Women of Beer: Lucy Teusink

By Kerri Allen

 When people speak with industry veterans across Georgia’s craft beer scene, one name that may bubble to the top is someone many know by experience, reputation and passion: Lucy Teusink, the co-founder of Frameshift Fermentation, a nomadic brewery founded in 2020. Though her official title of "co-founder" seems simple, her resume reads more like a guided tour through the beating heart of Georgia’s evolving beer culture.

 "Currently, my only official title is co-founder of the nomadic brewery Frameshift Fermentation,” Lucy explains. “Readers might know me more recently from my work with taprooms and craft beer brands across North Georgia and the metro area, or through our invitational craft beer bonanza at My Parents’ Basement Pub in Avondale Estates.”

But how does someone become a “mover and shaker” in one of the country’s most creative craft beer scenes? For Lucy, the answer starts not in a brewery but in a coffee shop.

Coffee to Craft: A Journey Through Beer, Community & Change

“My path to craft beer was paved in craft coffee,” she says, reflecting on her upbringing in a house where sensory exploration was a shared language. “I grew up with a coffee geek dad and learned to nerd out about sensory experience and extraction techniques at a young age.”

It wasn’t until 2013 - the year Lucy turned 21 - that she began stepping into the beer world firsthand. “Close friends I met through working in coffee took me under their wing in the craft beer scene,” she recalls. “That year, I finally got to partake in a beer at Decatur's Brick Store Pub instead of simply attending meetups and admiring the pub's impressive inventory and presentation.”

While working as a cake decorator and barista at Whole Foods, Lucy found herself wandering the beer aisles after shifts, mixing six-packs to try a variety of beer brands. Her curiosity didn’t go unnoticed. “The Specialty Team Leader — shoutout to Leon, love you bro — was the beer buyer who noticed my studying," she recalls. "Eventually, Leon let me curate the public tastings based on my knowledge of the Georgia craft beer scene.” And just like that, Lucy's love for craft beer found its foundation at the intersection of community and creativity.

From Volunteer to Visionary

Ask Lucy to summarize her beer career in one paragraph, and you’ll likely get a warm laugh from her as she declares, “Oh goodness, I can’t do that in one paragraph!”

She began in 2015 as a pouring volunteer at Gate City Brewing in Roswell, eventually becoming the General Manager of one of the fastest-growing taprooms in Georgia by 2017. From there, her journey meandered through some of the state’s most respected breweries and beer institutions - Wild Heaven in Avondale Estates, the revered Brick Store Pub and production stints at Scofflaw and Orpheus breweries.

Lucy has worn nearly every brewery hat imaginable: Packaging Manager, Assistant Beer Manager, Cellar Technician, Sales Representative, General Manager and more. Whether she was helping break wholesaler depletion records or guiding Variant Brewing’s front-of-house culture, her hands were always elbow-deep in the work. “I like to think the best ingredient in a great beer is great people,” she says.

A Career of Standout Moments

Among Lucy's many milestones, one that stands out most is her recent election to the Board of Directors for the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. “I was super surprised and honored,” she recalls. “Cherry Street Brewing's Nick Tanner nominated me, and the members must have resonated with my experiences, because I became the youngest board member in the guild's 14-year history - without ever having owned a production facility.” Though Lucy had to resign the position after leaving her role at Crooked Culture Brewing, she remains active in the guild community. “I always took representing my colleagues very seriously and won’t forget their trust in me.”

Other highlights of Lucy's career include collaborating with some of Georgia’s best breweries and launching Frameshift Fermentation’s wild ale projects across Georgia. “If you’ve never been to a Frameshift release event, hit up our social media to make sure you don’t miss out,” Lucy says.

New Chapters and Old Roots

Currently embracing what she calls “Free Agency,” Lucy constantly finds new ways to blend her passion for coffee and beer. This includes planning multiple Frameshift collaborations and working behind the scenes to establish a new organization focused on strengthening Georgia’s beer culture. “What excites me most about leaning into free agency and getting back into the coffee world is that my extracurricular beer work will have more time to shine,” she says. Frameshift Fermentation has two collaborations on the horizon, three more brew days to schedule, and a special barrel-aged wild ale release coming soon at Twain's Brewpub in Decatur, Georgia.

