Beer micro influencers are people who can make their followers feel passionate about the very same products that they enjoy. We spoke to Katie and got her take on the beer craft world.
Katie, could you introduce yourself and briefly describe your Instagram account — what’s your focus and the reason you started it? Do you see this as a business, a hobby, or something in between?
K: Hi! I’m Katie and I run the Instagram @DrinkingOutsidetheBox! My Instagram is about craft beer and my journey by trying different things. I was part of the craft beer community for years in Atlanta, and I decided to put it to good use. I see it as a hobby. I have a couple of jobs, and Drinking Outside the Box and craft beer are fun for me.
What led you to bring your passion for this industry on Instagram, of all available social media platforms?
K: I’ve always liked photos and visual mediums like Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, etc. I think it’s fun to go through and look at things. Considering I’m a pretty awkward person, Instagram was a better option for me than videos.
The term micro influencer gets thrown around. What is your definition of a micro influencer?
K: Someone who has a fair number of followers, but whose community is still small enough where they can more easily have a more personal relationship with the people who comment.
We’d love to hear about how your passion for beer came about? What is it about this industry that draws you in?
K: What draws me in is the people! The beer is delicious of course, but I love meeting all of the people. There’s such a large variety of personalities and backgrounds. I love everyone’s passion!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
K: Authenticity and openness. I have found success through having authentic connections with people and being genuine with my content.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
K: I don’t have huge plans, beyond getting BJCP certified. I want to be able to have some certifications so I can put my money where my mouth is.
Who influences you?
K: A lot of the badass beer ladies on Instagram! I love seeing successful women in male-dominated industries.
Top 5 best beers of all time. 1-5, number 5 being the best. Tell us what it was about that beer that left such a lasting impression.
K: Oh god. 5 is hard. Okay.
- Creature Comforts Tropicalia – this beer is local and it’s a classic. I’m always happy to have a pint.
- Carton Brewing Regular Coffee – it tastes like fucking coffee with cream and two sugars. Also met the brewer last weekend and he was a cool ass dude, which makes this even better.
- J Wakefield Miami Madness – who doesn’t love this?
- J Wakefield DFPF – see above. Just a great beer.
Firestone Walker Parabola – this is my all time favorite beer. It just goes down so easy for me, and ya girl loves sweet beers.
What’s the most unexpected thing that has come out of @drinkingoutsidethebox?
K: The support I’ve gotten! You always hear horror stories of people leaving rude comments or sending inappropriate messages, and that really doesn’t happen that often with me. Everyone is great and I enjoy talking to and meeting the people I’ve connected with!
Finish this sentence: “It really grinds my gears when a brand or product that is trying to establish a relationship with me… “
K: Wants me to buy their products to promote them. Part of me tells myself that I sound spoiled when I say that, but honestly, I’m not going to pay someone so that I can advertise for them. If I want to buy their products, I’ll buy them on my own without the obligation to promote.
How often do you take a break from social media to recharge?
K: Whenever I feel like I need to. Sometimes I go months without a break and sometimes I take a couple of breaks a month. This is partly because of social media, but also because my content revolves around alcohol. Sometimes I just need a break from drinking, so I step back from posting for a bit.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
K: Beer is so interesting and varied now! I encourage you to go to a beer store or brewery and just explore. Step outside the box and try something, unlike anything you’ve ever tried before!
