When I started writing for CraftBeerAustin.com back in 2015, my first series of articles was about Women in Beer. I am happy to announce that thanks to the ladies of the Austin chapter of the Pink Boots Society, I am bringing back the Women in Beer series. This edition features Martha Dixon, co-founder and The Big Boss at 50 Foot Websites and Branding.
Describe your average week. What are you responsible for?
I oversee all of the projects, that is why I am the Big Boss., as well as design everything. I meet with the clientele to brainstorm and make a plan. Then I make it happen: design it, hire photographers, write content, set up ads, print it, and even style the product sometime. Make sure it all gets done on time and within budget. I wear many hats and my day is completely different every day.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Beer! And working from home is nice. We actually travel a lot — more traveling than most, but they are always “Workcations”. Work never stops, luckily I love what I do! This was the dream, work on what you are passionate about.
What challenges have you faced in this or previous roles in the beer industry?
Every industry is clique-ish — add that to the industry being mostly male-dominated and it does make it intimidating to work in the beer as a woman. Pink Boots has allowed me to meet men and women in beer, helping me make connections beyond gender and consider our company based on our accolades.
How long have you been working in the beer industry? What did you do before this role?
Beer has always been my relaxing beverage of choice. In my life, I try to work in industries that I enjoy and I have been a homebrewer many years, so it seemed only natural to work in beer. We began working with Faust brewing company 8 years ago and have just kept trying to work with more. I bring a lot of experience from the manufacturing side working with packaging design, promotion design, sales support, and creative budget use, as well as destination marketing working with many restaurants, hotels, and wineries that rely on tourism to survive. We now have several wineries, breweries, and distilleries, all very different yet with many similarities.
If someone asked you to describe the current state of today’s craft beer climate what would you say?
Craft beer has been great and watching the growth has been exciting. Going from asking a local bar about craft beer and them looking at you like you’re nuts, to having it be the only thing on tap has been awesome. It is fun to support some really awesome brewers.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you, your company, and/or the industry as a whole?
We love supporting such a great industry and seeing our clients succeed (and drinking their beer).
Has Pink Boots played a role in your career? If so, how?
Pink boots has allowed me to meet fellow ladies that love craft beer and enjoy discussing industry topics. It has really made it comfortable to enter the beer industry when it was intimidating. I could not imagine my life without my Pink Boots friends, meeting up is one of my favorite times of the month.
What question(s) are you tired of answering/getting asked?
Ask me anything, I am an open book, especially in marketing. It’s my favorite subject!
What beer are you currently enjoying the most?
Altstadt Brewery has an Amber (Traditional German-Style Altbier) that is spot on and very drinkable.