The Hardest Hops

Despite her career highs, Lucy’s no stranger to beer industry obstacles. “One huge challenge has been advocating for myself and others in rooms where we are not respected,” she admits. “Patrons tend to put a brand’s owner on a pedestal without noting whether their consumer dollars are going to someone who cultivates a happy staff.” Lucy believes firmly that brewery culture begins at the top, with leadership and accountability. “There’s currently an alarming theme of brewery owners who never thought to learn leadership or management skills, and money can’t buy this. It takes work and practice.”

Shifting the Industry’s Future

As an advocate for underrepresented voices in craft beer, Lucy sees progress and hope on the horizon, especially regarding women and breweries owned by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals. “According to the President of the National Black Brewers Association, BIPOC breweries make up the steepest growth sector in our industry,” Lucy says, referencing this year’s Crafted For Action brewing conference in Atlanta. “I was heartened and not at all surprised by this data.”

For Lucy, true inclusion starts with representation at every level. She adds, “No business can understand its complex market without representation of more than one type of person in the boardroom.” Through her work with Frameshift and a new organization still in development, she aims to contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive industry. “For the health and longevity of Georgia’s craft industry, the tide must shift,” she declares.

Though Lucy currently finds herself between formal roles in the beer industry for the first time in a decade, she remains a guiding light in the Georgia scene - still collaborating, still advocating and still brewing the future one pour at a time.

 

Women of Beer: Cheri Kueven

Cheri Kueven: Birmingham District Brewing Company

Birmingham, Alabama

By: Kerri Allen

 

A small craft brewery in Birmingham is quickly gaining a reputation for producing some of the best beers in the city. Birmingham District Brewing Company resides on the Birmingham Downtown Beer Trail, close to many other breweries in town. According to co-owner Cheri Kueven, the taproom pays homage to the steel industry in Birmingham, and the name references the area where the steel components are located in the city. 

Cheri Kueven is one of seven owners of Birmingham District Brewing, and six of the owners are family members - Cheri and her husband, their two children and their spouses. The final owner with a small share is a family friend.  

Breweries Create Many Tasks

Cheri's official title is Vice-President of Accounting and Compliance, but anyone who has spent time in a brewery knows she does so much more - from cleaning to bartending. According to the brewery's taproom manager, Victoria Crenshaw, “Cheri is hands-on and fun to work with. She is not only always open to new ideas and thoughts from staff, but I frequently find her engaging with customers, finding out their stories, and being a welcoming presence in the taproom. She is incredibly organized and simply takes care of things, often without us realizing it! Since becoming taproom manager, I have a greater appreciation for all the work that Cheri does behind the scenes to make this place what it is.”

Not new to owning a business, Cheri and her husband owned their own IT business back in the day. She says, “As we traveled to seminars, meetings, and trainings, we discovered craft beer. I especially loved stouts. Since a lot of great craft beer was not available in our home state of Mississippi at the time, my husband started homebrewing. When our daughter got engaged, her fiancé, already a craft beer drinker, saw our brewing equipment, got interested, and he and his future father-in-law brewed together. We had all experienced craft breweries and loved the concept, atmosphere, and feeling whenever we visited." Jokingly, the family would often talk about opening a brewery. Then one Thanksgiving, the idea came up again, and the decision was made. Birmingham District Brewing was conceived.

 A Taproom with a Family Feeling

When asked what she loves most about being a part of a brewery, Cheri replies, “What I love is the opportunity to be behind the bar, pouring beer and meeting people. I relish hearing from customers about why they visited, listening as they share parts of their lives with me, and introducing patrons to our brewery, our beers and us. It feels like opening up my home to guests. And, when we have events, it seems like all of our customers have come to a party that my family threw.” 

