Today’s interview was with Brie the founder of Instagram’s @the_pintsized_traveler account. Brie is a prime example of where hard work, dedication and not taking yourself too seriously can get you. Today Brie has a loyal following of fans on her gram. Brie is also our first interview in the world of beer and beverages. She helped open our eyes to the amazing craft distilling space and we are forever grateful. Let’s dive in.
How did you get to where you are today?
B: I suppose the best answer I can give is just being in the right place at the right time and simply acting on instincts. I try to use my gut as my means of decision making which led me to move to Florida, applying for my job and just putting myself out there on social media.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
B: By no means has it been easy but things could have been harder 100%. I came from an amazing family and had a terrific upbringing however after my mother passed away when I was just 20 years old and still finding my way in the world and I would say that is was when life actually became “hard” and I wasn’t sure what my true passion even was back then. It wasn’t until I was 24, lived in Orlando and was with Doug that I was even able to figure out what I was passionate about. Every step of the way there has been a hurdle to overcome but I think that’s what makes our accomplishment so rewarding. The trials and tribulations.
We’d love to hear about how your passion for beer came about?
B: Easy, it was alllll because of a Marine who had a passion for craft beer that just radiated out of him and it was truly infectious. We traveled to breweries all over the country just for something to do and it just developed into something that we both thoroughly enjoy doing together as a couple. In the last 9 months was when I actually started pursuing my own path within the industry.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential for success?
B: A word that has already come up a few times and that’s “passion”. A lot of people will say they have it but it’s the people who are truly willing to risk it all are the ones who actually succeed. Yes, you can buy your way in but what is the definition of success? Money? Power? Or is success just reaching for what you’re passionate about while happily doing so to accomplish a set goal?
Why did you start your Instagram account?
B: I just started a “fitness” page about 4 years ago which was fun in the beginning and I even started an LLC from it called Brie Fitt and coached women into their fitness goals through workouts and meal plans but after time went on, it just lost its luster. I found myself spending hours looking up other girls accounts and just comparing my body to theirs and wondering why I didn’t have 100k followers. So after some soul searching while simultaneously falling in love with the craft beer scene, I decided to just make an account for fun to showcase these amazing breweries and the unique beer that comes from them. One of the best decisions I have ever made!
What has been your most memorable beer experience thus far? What made it so special?
B: My most memorable beer experience has to be when Doug and I traveled to Tijuana. Mind you, we went in the WRONG entrance to the country ( I listened to Pinterest so my bad ) which led us to walk through some dicey areas but once we reached downtown we stumbled on this little shop that sold fake purses and sunglasses. After turning down a shot of tequila from the store owner we told him we only wanted beer so he led us down this seemingly safe alley underground… in Tijuana…said no one ever, but luckily for us, it was safe and turned out to be the entrance to this hidden brewery.
Since Doug speaks Spanish and I don’t he did most the of communicating and right off the bat, the owner wasn’t even open that day but just started pouring flights proving that this industry has no borders. We sat and drank for close to 25 minutes before the owner noticed I hadn’t said a word and so he kindly asked if I spoke Spanish… in perfect English, so thankfully for the rest of the tour I didn’t need a translator. That my friends is the most memorable beer experience I have ever had.
What advice would you give craft beer distilleries or beer companies looking to use the Instagram social media platform to grow their brand’s image?
B: My best advice would be to utilize their resources ( i.e murals, unique décor/ glassware). Take clear, thought out photos that you are actually proud of. Don’t post just to post and pay attention to insights!! Insights are so important when it comes to formulating a plan of attack on a promotion or just on their targeted demographic. I am a firm believer that you don’t have to hire a social media company to run your platforms if you sync them properly while keeping in mind THIS IS YOUR BUSINESS it should be fun creating something no one has seen before to promote something you are PASSIONATE about!!
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
B: That’s a tough one. I would have to say my favorite travel destination would have to be my home town in the Pocono Mountains of PA. I always love snowboarding, shooting, quading, hiking and just being around the mountains so what better place than where I can also see family and friends that I only get to see once or twice a year.
The greatest lesson you’ve learned in this business is…
B: Don’t let anyone tell you that what you’re doing isn’t good enough. From photos to a simple story post, everyone has something to say and that will never change. If anything, it will only get worse so my greatest lesson is to live and let go. I also have learned that there are a lot of people out there that you don’t have to humor. If all they do is radiate negativity then it’s best for yourself and your business to just simply cut those ties.
We absolutely love your photos on Instagram. Do you have a tip for other influencers when it comes to photography for their gram or their blogs?
B: I don’t believe you need a high-quality camera or light system to take good photos that you can be proud of. It really just depends on good lighting ( crucial ) and a place that captures you. How do you expect people to like or interact with your post if you only have half- a- feeling about it yourself?
On a personal note, what are some of the most important things in your life?
B: To be honest not a single “thing” is most important in my life but more the people and the interactions that I make are what are truly important.
What marketing strategies do you find work best to appeal to your audience?
B: I find that just keeping it consistent and knowing my demographic is so crucial I can not stress that enough. Demographic doesn’t just mean “beer drinkers” demographic to me is the breakdown between what age group is visiting your platforms the most, who is commenting the most? Is it more Blue Collar, White Collar, Vets or Yogi’s? Find what speaks to the people and run with it. What are your top 3 posts? Why are they your top 3 posts? Were they of customers? Were they promotions for an upcoming beer release? Or just simply you looking happy holding a beer?
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
B: I would like to finish out this series of FANTASTIC questions with just a simple thank you. Thank you to Taste The Dram for asking me to be a part of their site and for their readers for well, reading this! I love the craft beer industry and I just hope to show that you don’t have to brew it to be a part of it. There are sooo many facets to the industry that go unnoticed whether it’s the interior design, sales, the marketing or the can design. Thank you guys again and CHEERS!!!
