Do you love beer? The craft beer experience is growing at an exponential speed in the States in the last 20 years. And thanks to micro beerfluencers brands are able to get their stories out to the masses. We spoke to Jenna aka @TheBrewLocker from Instagram on trends and how to stay unique and true to yourself.
Jenna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
J: I started my craft beer journey in 2013 at a World Of Beer in Ann Arbor. My gateway beer was Java Chip Mint from Oddside Ales, and I haven’t looked back since. I started my Instagram account, June 2018, but I didn’t start taking it seriously until September. Somewhere along the way, people started checking in on what I was doing, and here I am today!
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?
J: Things definitely haven’t been easy. It’s probably hard to believe that because I’m having so much fun while I’m doing all of this! Building and promoting a brand on social media really is a full-time job. I think that once you have some momentum behind you, it definitely helps! I have a great group of women I’m involved with, and we do weekly shoutouts and I think that has helped as well. Not only having someone shout out your profile once a week, but having the support of all these empowering women, and supporting them as best I can.
We’d love to hear about how your passion for beer came about?
J: I didn’t really realize beer was a passion for me until about two years ago. I really enjoy drinking all the different styles and stepping out of my comfort zone. There’s something for everyone out there. My boyfriend and I travel a lot, and I think that’s helped spark my passion. Seeing different breweries all over the world, and experiencing the atmosphere with so many like-minded people has been amazing. The beer community is the most welcoming place.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential for success?
J: Being genuine and being personable. People want to interact, and so many social media personalities don’t engage as much as they should. I just try to stay humble and genuine. I’m not afraid to be my silly self on camera or in person. I’m a goofball!
Why did you start your Instagram account?
J: Originally I started the account just to document my beer adventures and all the places I was going to try new beers. That was pretty much it. There wasn’t really much thought behind it before I decided to actually try to do something with it.
What has been your most memorable beer experience thus far? What made it so special?
J: I think visiting Guinness in Ireland. The original location at St James Gate! I’ve always loved Guinness, but this was mind-blowing. The knowledge they provide you, from how the beer is brewed, to the history of the brewery, and even how to taste it properly! Now I’m a Guinness certified pourer, which I think is pretty cool. What made it so special was sharing it with my boyfriend, Jake. Experiencing another beautiful country with exceptional beer with the person I love will live in my memories forever.
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?
J: Be consistent, creative and passionate. Continually put out great content, and educate your followers. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with people on social media. We want to help promote your brand! We love your products and what’s behind them, too!
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
J: Even though Ireland has been my favorite beer destination so far, my favorite place I’ve been is Italy! We visited Venice and Rome and there’s just so much history. It’s fascinating! It really makes you feel so small.
The greatest lesson you’ve learned in this business is…
J: Success takes patience and a strong will. Everything in this business takes time, and a lot of people are going to say “no”. A lot of businesses are going to decline collaborations. A lot of people don’t recognize the potential that social media has. If there’s something you’re passionate about, be patient and let some things roll off your back.
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?
J: Create a theme. Look at things from the viewer’s perspective. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box. Be creative. Be bold, and more importantly be you. People like to see things vicariously through others. They won’t get your true perspective if you aren’t being yourself.
On a personal note, what are some of the most important things in your life?
J: My boyfriend, Jake, and our little dog (Kita) and cat (Luna). It’s important for me to have a creative outlet, so I love to paint. I’ve even sold some of them on my Kingsley Acrylic Etsy account! Spending time with family is also very important to me.
What marketing strategies do you find work best to appeal to your audience?
J: Don’t be too pushy with your marketing. People want to see you and what you’re doing, not be inundated with “buy this, buy that”. Post original content and share things you find interesting. The monetization will come.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
J: Thank you to all my followers. For anyone that would like to join me on my beer adventures follow TheBrewLocker on Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.I love meeting new people and want to interact with as many people as I can!