Cheri also notes that the brewing industry “is full of camaraderie and generally helpful people who love good beer.” She goes on to say, “We all want other breweries to succeed because good breweries bring new converts to the art who actively seek out the next beer to try and the next brewery to visit.”

 

Adding to the Community

In addition to recognizing the steel industry roots in its hometown, Birmingham District Brewing supports its community in many other ways. Cheri explains, “To fit in with the community in general, we regularly host events for non-profit groups like animal shelters, the medical community, kids’ groups, the public library and zoo. Further, we donate merchandise to organizations to help with off-site fundraisers, like silent auctions and raffles. To boost the craft beer industry in Alabama and let people know about us, we participate in multiple beer fests and other tasting opportunities.” 

Birmingham District Brewing is quickly becoming known as one of the city’s best breweries. Cheri expounds, “The taproom is the vehicle for getting folks in so they can try the beers. Our goal is to be a welcoming spot with activities that invite people to come out and spend some time with us. We encourage people to reserve space, free of charge, for their own personal celebrations, remembrances, work meetings, etc. It is so fun to see people celebrating birthdays, weddings, an upcoming baby or watching workers meet up to plan and bond.”

Challenges Lead to Rewards

Cheri admits that running a small business is her biggest challenge. She notes, “We own a small business in a highly regulated industry with lots of license hurdles to maintain. Brewing the beer, packaging and pouring is the fun part!”

When asked why women are important to the industry, Cheri responds, “Women are vital to this industry just as anyone knowledgeable and talented is. We celebrate the women in the brewing industry, not to create a gender divide, but to ensure that we are creating an industry that is looking for talent, commitment, and drive in all genders.”

Cheri extends a strong, heartfelt invitation for anyone headed to the Birmingham area to stop by the brewery and try her beers. She says there is always something going on and, of course, great beers on tap. She points out that Oktoberfest ranks as her favorite time of the year, and the brewery's Oktoberfest Marzen always tastes wonderful. 

 

Women of Beer: Katie Turner of Chandeleur Island Brewing

By: Kerri Allen

Katie Turner works for Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, which Cammack and Cain Roberds started. The brewery's name was inspired by the Chandeleur Islands off the coast of Mississippi. Katie’s official title is brewmaster, which is definitely an oversimplification. In her own words, “Currently, I am formulating all recipes, working with artists to design labels, monitoring costs to keep us profitable, managing production in the warehouse, cellar and brewery, as well as co-managing the kitchen and taproom.” 

Passion and a desire to learn and create continue to be a theme with people in the craft beer industry. This is true for Katie as well. Her fermentation career started with wine. She says, “I began as a certified enologist (winemaker) working for companies like the Wine Group in California and Australia. I decided I wanted to continue my knowledge of fermentation in the beer world because I wanted to master all three forms of fermentation: wine, beer and liquor.” Katie saw a posting for a position at Chandeleur Island Brewing and scored the quality control and cellar manager job. Eight years of hard work have brought her to the position of brewmaster.

Brewing is Art

“I was an artist in my past life, playing mostly with watercolors, and I have always loved art. To me, craft brewing is a blank canvas.” This was Katie’s response when asked what she loved most about being part of the beer industry. She goes on to remark, “My job gives me the ability to design and play with different ingredients and even co-mingle my wine and beer knowledge.” With seventeen beers of many varieties currently on tap at Chandeleur, Katie has certainly filled her canvas.

The brewery, a tribute to the coastal fishermen and women of Gulfport, Mississippi, embodies the spirit of the community where locals go out fishing, crabbing and enjoying the beach. Both passionate fishermen, owners Cammack and Cain Roberds envisioned the space at Chandeleur Island Brewing as a gathering point for sharing stories and celebrating the day's catch with a cold beer. They crafted an inviting atmosphere that offers extended beer options from traditional styles to more complex beers, ensuring there's something for everyone. 

