Bombshell Project- Three Local Female Brewery Owners Launch Non-Profit
IN THE MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY OF CRAFT BEER, THREE WOMEN BREWERY OWNERS ARE ON A MISSION TO PUT MORE WOMEN IN CHARGE.
Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Owner of Rhythm Brewing Co., Joy Braddock, Owner of Hog River Brewing and Heather Wilson, Owner of Hop Culture Farms & Brew Co. have partnered together to establish the new 501(c)(3) non-profit Bombshell Project, to put more women in the position to become owners. Bombshell Project will help women gain the skills, resources, connections and confidence they need to become business leaders and owners, through mentorships with female industry leaders.
The idea for the non-profit came after the three women collaborated last spring to create their Bombshell IPA, which was released in March 2022. The beer was meant to shine a light on female leadership in the local craft beer industry and support women entering the brewing industry. Proceeds from the beer supported the CT Pink Boots Society Scholarship for Women in Brewing, which helps women enter the Brewing Science Certificate Program at Sacred Heart University.
This year, Alisa, Joy and Heather wanted to make even more of an impact in their industry. A portion of proceeds from the 2023 Bombshell IPA will now be donated to the Bombshell Project to get it off the ground. “We are determined to raise up women to positions of decision makers so we can blow up the ceiling that exists in our industry.” said Joy Braddock. “Until that happens, the issues of mistreatment, and even abuse, against women in the craft beer industry won’t be solved.” The Bombshell IPA will be released again this year on March 25th at a can release party at the Hog River Brewing taproom in Hartford, 2-5pm. The day will be filled with meet and greets with the women behind the beer, onsite vending from local women-owned businesses, live music from DJ Gabi Laki, food from Samba & Favela Food Truck, live Bombshell t-shirt printing by My Print Shop and official launch of Bombshell Project.
“We are incredibly excited to not only help women become the business bombshells they are meant to be, but also create a community of women in business through the Bombshell Project.” said Alisa Bowens-Mercado. Future plans include creating a consistent and wider distribution of the Bombshell IPA in the market so it can become a long-term funding mechanism for the Bombshell Project. “We have big plans for Bombshell Project. Our goal is to help turn the tide in not just our own industry but other male-dominated industries. This is just the start.” said Heather Wilson.
