Black-owned breweries are undoubtedly a rarity in the U.S. brewing industry — but that’s slowly changing due to craft brewers like Christina Thomas.

In 2024 Black Brewers Status ReportThe National Black Brewers Association (NB2A) has noted that of the 9,761 breweries in the country, lower than 1 percent (about 86) are black-owned, and only 12 of those operate their very own production facilities. Ironically, this dismal state of affairs also presents an enormous entrepreneurial opportunity for would-be black craft brewers and existing breweries fascinated with scaling their businesses. Craft breweries operate independently and create beers using traditional ingredients in small batches.

BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP I sat down with Christina Thomas, founder Brown Girl’s Brew Drinka growing, black-owned craft beer company that has carved out an unparalleled area of interest in the industry. With a solid business foundation as a financial analyst and a business degree from Rutgers University, she brings a novel mix of monetary acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to the craft beer industry.

Growing up the youngest of eight siblings in a family of ten on Chicago’s South Side, Thomas was immersed in a vibrant community that taught her resilience and the importance of staying true to her roots. Her mother’s home bakery was a major inspiration for her brand, instilling a passion for creating unique products that bring people together. Inspired by her mother’s dedication and love for her craft, she strives to create beers that embody the same warmth and authenticity that connect people as her mother’s baked goods did. By translating these cherished memories and recipes into the flavors of craft beer, she goals to create a novel drinking experience that not only tantalizes the taste buds but in addition honors the culinary traditions that shaped her passion for brewing.

Although Thomas hails from the Windy City, her time spent in New York City has had a profound impact on her approach to business and life, making her a real New Yorker.

BE: What inspired you to begin Brown Girl’s Brew?

CT: Brown Girl’s Brew was born out of my passion for craft beer and frustration with the lack of a cake-inspired beer that was free from excessive additives and sugar. Additionally, my desire for financial independence and control over my destiny played a major role. As a double minority, I knew I needed to create my very own space where I could construct my very own table in an industry that has historically been underrepresented and continues to be. I need to bridge that gap and be an advocate for inclusivity not only in brewing, but in the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Additionally, Brown Girl’s Brew is my way of taking control of my life, achieving financial freedom, providing an important resource to my community, and constructing a business that embodies my values ​​and aspirations. Every sip of Brown Girl’s Brew reflects our family’s commitment to quality, creativity, and a sincere commitment to our heritage.

What was the biggest challenge you needed to face in growing what you are promoting??

Without a doubt, navigating the complex landscape of the brewing industry has been my biggest challenge. Creating my craft beer brand has been a real gift and a curse. On one hand, it has been deeply satisfying to see my vision come to life. On the other hand, it has been frustrating to read articles about the transformation of the spirits industry that completely ignore beer. Additionally, coping with royalty disputes with our initial brewing partners, who ultimately filed for bankruptcy, has been a significant challenge. Ensuring fair compensation for our mental property rights and regulations was key. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons about compliance and negotiation. I now know that determination and resilience are non-negotiable in my overall business approach. Despite these challenges, I actually have managed to search out workarounds and remain true to my vision for Brown Girl’s Brew.

How did you provide you with the idea for Brown Girl’s Brew flavor profiles?

Brown Girl’s Brew’s flavor profiles are deeply rooted in my family’s culinary heritage. Growing up, I worked with 4 of my eight siblings in my mother’s home bakery, where we learned the art of making delicious pastries that brought joy to our community. Drawing inspiration from these cherished experiences, each beer flavor has been fastidiously crafted to evoke nostalgic moments and the comforting aromas of those home-cooked treats.

For example, our German Chocolate Stout pays homage to our mother’s famous cake by infusing wealthy baker’s chocolate and toasted coconut flavors right into a solid stout base. The combination creates a decadent yet balanced beer that captures the essence of a beloved dessert shared at our family table. Similarly, our Lemon Pound Cake Lager captures the vibrant zest and sweet notes of her lemon pound cake. This lager harmoniously combines citrus notes with a clean, smooth finish, harking back to a pleasant dessert enjoyed with family members.

The wine and spirits industry might be seen as a crowded market. Who is your audience?

Initially, I believed my audience could be beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs who appreciate unique and flavorful beer experiences. However, I later discovered that my true audience also includes newcomers to craft beer who may not have a deep understanding of its history. This includes food pairing enthusiasts, local and community advocates, and a various and inclusive audience. Our latest national account from Total wine and morethe largest independent wine retailer in the country, expands our reach exponentially and brings recent stakeholders to the table. By targeting these diverse segments, I can more effectively share our unique flavors and cultural influences, and develop relevant engagement strategies that outline Brown Girl’s Brew at the highest level.

What is BGB’s next big goal??

To simply revolutionize the craft beer industry by launching the first nationwide beer subscription service that exclusively features beers created by women of color. Our goal is to spotlight the diversity and talent in the craft beer community while bringing unique and high-quality beverages to beer lovers across the country. This ambitious project is not going to only elevate our brand, but in addition create a platform where other female brewers can grow and innovate. And that’s not all—we’re diving into the digital frontier with a Web 3 project that can change the way our community connects and interacts with our brand. Stay tuned for more exciting details. We’re breaking barriers and setting recent standards—one unique beer at a time.

Do you might have any advice for aspiring craft brewing entrepreneurs?

Remember, brewing is about greater than just making liquid gold—it’s about understanding and leveraging the entire ecosystem that supports it. From your raw material suppliers, like hops and malt, to your distributors, retailers, and even your marketing and branding professionals, every aspect plays a key role in your success. Build strong relationships across your industry and recognize the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Embrace innovation, remain humble, and coachable. No matter how much you understand, there’s all the time more to learn. Mentoring and networking are key—it’s not only who you understand, it’s who knows you as you position your brand for sustainable growth on this dynamic industry.

Where will BGB be for the remainder of the yr so people can show up?

Our schedule changes day by day, so the best method to stay awake thus far is to follow our social media platforms like Instagram (@browngirlsbrew)TIK Tok (@browngirlsbrew)Spill and X (@browngirlsbrew). Stay connected on all of our social media to “save the dates” and stay awake thus far on upcoming events featuring Brown Girl’s Brew (#BrownGirlsBrew). We have some exciting recent partnerships and plans, including two highly anticipated events: Black Girls in Media on August twenty fourth in New York City and Black Owned Wine & Spirits (Bows) Fest in Washington, DC, October fifth. These aren’t to be missed events as we showcase our unique craft beers inspired by cultural traditions. Stay tuned to be a component of this vibrant celebration and discover the flavors of Brown Girl’s Brew!