Creating Community Connections

The brewery actively engages with its community by partnering with various nonprofit organizations, donating $1 for every pint sold on Tuesdays, and providing a platform for these organizations to share their missions. By participating in local beer festivals, the brewery showcases its unique brews and introduces patrons to flavors they may have never experienced, fostering a deeper appreciation for craft beer.

Running a brewery involves a constant series of challenges. When Katie moved to Mississippi, she had to adjust to some of the state’s beer laws. “Craft beer was fairly new to the Mississippi market when I first arrived," she notes. "We didn’t have laws in place to allow us to sell our product out of our taproom until 2017. So, getting customers to try things like a sour beer or a hazy IPA was a challenge at first, but I am happy to say that we now have many hazy IPA drinkers on board and locals who love our Gulf Sour series brews.” 

A Brewery to Call Home

Despite the challenges, Katie’s biggest reward has been finding a brewery that she calls home. She goes on to say, “I am able to create not only for customers but also for myself. The coastline has welcomed me with open arms and enjoys tasting all my uniquely crafted recipes.” 

When asked why women and minorities are vital to this industry, Katie goes way back in time for her answer. “Ninkasi was the first female brewer back in 4000 BC. Women have been brewing beer since the beginning of time. Women can give a different outlook on craft beer by treating it like art and incorporating food groups that most people wouldn’t have considered, such as our Beet Bum sour ale, which contains beets, lemons and apples.” 

In the same vein, Katie notes that people of color can provide new and fresh insights for the industry. She expounds, “Minorities bring different cultures to the table, producing beers like She Saison that was infused with oolong tea and created by Kang Xingya from Monkey King Brewing in China.” All fields benefit from diversity, including the beer industry. 

 Brewing is for Anyone

Katie understands the value of education to craft brewers. “When I first began my fermentation journey, I always thought that the brewing industry was something you needed to be grandfathered into. After doing some research, I found that there were schools and classes to help get your foot in the door. I believe that if brewing schools marketed these educational programs more actively with females, this would let women know that the craft brewing world includes occupations for all.”  

There are always events and special happenings going on at Chandeleur Island Brewing. On April 19, the brewery hosted its Chandyfest annual block party that celebrated ten years in downtown Gulfport with a crawfish cook-off, live music, local vendors, and new beer releases. The brewery is also proud of its partnership with Mississippi State University’s Shark Tracker program, where some beer proceeds go to fund White Tip Shark research. Chandeleur also collaborates with the University of South Mississippi in the innovative Gulf Blue program that helps build economic growth for the Gulf Coast. Finally, Katie releases a new brew yearly in partnership with the Walter Anderson Museum. Katie explains, "Inspired by the art of Walter Anderson, a new beer label is created each year by Matt Stebly, a relative of Walter Anderson. We feel that this beer release helps locals and travelers learn about coastal art history."

"Anchored in Excellence" is Gulfport’s slogan that reflects the city's commitment to progress, unity and opportunity. Beer enthusiasts finding themselves on the Gulf Coast should ride down to Gulfport to say hello to Katie, drink some of her excellent beer and maybe take in a little fishing. 

 

Women of Beer: Cari Caramonta of Gnarly Barley Brewing

Cari Caramonta 

Gnarly Barley Brewing - Hammond, LA
 
By Kerri Allen
 
Headed to Louisiana any time soon? Nestled between New Orleans and Baton Rouge lies Hammond, the quaint home of Gnarly Barley Brewing Company, owned by the husband and wife team of Zac and Cari Caramonta. Cari holds the titles of co-founder, vice president and marketing director for the brewery. She's also a member of the Mystic Krew of Brew homebrewers club in Covington and a Cicerone-certified beer server.
 
A Crafty Background
 
Since she was a little girl, Cari gravitated toward crafty pursuits in many forms. Before she developed a taste for craft beer, Cari constructed objects to suit her personality. Whether this involved customizing her wardrobe, furniture, or visual displays at her previous job as a fashion merchandiser, Cari nurtures the same DIY mindset as her husband, Zac. Brewing seemed a natural fit, and she assists Zac with recipes, brewing, marketing and her favorite part - tasting. 
 
