Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Mann.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jenny. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Beer has always played a role in my life. From my journey into home brewing to giving tours to management. It’s given me some amazing opportunities to meet folks and travel. I started homebrewing when my daughter was almost two (now she is 15!). She would help me separate the big bottles from the small bottles along with assisting in the cleanup. I got a job at San Diego Brewing Company and KARL Strauss. Karl is where I found my love of interacting with visitors and along with sharing the brewing process. It was here, I fell in love with the idea of beer and food pairings, and began documenting via Instagram my journey under the handle MsBeerCraft. I am a photographer, so naturally, it made sense.
From there, I worked at two amazing brewpubs, here in SD: Tiger!Tiger! & Blind Lady Alehouse. Providing an amazing & thoughtful craft beer selection and delicious, creative dishes with ingredients procured locally and offering vegan options. The combo of beer and food spiked an interest even further. I had the awesome chance to work for one of the longest-running breweries in San Diego – Ballast Point. I was surrounded by beer, food, and people who were truly dedicated to the craft. The team there gave me the opportunity to develop the Ballast Point Little Italy Locations tour program, draft maintenance program, and work with our team on beer education. I became Ballasts first Certified Cicerone (a.k.a.- beer nerd) and then began managing the Miramar Location- 107,000 sq ft brewery & restaurant. Beer education was my jam- and wanted to share this knowledge with my staff and guests.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly… I truly believe, if you want something bad enough… you will work hard for it… and you make it happen. That never comes easy. As long as you “tend to your own garden” and don’t pay attention or compare what you are doing to what others are doing… you will be focused enough to make magic happen! There have mud puddles, along the way… I jumped on in, got dirty, and learned… it’s a hands-on world!
My advice- ask questions!! And do as much listening as possible! The folks in the beer community LOVE to share their knowledge. And of course, never stop learning! We are truly never done! San Diego is a hotbed for beer education.
Please tell us about MsBeerCraft.
MsBeerCraft is known for supporting local craft beer, my friend’s businesses & breweries, beer education, and living life (hiking, camping, my photography business and family living it up!). My photography business works alongside these local businesses & breweries helping them with their photo needs for their websites and social media. Local Supporting Local!
MsBeerCraft brand is about sharing the good word of craft beer!! By supporting your local breweries, and your friend & families local business. It’s “making beer fun again” and not always having to over-analyze what your drinking- but to be in the moment, sharing that brew, and telling stories, and laughing. It’s about clever pairings with food, and those sensory experiences that come with it.
Beer is for cheersing, sharing a pint with co-workers after work, it’s for celebrating, tasting, pairing, swirling and sipping… it’s even for (heaven forbid) shotgunning!
I must say, that it completely humbles me when folks write to me thanking me for being so positive & genuine and sharing my personal life, along with the all the beer haps in SD. I have folks from all over the country asking where they should visit while in San Diego! I love being able to promote and share what we are doing in SD!!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Always be YOU. Don’t ever do anything that isn’t YOU! Be real. Be genuine. Be kind. And, be sure to work hard and focus on want YOU want in this life. Always be YOU.
Contact Info:
- Email: jennymannphotos@gmail.com
- Instagram: @MsBeerCraft and @jennymannphotos
Image Credit:
@abovegroundlevelvideography, @mistymountainphotos
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
