Women-Owned Brewery Spotlight: Harmony Brewing Company in Grand Rapids
Welcome to another edition of our Women-Owned Brewery Spotlight series here at Work For Your Beer! Today, we are delighted to showcase Harmony Brewing Company, led by the incredible Heather Van Dyke-Titus, Co-Owner and visionary behind the scenes.
Nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, MI, Harmony Brewing Company isn't just about crafting exceptional brews; it's about fostering a culture of inclusivity, creativity, and community connection.
Read on to learn more about Harmony Brewing Company.
BEING A WOMAN IN THE BREWING INDUSTRY
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): How has being a women-owned brewery influenced your approach to brewing or running the business?
Heather Van Dyke-Titus (HV): We work hard on our culture. We don't tolerate any sexism or bad behavior. Everybody has to be cool so we can keep it harmonious!
WFYB: What challenges have you faced as a woman in the craft beer industry, and how have you overcome them?
HV: Outside of Harmony there are a lot of times when I'm the only woman in the room. In those situations, I make sure that my voice is one of the voices in the mix. I'm lucky to be part of a small business community here in Grand Rapids that has a lot of women-owned businesses. I get sustenance in those groups.
WFYB: Love that you surround yourself with other women-owned businesses! What is your proudest moment as a woman in craft beer?
HV: I'm proud of the way we've built our business. We're creative and collaborative.
WFYB: Hell yeah you are! Now, what is your favorite beer your brewery has ever brewed?
HV: Lovely Day IPA. My brother brewed it for me based on a beautiful day we spent on a farm in Southern California. It has lavender and chamomile and it is totally unique and yummy.
WFYB: Um, that sounds incredible (and right up our alley!).
LET’S TALK COMMUNITY & INCLUSIVITY
WFYB: How does your brewery support the local community?
HV: We have a close relationship with our neighborhood association and we do a lot of mutually supportive events and projects with them. We regularly do fundraisers for local non-profits and school groups. We work with local artists and host art shows, and makers markets.
One of my favorite things we do every year is a holiday tree lighting where we put up a huge Christmas tree and invite folks from our neighborhood to put ornaments on the tree that represent the way they celebrate the Holidays. We throw a big tree-lighting party in collaboration with local neighborhood groups at the beginning of December with a beer tent and music and local vendors and its a blast.
WFYB: That sounds so fun (and festive!). How do you foster a supportive and inclusive work culture within your brewery team?
HV: We work hard to take care of people. We offer health insurance and paid time off. We nip problems in the bud and actively work to create a kind culture. We model good behavior. We don't tolerate any discrimination or abuse and we work to hire and maintain a diverse crew.
WFYB: You're killing it! Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Work For Your Beer audience?
HV: It means the world when you support your local businesses! I love being a Woman in Craft Beer!
A heartfelt thank you to Heather for sharing her inspiring journey and dedication to building a harmonious community both within and beyond their brewery walls.
We encourage you to visit Harmony Brewing Company, experience the warmth of their inclusive culture, and savor the delightful brews crafted with passion and purpose.
Let's raise a glass to Harmony Brewing Company and to all the women-owned breweries shaping the landscape of craft beer — here's to harmony, community, and enjoying great beer together! Cheers!