Cheers & Chat: How Melis AKA @thegirlwithbeer Works for Her Beer
Welcome back to our "Cheers & Chat" blog series.
With each post in this series, you'll get to know some of the stellar people behind the craft beer Instagram accounts we love to follow, as well as what led them to become such an integral part of the craft beer community.
This month, we spoke with Melis AKA @thegirlwithbeer out of Vancouver, BC Canada. Melis is a social media manager, strength & conditioning coach, and someone everyone in the Instagram beer community knows. Check out how she works for her beer (and more!) below.
Work For Your Beer: All right, Melis. We are curious to know: how did your craft beer journey begin?
M: It began in University when I discovered different micro beers on tap at my school’s pub. Then later, when I moved to Texas, I started getting introduced to different craft breweries (Jester King in particular).
WFYB: Do you remember what your "gateway beer" was? The first one you ever tried, that got you into all the rest?
M: Here are a few:
La Fin du Monde by Unibroue
Atrial by Jester King
Passion Bu by de Garde Brewing
WFYB: So, what's your go-to brew style these days & what would you recommend those who are just getting into beer?
M: Currently super into hazy IPAs, but I started liking beer through sours. If you’re a wine lover, maybe try wild ales fermented in wine barrels. If you love coffee, stouts might be a better introduction.
WFYB: Okay, we need to know: is there a beer style that you just can't really get into?
M: Sour IPAs.
WFYB: Let's shift gears a little bit and talk about breweries. What would you say is your favorite brewery in your area?
WFYB: What would you say is the coolest brewery that you ever visited?
M: Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. in Helena, Montana. It may not be the coolest one, but I went there in a helicopter, and that’s the greatest experience I’ve ever had beer tasting!
WFYB: What’s one brewery (or beer) on your bucket list?
M: I would love to go to Treehouse!
WFYB: What is your preferred way to Work For Your Beer?
M: A little bit of everything: weight training, Crossfit, powerlifting, and hiking.
WFYB: Since you’ve been a part of the craft beer community, how have you seen it change (for better or for worse)?
M: With the popularity of social media, we have more diverse voices in the industry... [social media] brings out other issues...
WFYB: What has your experience been like as a woman in the world of craft beer?
M: I’ve seen more internalized misogyny and sexism in the craft beer industry than any other industry I've worked in. Women, instead of empowering each other & supporting each other, often see each other as competition. “I’m not like other girls… I don’t post that on social media” is the worst thing to hear.
Women should be free to do whatever they want, not only when it fits your definition of feminism.
WFYB: What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in the craft beer community?
M: Do something different to stand out from the rest. This is a highly competitive field with not a lot of money involved. Do it because you love it, not to make money (because you will be disappointed).
WFYB: Okay, final question: why do you love the Work For Your Beer community?
M: I believe in balance. Unless you’re a professional athlete, you don’t have to have the perfect diet/perfect workout routine. Too many people have the all-or-nothing mentality. I'd rather have everything I want in moderation.
Also, exercise isn’t punishment, it’s challenging what your body can do. It’s fun. It’s rewarding. Beer tastes amazing. Why can’t I do both?
Huge thank you to Melis for taking the time to do a quick interview on the Work For Your Beer blog!
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email cheers@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!