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 Clare Hulama, Owner/Assistant Brewer/Director of Everything Else for Bluebonnet Beer Company.
Describe your average week. What are you responsible for?
I am responsible for all relationship accounts outside the taproom so all sales and customer relations fall to me. I also am the assistant brewer, cellar woman and head dishwasher. So basically when I say I am the Director of Everything Else that is an appropriate description.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love when we open to the public. The most rewarding thing about my job is seeing first hand all the beer being enjoyed by the wonderful customers that come into our brewery. A lot of hard work that goes into each and every glass and I really enjoy sharing our beer with others.
What challenges have you faced in this or previous roles in the beer industry?
Well this one is hard to answer as this is my first role in the beer industry. Being a brewery owner certainly has its own challenges, but one of the hardest to overcome is people’s perception of women in the beer industry. So many people don’t understand that women have just as much knowledge to share as others in the industry. This is one of the things I love about Pink Boots. We are breaking the stereotypes of people associated with beer.
How long have you been working in the beer industry? What did you do before this role?
I have been involved in the Craft Beer Industry for around 6 years now. It took Bluebonnet one year to get tour licenses and permits and now we have been open for 5 years. Prior to opening the brewery I had a long standing career in the tech industry. My background was in sales and marketing which has served me well.
If someone asked you to describe the current state of today’s craft beer climate what would you say?
Collaborative and ever changing. I love this industry. We are all here to just make good beer and try to succeed in a growing market.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you, your company, and/or the industry as a whole?
Bluebonnet Beer Company is a Family owned business that is part of a wonderful community. We strive to make quality, true-to-style beers honoring what we feel craft beer should be. If you make good beer they will come.
Has Pink Boots played a role in your career? If so, how?
Absolutely! More than anything Pink Boots has been an avenue for me to share knowledge and build relationships. I love belonging to all the other brewing organizations, but being among like minded women is refreshing.
What question(s) are you tired of answering/getting asked?
“Why are your tap room hours so limited?” Well, at this time the only full time staff at Bluebonnet is David (my husband) and me. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything we need to do to run our brewery AND be open to the public. Hopefully, as we grow the brewery, we will be able to expand the tap room hours as well. Fingers crossed 🙂
What beer are you currently enjoying the most?
My tastes change with the wind. One day I might be dying for a really good stout or porter, and the next day I may want an easy-drinking German lager.