How did Gnarly Barley land in Hammond? Cari and Zac met at the town's Southeastern Louisiana University in 2005. While falling in love with each other, they also fell for the charm of Hammond. Cari notes, “The community is so welcoming and helpful. There wasn’t a brewery here, and what college town doesn’t need a brewery? The downtown area is quaint, lovely and vibrant.” 
 
Community Connections
 
Zac started brewing after he married Cari in 2009. Cari reflects, “He was instantly hooked. I would assist on brew days, and when Zac eventually told me that he was put on earth to brew beer, I knew he had to follow his dream, and I wanted to help cultivate this. In 2014, we realized our vision in the form of a 14,000-square-foot craft beer facility in Hammond.
 
Cari brought her background in Family & Consumer Sciences, merchandising and marketing to the table. She instantly knew that she would be an essential part of making Gnarly Barley successful. "Building a business together as a couple can be challenging," Cari says. “But we always enjoyed crafting together, and this brewing craft was one we knew we’d peruse as our livelihood. So, we both worked towards this goal starting in 2011. We attended homebrew festivals and built a system at the house so we could produce better beer. We spent 2011 to 2014 researching, securing funding, finding a space and designing and installing our brew system and fermentation tanks. We sold our first batch of beer to our distributor on May 5, 2014, and opened our taproom doors to the public a week later.” 
 
In an industry that seems to be in constant flux, Cari loves how the craft beer business remains exciting and changing. "No one day is the same as another," Cari declares. "There will always be new recipes, beer names, taproom events, merchandise, collaborations, marketing, etc. It’s ever-evolving fun!”
 
Customers Seem Like Family
 
Cari's welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, and love of the industry seem apparent to patrons visiting the Gnarly Barley taproom, but obstacles exist in an ever-moving industry. Cari notes that the biggest challenge she has faced is the feeling of constantly having to “one-up” herself in the continuously changing landscape of craft beer.  Hard work pays off, and Cari observes, “My greatest reward is the genuine gratitude that we receive from our customers. It’s amazing when you create something people truly care about and love.”
 
Folks in the beer world often refer to the people in it as a beer family and a community. This can prove especially rewarding when a family business becomes an integral part of a community. Cari says, “Over the past decade, we've been fortunate to share countless memorable experiences with our customers. It’s a true honor to receive recognition for what we do. Our commitment to the community shines through in our support for charities, our hosting of events, and our partnerships with local businesses and the university. These connections have blossomed into close friendships, making our brewery feel like one big, happy family. We've created a welcoming space where everyone can feel at ease and truly be themselves.” 
 
Cari believes that women and minorities form a vital part of the craft beer industry, “In order to create a well-rounded brand, you need all points of view, not only with product creation but with marketing and branding as well,” she notes. “One-third of our Gnarly Barley staff is female. Our work environment is very welcoming and inclusive, and I believe maintaining this environment here and at other breweries will only attract more women and minorities.”
 
Which Beer to Choose?
 
Gnarly Barley offers a wide array of delicious beers. Cari comments, "My original Gnarly Barley obsession began with Korova Milk Porter because of its rich roasty notes of chocolate and coffee. While this beer still holds a special place for me, my taste buds soon gravitated toward hoppier brews. Jucifer, our juicy/hazy IPA, is now one of my favorites.” She waxes poetic, “Its vibrant blend of hoppy citrus and tropical flavors make it irresistible.” 
 
When a brewery creates many extraordinary beers, choosing a favorite can be fun yet difficult.  Cari relates, “Lately, I've been enjoying our sours, like Haus Marg Lime Gose, and our crisp lagers, like Skater Aid. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what I'm doing, what I'm eating, and what I'm in the mood for. Every beer has its time and place.”
 
