Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Alexander.
Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started while I was grabbing dinner at my parent’s house when I tried my first good beer (Shiner Black). As soon as my dad heard the words “this is pretty good” out of my mouth he started planning “Beer 101” with his friend. The class consisted of sitting across from two mid 60’s men as they lined up about 10 beers and taster glasses for all of us. I had to swirl, smell, and sip, all while picking out my favorite notes. I fell in love with a Belgian Tripel (Victory Golden Monkey). Fast forward to my dental hygiene job and 3-4 years of diving into the beer world. Well, as you probably know hygienist’s love talking, so when I found out my patients like beer that was the focus of the one-sided conversation. One day, while explaining the Lakewood Temptress, one of my patients took his suction out and looked straight at me and said, “You should start a blog about your love of beer.” I thought he was out of his mind! Here we are about three years later – The Beerded Lady!
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?
My love for craft beer and the craft beer community has made the road smooth and enjoyable. The craft beer community reaches out to all who show interest. You realize that everyone is there for the same reason, to enjoy the creative variety of craft beers and dream of their own beer creation. The breweries support each other with collaborations and sharing knowledge! The competition is friendly, especially among the Brewmeisters. Public disagreements are few and far between.
An issue that is quickly resolving itself was the lack of feminine input and ownership in the craft beer industry. There is still the lingering sentiment that “Women just don’t understand beer.” This sentiment usually comes from the man in the street, not the men that market and create craft beers. The men in the craft beer industry understand that woman’s sense of taste is one the best indicators of the success of their creation.
Finally, I have struggled with the fact that “The Beerded Lady” has become an influence in the Craft Beer arena. I have to separate my personal life from my life as “The Beerded Lady”. It is hard because we are one in the same yet there are days I think she is a different person altogether.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Beerded Lady publicizes her experience with beer. She is known as a craft beer advocate that brings the feminine influence to the understanding of the craft beer business. The rise of The Beerded Lady’s serious recognition is because of her description of all types of beer from the basic pilsner to the most complex fruit and spice infused ales, stouts, lagers, as well as giving advice for beer festivals and traveling with a beerded state of mind.
Future plans are to create a beer with a local brewery, pursue podcasting, and creating something new! Drum roll, please. I am developing a company that focuses on using hops and hop essential oils in health and wellness products. Check out Beerded Organics to stay tuned for what is to come!
What were you like growing up?
I am a Texas girl born in San Angelo. However, Because of my dad’s work, I grew up overseas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. So, my childhood was very different than the typical American. Living in a third world country can teach you a lot, from understanding people and how to cope with being terrorized. My personality as a child was that of an only child because my brothers are about twenty years older than me. I was a little eccentric and boyish, but would never stop smiling or giving people hugs! I had no sense of fashion and didn’t care, it was going to get dirty anyways. I loved biology, playing outside all the time, and swimming. The pop culture I was into was The Spice Girls, N’sync, and Brittany Spears.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebeerdedladyblog.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jenniferthebeerdedlady
- Facebook: @jenniferthebeerdedlady
- Twitter: @jbeerdedlady
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
