Meet Bevolution Creator in Bev Grantee: LaShanda Poteat
Creator Spotlight, New Merch Collab Announcement, Active Bystander Webinar 4/25 & More Bevolutionary Updates!
Meet Bevolution Creator in Bev Grantee LaShanda Poteat!
Presented by Women of the Bevolution and Beer is for Everyone
Based in North Carolina, LaShanda is Taproom manager at Little Brother Brewing Barrel & Bottle in Graham and the assistant brewer and cellarperson at Joymongers in Greensboro. As a mother and Woman of Color, she wants to empower other BIWOC moms out there who have a passion for beer to learn about the craft and enjoy it among others with the same interests. One of LaShanda’s goals is to open her own bottleshop. Her ongoing commitment to brewing education is displayed through her involvement leading her local Pink Boots Society chapter and now she’s on the PBS board of directors. While preparing for the Cicerone Level 2 Certification Exam, she will also be speaking at the 2023 Craft Brewers Con in Nashville. If you’re attending CBC make sure to catch the panel Five Actionable Strategies to Increase Taproom Sales on May 8th.
Learn more about LaShanda and her work within the brewing industry below!
IG Handle: BlkBeerMom
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Ethnicity: Black
Homebase: Burlington, North Carolina
Tell us about your journey in brewing:
My journey into the brewing industry has been very welcoming. In 2019, I started my Instagram account geared towards letting specifically moms of color know that it's okay to drink beer. From there I began to shadow a local brewer and learn the ins and outs of the brewhouse. Earning my Certified Beer Server certification and then landing a taproom manager position for Little Brother Brewing Barrel and Bottle in Graham North Carolina, which happens to be where I was born and raised. Before I took on this position, I was working in Charlotte, North Carolina, so I had no idea how the local statute had been affecting my community at home. Since then I have changed the atmosphere of the taproom, bringing a more diverse clientele. I have also launched several collaborations to raise money for various organizations.
What is something you're proud of in your craft beer career so far?
My biggest accomplishment in my time in the beer industry has been taking over my local Pink Boots Chapter in Greensboro, NC. after only being a member for six months. My local chapter was going to be closed due to lack of membership and leadership. I have since then taken over leadership, and also we went from four members to twenty members. We are the most active in our area, showing up to events and local conferences. We also have members that are board members of our local Guild. I myself have also been nominated for a board position for the Pink Boots after only two years of membership. I will be speaking on a panel on May 8th at the Craft Brewers Con in Nashville.
“My ultimate goal is to let female moms of color know that we can do anything we want to do, by breaking down these barriers that are in place to hinder our experiences and job opportunities.” - LaShanda Poteat
Why is this grant opportunity important to help you along your journey?
This opportunity will help me to gain more marketing experience that I will use to build my brand blkbeermom into a LLC. I plan to launch a merch store and create educational experiences through my brand as well.
What’s your favorite beer style?
My favorite beer style is a Saison, such an under-appreciated beer style.
What’s a mantra that you like live by?
“She overcame everything that was meant to destroy her........”
Follow along and connect with LaShanda: @BlkBeerMom
SHOP NOW! Bevolution Creators in Bev Grant Merch Fundraiser Featuring Graphic Artist Shaina Leguizamon
A collaboration between Women of the Bevolution and Beer is for Everyone, the Bevolution Creators in Bev Merch Fundraiser is to help raise funds to support our grant program! Our latest fundraiser features art by Shaina Leguizamon titled “Beer! It’s for everyone!” Find shirts, hoodies, bags and notebooks in various color options spotlighting the artwork in the Beer is for Everyone store.
Follow along and see more of Shaina’s work by going to her Instagram @Digital.disc0 and portfolio at ShaeGraphics.MyPortfolio.com
About the Bevolution Creators in Bev Grant Program:
Women of the Bevolution and Beer is for Everyone have teamed up to launch a grant program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs, digital creators, brewers, and homebrewers who identify as an underrepresented or underserved member of the craft beverage community including, but not limited to, Black, African American, Indigenous, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or other Person of Color, who are looking for help in getting started on creating content, developing a brand or releasing a product – whether it’s launching a podcast, merch line or a product, or editing YouTube video tutorials, Reels, TikToks or starting a Substack/newsletter, blog or Patreon. Grantees receive financial assistance, mentorship and a feature on WOTB and BIFE’s platforms. Applications for the next grant opportunity will open soon!
Give a SAFE Night Out!
Hospitality folks! Join Brave Noise partner SAFE Bar Network on April 25th to learn how you can be an active bystander.
Are you headed to Craft Beer Con? Join our friends Beer is for Everyone for PRIDE NIGHT on May 7th!
IMPORTANT READ from Hugging the Bar
How else you can support the Bevolution? Here are a few ways you can get involved!
Support our mission in providing resources and opportunities for women and non-binary beverage industry professionals! How can you do your part? Here are a few ways you can help The Bevolution:
As a social enterprise where a majority of our funding goes to creating grant programs and initiatives that best support women and non-binary folks in the beer/spirits/wine/non-alcoholic beverage space, direct donations help us keep doing what we love to do!
Be a mentor! Offer your skills and experience to help others in the industry. Our grant programs offer financial aid and mentorship. If you are interested, submit through the form below.
Purchase the Bevolution merch in our Bonfire shop below.
Host a fundraiser to help us raise funds for our grant programs, relief fund and various initiatives! If you’d like to collaborate on an event, reach out to us below!
Hire us to curate a menu or event, consult or help you release a product or launch a collab! Learn more about how we can work together below.
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