Many Louisiana residents view Gnarly Barley as one of the top craft beer destinations in the state. Gnarly Barley received a 2017 Louisiana Lantern Award for demonstrating excellence in manufacturing and outstanding service to the community. The Brewers Association named Gnarly Barley among the top 50 fastest-growing craft breweries in 2017 and 2018. Beer fans planning a trip to The Big Easy should plan a side excursion to the other side of Lake Ponchartrain to check out Gnarly Barley, say hello to Cari and Zac, and sample a few outstanding house brews. 
 

- Images Courtesy of Gnarly Barley -

 

 

Women of Beer: Mary Beth McWhirt of Round Trip Brewing

 

- Women of Beer: Mary Beth McWhirt

Mary Beth McWhirt   Round Trip Brewing Atlanta, Georgia   By Kerri Allen   Round Trip Brewing Company prides itself on bringing German-inspired beers to the Atlanta, Georgia, market. Mary Beth McWhirt works as the lab manager and assistant brewer for this deliciously crafty brewery and serves as the chapter leader for the Atlanta Pink Boots Society.   While working towards her graduate degree in microbiology, Mary Beth worked as a bartender for a craft beer bar. She says, “The bar’s beer school training and classes with brewery sales reps ignited my passion for craft beer styles and sales.” After graduating from college, I sought quality control jobs in the brewing industry to combine my science background with my love for beer. Through mutual friends, I met Craig Mycoskie from Round Trip, and I've been here ever since.”   Embracing Education & Connections   Mary Beth also ranks as one of many brewers and craft beer industry workers who became a BJCP judge. In the mid-nineties, few female beer judges existed, even though initiatives existed to encourage women to join the ranks. Although familiar with the Beer Judge Certification Program, Mary Beth’s interest in joining came with Jen Blair’s training course aimed at increasing female judges. Mary Beth recalls, “Jen's weekly Zoom sessions covered sensory techniques, descriptive language, and beer-style breakdowns. The experience of training with a group of like-minded women was enriching. After completing the course and additional tastings, I took the exam. Judging around Atlanta has greatly enhanced my sensory skills and expanded my network.”   What has always made the craft beer community special are the relationships. At Round Trip, Mary Beth says, “We collaborate rather than compete, which strengthens the local beer scene.” This love of community shines as her favorite attribute of being part of a brewery. She acknowledges, “Although I’m not often behind the bar anymore, I love connecting with our customers and educating them about beer. Creating a product that brings people together and fosters an inclusive environment is incredibly rewarding. The Atlanta craft beer community has proven extremely supportive of Round Trip.”     A Taste for Tradition   In a market filled with pastry stouts, hazy IPAs and kettle-soured ales, Round Trip has focused on traditional styles since opening in 2021. Mary Beth notes, “This focus has been gratifying as the market shifts back to appreciating these styles. Being part of Round Trip's growth, from the early days of building the quality control program to our current expansion with a new location in East Cobb, has been an incredible journey.”   Transitioning from a science background and bartending to hands-on brewing has been Mary Beth's biggest challenge. She notes, “With a small team, I had to learn cellar work, packaging, brewing and quality control simultaneously.” With challenges come rewards. Mary Beth remarks, “My most rewarding moment involved brewing my first beer solo. Knowing that every Round Trip beer has been crafted by me is immensely satisfying.”   Diversity Leads to Success   Since the early reemergence of craft beers in the 1990s, we are finally seeing more women in the industry. When asked why women and minorities are vital to the industry, Mary Beth comments, “The industry should focus on not repelling interested individuals from diverse backgrounds. Many women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ people are interested in craft beer but face barriers like lack of opportunities or unsafe working conditions. Addressing these issues and removing those responsible for perpetuating them is crucial. The beer industry needs diverse perspectives to innovate and grow.”   For women in the craft beer industry, whether in sales, brewing, front of house, etc., The Pink Boots Society is a great organization and an excellent way to network with other women working in the industry. Mary Beth explains, “I encourage eligible individuals in the fermentation industries in Atlanta to join our local Pink Boots chapter for educational and scholarship opportunities.”   Let's all raise a toast to Round Trip's Mary Beth McWhirt for her creativity and dedication. Prost!

