Kelsi, we like to kick things off with you telling us a little about yourself. Give us a little background on how “That One Beer Gal” came about. We would love to hear about how your passion for beer came about. Everyone has a different story, what is yours?
K: I became passionate about craft beer because of my sister and brother-in-law. They are 5-6 years older than me so as soon as I was of-age, I was going out to all their local breweries with them. I was never really a “bar scene” girl in college so breweries were the perfect social scene for me. Sharing conversations over beer and food with my family is what has always made me love craft breweries. As soon as my boyfriend was of-age, is when my passion really picked up. Not only was I able to share this love with my sister and brother-in-law but now my boyfriend and I shared a new passion. The beer that really kick-started my passion was the Cerveza Fresca P.O.G. from El Segundo Brewery Co.
What advice would you give craft beer breweries or beer companies looking to use the Instagram social media platform to grow their brand’s image? Would you give the same advice to craft brewers as you would to the established players in this market?
K: I think the most important thing when using social media to grow your platform is to stay true to who you are. If you love your content, others are going to love it as well. This goes for craft breweries as well. It’s so important to stay up to date with the trends of the day as well. If you’re not willing to stay up to date with trends then your platform will fall behind. So, when staying true to who you are, you must also encourage those who run your accounts to make sure to look at current trends that you can put your own personality and twist into. This advice, I think, goes for anyone on any social media. Also, people love to connect faces to a company. If you post content with employees every now and then, your page becomes more relatable rather than just constant posts of events and graphics. Don’t get me wrong, I love graphics but I also know it’s important to have relatable content for all.
Once life past Covid begins to return back to normal, how do you think the world of craft beer will change? or do you think it will remain the same?
K: The scene has already had to change. After COVID is “over”, I think that breweries will have an influx of love and support more-so than they already have now. Breweries, to me, are a place to come together with friends and family and I think that will continue. I think it will remain the same, but I think they will have more business because people don’t want to take those times for granted anymore.
What is your stance on influencers being paid to post about brands? Should influencers be transparent regarding payment for posts?
K: I think this is sort of norm now. People are used to seeing influencers get paid about brands and in most cases, larger names with a larger following, this is their full-time job. People work as full-time influencers and if that means getting paid to post about brands then I think it is fine. I don’t think influencers need to disclose how much they get paid for a post but I do think it is important to say if it is an ad or paid sponsorship with a brand. I know a lot of people who post about brands they love in which they aren’t sponsored by and it’s important to disclose those things because others are influenced by people they like and want to buy brands that those people genuinely support.
How do you think the rise of influencer accounts on Instagram has impacted on the way that people discover restaurants/beers/bars/food?
K: For me, I think it has had such a positive impact. I think that when people put out places they like to visit then it helps those businesses but even before the scene of influencers, I would have looked on Instagram to find places that were popular. Kind of like Yelp for Instagram. haha. I know I have definitely discovered new places from Instagram and I think that is great!
General words of wisdom you live by….
K: Tomorrow is never promised. Live today. BE NICE.
Honestly, I have a lot of mantras I live by but these stood out in my mind today.
What do you wish brands knew before approaching you on Instagram?
K: I wish brands would really look at what a person is interested in. For me, my brand is beer, food and in many cases fitness. So, when a jewelry brand approaches me, I am flattered but that usually would not benefit me unless it’s jewelry that is beer related. Also, I think it is important to explain why you want me to work with you and what is your end goal.
Top 10 favorite craft beers of all time:
K: This is super tough….in no particular order. Also, I could name a lot more.
- Cerveza Fresca P.O.G. –El Segundo Brewing Company
- Hooligan –Blaker Brewing
- HAYS: Rattle Gun –Drake’s Brewing Company
- Lateral 7 –Dust Bowl Brewing Company
- Tahoe Haze –Revision Brewing Co.
- Huckleberry Haze –Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (Not particularly a brewery, but I love this one haha)
- Dead Cowboy –Los Angeles Ale Works
- Berry Guava Wheat –Golden Road Brewing
- Propeller Head –Unsung Brewing Co.
- KONG –BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
On a personal note, what are some of the most important things in your life?
K: Some of the most important things in my life are my family and friends most of all. Also, the memories in my life that I will hold on forever. Continuing to better myself by exercising to be healthy and for a healthy mind is huge to me. Being creative on a daily basis not only for my career but also for fun. I love creating whether that be graphics, motion graphics, videos, music or things like painting, this is a huge part of me.
Best moments/memories/lessons of 2020? and what has 2020 taught you that you are bringing with you into 2021?
K: I have learned a lot of lessons in 2020 as I am sure everyone else has. Just to put it simply, I have learned even more to not take things for granted. To find joy in small achievements and find joy each day even when it feels like you can’t.
