We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Monroe Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started BrewedBlackGirl in 2018 because I had been loving craft beer for a minute and every time I saw anyone talking about it online is was either a man or a white woman. I know there were a few black ladies I found after BBG’s start, but while searching they were lost in the sea of whiteness majority. I wanted to see someone that looked like me! I wanted to be someone that another black girl who’s venturing into this new world could look to and learn from.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been being able to award 15 womxn with Level 1 Cicerone Scholarships (the beer version on a sommelier). I feel that a lot of times women, especially black women, aren’t even given an opportunity in the beer industry and I want to be able to provide a way for them to get access so they feel confident in a space that is already shown it’s not for them. Certifications take you a long way with job interviews and I want to see more of US in breweries behind the bar and in production. I want to do more and make more of an impact and I’m slowly getting there.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Funny, my best friend does live out of state lol! I would take her to Queen’s Park, this very cute cocktail bar downtown with specialty drinks. I’d also take her to get breakfast at Yo Mama’s, a black owned breakfast spot with the BEST fried chicken! She likes to see the city, so going to the top of Vulcan and looking out over Birmingham is always fun. Of course I’m going to get a beer, so to TrimTab we go lol. She doesn’t drink beer but loves their sours (they have the best). Late night, we could go to the Lakeview District and walk the strip or pop over to Electra for some shots

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have two: First, my mom (she passed in 2021). My reason for going as hard as I do. She did not drink beer and she was at every event she could make. She was my cheerleader and my advocate. She’s the reason I am who I am today.

Secondly, Kayla Stinnett is someone I look up to wholeheartedly. She is the reason I was ever able to do my first beer collab/event. I come to her for advice and guidance and she’s never turned me away and if she doesn’t know the answer, she finds out for me. She is the Owner of Iron City Social. She’s put my name in so many rooms I never entered. I am thankful for her being my (self-appointed lol) mentor. Her friendship means a lot.

Website: www.BrewedBlackGirl.com

Instagram: BrewedBlackGirl

Facebook: Facebook.com/BrewedBlackGirl

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