Highland Brewing's Leah Wong Ashburn

 

Highland Brewing's Leah Wong Ashburn

Women of Beer: Leah Wong Ashburn   CEO of Highland Brewing in Asheville, NC   By Kerri Allen   Leah Wong Ashburn's journey in the craft beer industry has been a dynamic and evolving one, shaped by her experiences and the influence of her father, Oscar Wong, founder of Highland Brewing in Asheville. Initially turned down for a brewery job by her father, Leah pursued roles outside the family business, gaining valuable experience in sales, marketing, and leadership. Leah acknowledges, “Being turned down for a job by my father was disappointing at the time, but now I know that gaining my own work experience outside the family business was the best move for everyone.” Eventually, in 2011, Leah joined Highland Brewing Company and gradually rose through the ranks to become President in 2015 and CEO in 2018.   Despite the challenges and pressures of leading the brewery during a period of industry growth and change, Leah found immense fulfillment in being a part of Highland Brewing, a company deeply ingrained in the Asheville community. She values the collaborative and supportive nature of the craft beer industry, where she can work with passionate individuals and continue to learn from expert brewers and scientists within the company. Leah shares, "What I love most about being part of a brewery is the beer we create and our brewery family that's deeply woven into the fabric of Asheville."   A Love for Asheville   When asked why Asheville is a special place for beer, Leah explains that the town is known for its independent spirit, stunning natural surroundings and vibrant, creative community. The region's abundant resources, including high-quality water for brewing, contribute to Asheville's reputation as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. “We are surrounded by creators in beverages, music, art, food, clay, paint and much more," Leah declares. "We have incredible water for brewing. Our reservoirs are so close that they are visible from some of our hiking trails.”   To protect the water and gorgeous surroundings, Highland Brewing, under Leah’s guidance, has the brewery running on solar power. Highland boasts the sixth-largest solar array of all independent or craft breweries in the USA and the 22nd-largest worldwide. The wood used to build the bars at Highland's event center was harvested from brewery property, and the light poles in front of the center come from used kegs. "Our goals at Highland revolve around an ethos of reduce, reuse, and recycle,” Leah notes.   Leah takes pride in Highland Brewing's involvement in community programs. She explains, "We have a philanthropic program called Pints for Purpose, with proceeds going to five community partner organizations which focus on natural resources, people in need, animals in need, health, wellness and cultural resources."   A Head for Business   Leah acknowledges that a big challenge has been balancing the demands of her brewery role amidst industry shifts and external pressures. However, her dedication and leadership were evident in the successful rebranding of Highland Brewing in 2018, a decision that proved to be a rewarding milestone for the company. The rebrand tops Leah’s list of rewards as leader of Highland Brewing. She says, “I was immersed in it and believed in it. I took a lot of heat. More accurately, we received a lot of heat that I chose not to read. Rebranding paid for itself in one year, exceeding my expectations.”   Possessing good instincts and knowing your business can bring success, even in tough times. Leah shares, ”My biggest challenge has been accepting that I’ve done enough of the right things. With slowing growth, the pandemic, cost increases, changing staff needs and staff changes, it can be hard not to think about it constantly.”   Beer is for Everyone   Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the beer industry, Leah emphasizes the need for women and minorities to have a seat at the table. "Breweries can enhance their business practices and better connect with consumers by fostering a diverse workforce and welcoming a broader audience," she comments. “I found that having women in leadership positions attracts more women to the company at all levels. Beer is for everyone.”   Readers should definitely put a visit to Highland Brewery on their radar. As the first craft brewery in Asheville since Prohibition, Highland has achieved the rank of largest family-owned, female-led brewery in the Southeast. Under the thoughtful leadership of Leah Wong Ashburn, Highland Brewing continues to create exceptional beer and holds a revered place in the hearts of regional craft beer lovers.

