In “Meet a Member,” we highlight the people who make up the North American Guild of Beer Writers. It’s a chance to learn more about the wide collection of journalists, podcasters, bloggers, and vloggers who cover the industry. See and archive of these Q&A profiles.
Where can people find you on social media?
Instagram: @shelovescraft
Where can people find your work?
What topics do you regularly cover?
Diversity and inclusion in beer, food and beer pairings, cocktails
What topics would you like to cover more in the future?
I’d love to dive more into the history of beer, especially Black contributions to the industry.
People should consider me an expert on ____ … and why:
Beer and food pairings. The one thing I love more than beer is food. I grew up cooking alongside my mom, dad, and grandma. Throughout my life, I’ve joined other people in the kitchen, picking up different techniques and recipes along the way. Cooking allows me to express my creativity on another level, and I know a lot of brewers feel the same about their beer. Putting the two together brings me a lot of joy, especially when I have a dynamic pairing.
What’s a favorite thing you’ve created in the last year?
At the beginning of 2021, I wrote “Beyond the Beer: Colorism, Black Pride, and the Black is Beautiful Initiative.” The story was born from a conversation with a friend after I told her how much the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” meant to me. I shared that I didn’t think the beer community understood the history and significance of the phrase. She encouraged me to write it, and I’m glad I did. Writing it was an emotional process, but I also saw it as a chance to share a piece of Black History with a majority white community. It’s always a privilege telling the story of my ancestors.
What’s the last great thing you read or heard? (beer or not)
“We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers is a must read for any woman. It’s completely changed my outlook on life and my goals for the future. At first, the title threw me off, but Rodgers makes a compelling argument for the importance of financial stability for women—BIPOC women in particular. Even if I never reach millionaire status, I will always use the principles in the book to guide my decisions in life.
What’s a fun fact, hidden talent, or something you enjoy that has nothing to do with beer?
I’m super competitive and LOVE playing games—from Scrabble to Taboo. I wouldn’t call myself a sore loser, but I haven’t played checkers with my husband after losing a game over a decade ago.
