Women Who Inspire: Erin Moynihan

We are so excited to kick off our "Women Who Inspire" Interviews with Erin Moynihan, brewer at Eddyline Brewery. Erin has taken us on tours & brought us together over beers, she is hooking us up with a stellar brunch at our next retreat, & has brewed tasty brews which helped raise money to support the USA Women's Rafting Team. Read more to find out what has inspired Erin to pursue her passion.

Thanks for interviewing with us Erin!

Q: What inspired you to pursue your unique path?

Erin: My cousins asked me to home brew with them at a time in my life when I needed some direction, and since, I've fallen more in love with the craft every day.

Q: What skills did you have, and what skills did you have to learn or are you still learning in pursuit of your goals?

Erin: Brewing has always been a passion, and I'm naturally curious about the how and why of beer, so I end up listening to a lot of beer lectures and doing random beer research. I also go my brewing laboratory certification from University of Northern Colorado, and continue to go to beer education events.

Q: What was the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome on your journey?

Erin: I honestly believe that being taken seriously in a male dominated industry has been a constant battle. I mean I've had people literally say, "you can't move those kegs, you are just a girl." I was a lot harder before I was able to procure a brewing job with Eddyline, but it is an obstacle I'm constantly overcoming again and again, which is why I would name it one of the most difficult. There is also a women's brewing society, Pink Boots, full of inspiring women, that makes the fight so much easier. Some days are easier than others, but I wouldn't want to be in any other industry. A lot of what keeps me going is being able to make a livable salary and not be in an office 40 hours a week.

Q: What keeps you inspired?

Erin: The camaraderie and innovation in this industry is what keeps me inspired, and has inspired me from day one. This is the kind of industry where the next brewery over might be a competitor in a business sense, but in the brewery world they are your neighbor, and you help each other out. It is unlike most other industries out there.

Pictured: Women of Colorado ambassador Heather, Erin M. & Women of Colorado Founder Michelle

Q: What lesson have you learned in pursuit of your dreams which you would share to empower others?

Erin: If you want something, immerse yourself in it, and really know why you appreciate it. I've gotten far with a formal beer education, and applying for jobs, but I've gotten even further by going to beer events and talking to people and enjoying what I do. This time last year I was running a taproom in new jersey. Now, I'm in one of the top brewing states creating my own recipes and furthering my career and passion. I know I wouldn't have gotten this far if I didn't make beer a big part of my life, and I actually have something to show for it. If you want something, make it a part of your life, and you'll be surprised how far it takes you.

Check Out her Social Media Accounts:

Instagram- @brewsandshrews Facebook- Brews and Shrews