Women of Beer: Jen Price

 

- Women of Beer: Jen Price

By Kerri Allen   Women exist everywhere in the beer industry. We focus on brewers, brewery owners and the like, but it takes many people to create a beer community. Jen Price (pictured to the right) ranks as one of these people. Jen founded Crafted for Action, an events company that builds community through safe, inclusive and welcoming experiences, including an annual conference. Jen also co-founded Craft Women Connect, a community of diverse women whose goal is to explore and connect through a shared love of craft beer.   Like many who find a home in the craft beer community, all it took was that first good craft beer to lure us in. When asked how craft beer became important to her and how she arrived at her current position, Jen answers, “I've loved beer my entire life, and my first taste of beer came from my dad when I was about five years old! I got introduced to craft beer during a college internship in the 90s. I was in Boulder, Colorado and had been accustomed to drinking pretty underwhelming beer until I was introduced to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I was immediately hooked! I spent the next few decades learning about craft beer and being in the 'mix' locally by volunteering at beer festivals and participating as a steward at homebrewing competitions.    Early Motivations & Accomplishments   Jen remembers her disappointment at never seeing many people of color or women at these craft beer events, so she eventually started hosting her own tastings and pairing events with the goal of exposing a diverse crowd to the joys of great ales and lagers. "Diversity in this industry has always been really important to me," she says. "I then took the level one cicerone exam, self-published a book called The Chick's Guide to Beer and eventually started working toward my dream of opening a craft beer retail shop - The Atlanta Beer Boutique. I found a space in 2019 and built it out, but then the pandemic happened, and I basically lost everything that I invested in the space. This experience was the impetus for Crafted for Action, which I launched initially as a virtual conference. Now, the event is more of a hybrid format.”    With some of the negativity documented over the last few years in the beer community towards women and people of color in the industry, it is essential to focus on the positive. Jen believes that the community aspect is what she loves most about being a part of the beer community. When building her business, Jen remembers, “ I reached out to so many people and potential competitors when opening the beer boutique, and everyone was willing to talk to me, give me advice, have a beer with me, and help review my business plan. People were honest with me about the challenges and lessons learned; almost everyone wanted to help me and see me win. The community aspect is why, after having to shutter the doors of my business before it even opened, I returned to the industry and launched a new business.”   Jen Prices taps a cask at Crafted for Action   Generating Interest & Support   What formed a big challenge for Jen when creating the conference? “Honestly, getting started and convincing myself that anyone would attend, participate in and support a black woman-produced beer conference worried me," she recalls. "Like lots of folks who find themselves in spaces where they may not totally feel they belong, I suffer greatly from imposter syndrome. It was hard for me to really believe that an annual conference would work.” Jen talks about her greatest reward by saying, "Ironically, seeing people actually show up to support the conference has been extremely satisfying." This level of support sounds like positive validation that these types of events are needed in the beer community.   A Demographic Offering Potential for Growth When asked why women and minorities are vital to the industry, Jen responds, “Diversity in any industry begets innovation and creativity. Beer is no different. This seems obvious in recent trends in the market with brewery closures, shifting tastes of consumers, and people adopting healthier lifestyles. Additionally, the fastest-growing craft beer consumer groups are people of color and women of color. Beer consumption by white men has remained the same for decades, and the same is basically true for white women. So, women of color and people of color are the future sustainability of this industry. It makes good business sense to pay attention to this. And finally, everyone should feel welcome and enjoy a sense of belonging. We can do more to ensure that taprooms, beer events, conferences, festivals and any place where people drink beer feel like spaces that are open and welcoming to all.”    What strategies does Jen see as key to attracting more women and people of color to the industry? She reiterates, “I think we attract more women and people of color through direct marketing, creating opportunities and events that are unique and fresh and making taprooms physically more inviting and attractive.”    Readers wanting to learn more about Jen Price and Crafted For Action should check out a future conference. People can participate by submitting a panel idea, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, spreading the word, or simply buying a ticket to attend.   Learn more: www.CraftedForAction.com/conference