke,” she explains. “It’s about creating a moment –one where you’re fully present, where conversations unfold naturally, and where you can step away from the rush of daily life.”
This appreciation led her to the Sisters of the Leaf (SOTL) Global Movement, a community of women redefining cigar culture on their own terms. “SOTL isn’t just about cigars,” she says. “It’s about identity, confidence, and the freedom to claim space in a traditionally male-dominated world.”
Breaking Barriers in Cigar Culture
As a woman in cigar lounges, Marija has navigated her share of skepticism –especially in Serbia, where the scene remains largely male-dominated. “A few years ago, walking into a lounge as the only woman meant dealing with stares or unsolicited comments,” she recalls. But in cities like London and Tokyo, she found a different energy –one of refinement and respect.
Still, she sees potential in her home country. “Belgrade has a growing cocktail and cigar scene, and places like Isabel Speakeasy are elevating the experience by pairing premium cigars with expertly crafted drinks. That’s rare here –but it’s changing.”
The Future: Where Science Meets Sophistication
Now working in the startup world, Marija is focused on bringing advanced technologies to market while staying connected to academia as a collaborator and mentor. Parallel to this, she envisions a cigar culture that’s more inclusive –one where women feel empowered to indulge without pretense.
Her ideal world? One where women don’t have to choose between intellect and indulgence, between ambition and aesthetic pleasure. “I want to see more spaces where women can be unapologetically themselves –whether that’s in a lab, a boardroom, or a cigar lounge.”
For Marija, the future is about fearless curiosity –in science, in culture, and in life. And if her journey so far is any indication, she’s just getting started.
