Craft Beer Revolution: Meet the Entrepreneur Redefining Excellence
Black-owned breweries are undeniably rare in the U.S. brewing industry, but craft beer brewers like Christina Thomas are starting to change that.
According to the National Black Brewers Association’s (NB2A) 2024 State of Black Brewers report, out of the 9,761 breweries in the country, fewer than 1% (around 86) are Black-owned, and only 12 of those have their own production facilities. Despite these dismal numbers, this scenario presents a significant entrepreneurial opportunity for aspiring and existing Black craft brewers looking to expand their businesses. Craft breweries are independent and produce beers in small batches using traditional ingredients.
Christina Thomas, the founder of Brown Girl’s Brew, a rising Black women-owned craft beer company that has created a unique niche in the industry. With a solid background as a financial analyst and a business degree from Rutgers University, she combines financial expertise with entrepreneurial spirit in the craft beer world.
Growing up as the youngest of eight siblings in a family of ten on the South Side of Chicago, Thomas was immersed in a vibrant community that taught her resilience and the value of staying true to her roots. Her mother’s home bakery inspired her brand, instilling in her a passion for crafting exceptional products that bring people together. Drawing from her mother’s dedication and love for her craft, Thomas strives to create brews that embody the same warmth and authenticity, uniting people just as her mother’s baked goods did. By translating these cherished memories and recipes into craft beer flavors, she aims to offer a unique drinking experience that tantalizes the taste buds and honors the culinary traditions that have shaped her passion for brewing.
Though a native of the Windy City, her time in New York has deeply influenced her approach to business and life, making Thomas a true New Yorker at heart.
What inspired you to start Brown Girl’s Brew?
CT: Brown Girl’s Brew was born out of my passion for craft beer and the frustration of not finding a pastry-inspired beer without excessive additives and sugars. Additionally, my desire for financial independence and control over my destiny played a significant role. As a double minority, I knew I had to create my own space and build my own table in an industry that has historically lacked representation. I aim to fill this gap and champion inclusivity not just in brewing, but in the wine and spirits industry worldwide. Brown Girl’s Brew is my way of taking control of my life, achieving financial freedom, providing valuable resources to my community, and building a business that embodies my values and aspirations. Each sip of Brown Girl’s Brew reflects our family’s commitment to quality, creativity, and a heartfelt connection to our heritage.
What was the greatest challenge you faced in developing your enterprise?
Without a doubt, navigating the complex landscape of the beer industry has been my greatest challenge. Creating my craft beer brand has been both a gift and a curse. On one hand, it has been deeply rewarding to bring my vision to life. On the other, it’s been frustrating to see discussions about transformations in the spirits industry that completely overlook beer. Additionally, dealing with royalty disputes with our initial brewing partners, who eventually filed for bankruptcy, was a major challenge. Ensuring fair compensation for our intellectual property and recipe rights was crucial. This experience taught me invaluable lessons in compliance and negotiations. I now understand that determination and resilience are essential in my overall business approach. Despite these challenges, I’ve found ways to overcome obstacles and stay true to my vision for Brown Girl’s Brew.
How did you come up with the flavor profiles for Brown Girl’s Brew?
The flavor profiles for Brown Girl’s Brew are deeply rooted in my family’s culinary heritage. Growing up, I worked alongside four of my eight siblings in my mother’s home bakery, where we learned the art of creating delicious cakes that brought joy to our community. Drawing inspiration from these cherished experiences, each beer flavor was meticulously crafted to evoke nostalgic moments and the comforting aromas of those homemade treats.
For example, our German Chocolate Stout pays homage to our mother’s famous cake, infusing rich baker’s chocolate and toasted coconut flavors into a robust stout base. This combination creates a decadent yet balanced beer that captures the essence of a beloved dessert enjoyed around our family table. Similarly, our Lemon Pound Cake Lager channels the bright zest and sweet undertones of her lemon pound cake. This lager harmoniously blends citrus notes with a crisp, smooth finish, reminiscent of a delightful dessert savored during gatherings with loved ones.
This wine and spirits industry can be perceived as a crowded marketplace. Who is your target audience?
Initially, I believed my target audience would be beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs who appreciate unique and flavorful beer experiences. However, I’ve since 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 supporters, as well as diverse and inclusive audiences. Our recent national account with Total Wine & More, the country’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, expands our reach significantly and invites new stakeholders to the table. By targeting these diverse segments, I can more effectively share our unique flavors and cultural inspirations, and develop appropriate engagement strategies that elevate Brown Girl’s Brew.
What’s the next big goal for BGB?
Our next big goal is to revolutionize the craft beer industry by launching the first nationwide beer subscription service exclusively featuring brews created by women of color. We aim to spotlight the diversity and talent in the craft beer community while providing unique and high-quality beverages to beer enthusiasts across the country. This ambitious project will not only elevate our brand but also create a platform for other women brewers to thrive and innovate. Additionally, we’re exploring the digital frontier with a Web 3 design that will transform how our community connects and interacts with our brand. Stay tuned for more exciting details. We’re breaking barriers and setting new standards — one exceptional beer at a time.
Any advice for budding craft beer entrepreneurs?
Brewing is more than just crafting liquid gold — it’s about understanding and leveraging the entire ecosystem that supports it. From suppliers of raw materials like hops and malt to distributors, retailers, and marketing and branding specialists, every aspect plays a critical role in your success. Build strong relationships across the industry and recognize the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Embrace innovation, stay humble, and remain coachable. No matter how much knowledge you have, there is always more to learn. Mentoring and networking are crucial — it’s not just about who you know, but also who knows you, as you strive to position your brand for sustainable growth in this dynamic industry.
Where will BGB be during the rest of the year — so people can pop out?
Our schedule changes daily, so the best way to stay updated is through our social media platforms like Instagram (@browngirlsbrew), TikTok (@browngirlsbrew), Spill, and X (@browngirlsbrew). Follow us on all our social media for “save the dates” and updates on upcoming events featuring Brown Girl’s Brew (#BrownGirlsBrew). We have some exciting new partnerships and plans lined up, including two highly anticipated events: Black Girls in Media on August 24 in NYC and the Black Owned Wine & Spirits (BOWS) Fest in Washington, D.C., on October 5. These events are not to be missed as we showcase our unique craft beers inspired by cultural traditions. Follow us closely to be part of these vibrant celebrations and discover the flavors of Brown Girl’s Brew!
