Meet Bevolution Creator in Bev Grantee LaTreace Harris
LaTreace Harris is a beer education consultant who shares her beer knowledge every Friday under her business name The Beery Godmother with her Instagram followers. The ongoing series is called #BeerFactFriday. LaTreace first found her passion for beer around 2004 and in her experiences, she noticed how folks, specifically women and furthermore, Women of Color, may be reluctant to engage with beer because it is geared more toward white males. She wanted to use what she had learned about beer and the industry to welcome other Black women into the conversation and learnings of all things beer. In 2022, The Beery Godmother LLC was formed, and one year in, LaTreace has already accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. Some of her milestones include a beer collab with Social Fox Brewing in Norcross, GA, for Blacktoberfest; securing several clients where she has provided beer education to staff like Salud Cerveceria in Charlotte, NC; hosting her first public-facing beer education class at Firemaker Brewing; and completing the Cicerone Certified Beer Server program and tasting portion of the Certified Cicerone Program. “Being empowered with the right knowledge about beer can open up an entirely new world to consumers,” she says, which is reflective of her work hosting educational training for staff. She welcomes new clients and hopes to expand her client base around Georgia and North Carolina, and who knows maybe one day a brewery tour around the US!
Instagram: @thebeerygodmother
Homebase: Atlanta, GA
Ethnicity: African American
Tell us about your journey in beer:
I’ve been an explorer of craft beer since the mid-2000s. Initially, I was introduced to beer as an extension of being a huge sports fan. I began my journey with a few favorites like Blue Moon and Stella, which were heavy in my rotation but I soon became curious as to what other styles of beer might be available to me. That exploration led me into a world filled with endless beer possibilities and an affinity for obtaining and learning more and more about the brewing process, hop varietals, grains, and beer serving practices that became a very regular part of my conversations with friends, peers, breweries, and tap room staff when visiting breweries.
After realizing just how much I enjoyed learning about beer, I also began to understand the fact that to many, beer within itself can be intimidating. For the seasoned craft beer lover, we understand how to navigate our palettes, tastes, and a menu with 52 taps. But many times, I’d experienced the “glazed over” look of those who have no idea where, to begin with beer. In many cases, however, the lack of beer knowledge extended to brewery and brewpub taproom staff. I saw staff in many breweries understand the surface knowledge of a beer, but in many cases struggle with information beyond the cursory. This is when I knew that beer education is an ongoing, iterative process that begins with educating taproom staff, while also educating the public. After homebrewing, shadowing in several breweries, and exploring beer education resources on my own, I began my company, The Beery Godmother LLC, to foster educational opportunities and provide enhanced training to industry staff (brewery, brewpub, restaurant, bar), while customizing this training to the precise needs of the given client.
What is something you’re proud of in your craft beer journey so far?
My business celebrated its 1 year anniversary in March, and I can’t believe some of the things I’ve been privileged to do in this short time frame. A few of the highlights include:
1. Collaborating for my first beer with Social Fox Brewing in Norcross, GA, for Blacktoberfest, and Biggerstaff Brewing in Atlanta, GA. It was a tremendous opportunity to bring additional visibility to my brand and beer education as a whole. Making one of my favorite beer styles, a Belgian Dubbel, was icing on the cake.
2. I gained several beer education clients and was able to train their staff. My first client was Salud Cerveceria in Charlotte, NC. I have fangirled and loved Salud for many years, so having the opportunity to begin a training relationship with them has been a dream come true.
3. My public-facing beer class schedule is ramping up! I’ve hosted my first public-facing beer education class at Firemaker Brewing and Red’s Beer Garden, and will be hosting another in partnership with Monday Night Brewing for International Women’s Day, both in Atlanta, GA!
4. I passed the tasting portion of the Certified Cicerone Exam! Knocking out the written is next, and then the coveted Certified Cicerone Certification.
5. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people from across this industry that have poured into me with endless support, advice, and opportunities that have fueled my creative juices for where to take The Beer Godmother in the future!
“After homebrewing, shadowing in several breweries, and exploring beer education resources on my own, I began my company, The Beery Godmother LLC, to foster educational opportunities and provide enhanced training to industry staff (brewery, brewpub, restaurant, bar), while customizing this training to the precise needs of the given client.”
How will you use this grant opportunity to further your craft beer journey?
This grant would be utilized to specifically assist with the continued development of beer training curriculum and promotional materials for The Beery Godmother LLC. It will allow for the introduction of new tools to determine client needs, printing of materials, other administrative costs that are required when working directly with a client. In addition, the one-hour strategy consultation will allow me to explore new and efficient ways of marketing my business, creating poignant/effective social media content, and further defining my brand.
Any favorite brews or other beverages you enjoy? Breweries or bars that are your favorite that you’d like to share?
My favorite beer styles are probably Belgian and IPAs (both American and English). I split my time between Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC. Some of my favorite breweries include Monday Night Brewing, Inner Voice Brewing, and Three Taverns Brewing (in Atlanta). In Charlotte, I never miss Salud Cerveceria, Hopfly Brewing, Resident Culture, and of course, Burial Brewing.
Is there a mantra or quote you live by?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
“Why not me?”
Connect with LaTreace on Instagram @TheBeeryGodmother
Or email: thebeerygodmother@gmail.com