F<\/span>or at least the last 15 years I have been putting together International Women\u2019s Day events, for which I search the province to find women who work in the beer industry. That is how I first met Tessa Gabiniewicz.<\/p>\n It was back in 2010 when I was thrilled to find out that Nelson Brewing Company<\/strong> had a female Assistant Brewer! I immediately sought her out and asked if she wanted to be part of the event, and would she create a unique cask for the occasion.<\/p>\n Our paths crossed again in 2018 when I found out that she was working as an Assistant Brewer at 33 Acres Brewing<\/strong>, and I asked her to create a unique cask for my Women\u2019s Day beer dinner. She did but could not personally attend due to an exciting career opportunity. I found out shortly after she had landed the role of Head Brewer at Land & Sea Brewing<\/strong> in Comox,<\/strong> which opened to the public in December 2018.<\/p>\n In late 2019 Gary Lohin (of Central City Brewing<\/strong> fame) approached me with a great opportunity in which five brewers yearly are chosen from around the world to brew in the UK. He asked me for suggestions of women in our BC industry. I forwarded Tessa\u2019s name and was thrilled when she was chosen. Check out this video on about the occasion (Facebook login required)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Head Brewer & Brewing Operations, Land & Sea Brewing<\/strong><\/p>\n HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE POSITION AT LAND & SEA?<\/strong><\/p>\n Since April 2018, at the start of Land & Sea Brewing.<\/p>\n WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE INDUSTRY?<\/strong><\/p>\n My love of beer, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. After college, I needed a job, and I\u2019m forever grateful that Nelson Brewing was hiring.<\/p>\n HOW \/WHERE WERE YOU TRAINED?<\/strong><\/p>\n I learned under the tutelage of Mike Kelly at Nelson Brewing about 13 years ago (2009), and I\u2019ve been learning ever since!<\/p>\n WHAT WERE YOUR PREVIOUS JOBS? <\/strong><\/p>\n In college I took Robotics and Automation, so I was working in that field before landing a job at NBC. But I\u2019ve also been a \u2018professional opportunist\u2019 of sorts, meaning I\u2019ve found my way working as a land surveyor and helping manage a helicopter base while living up north of Terrace, BC.<\/p>\n HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR BEER?<\/strong><\/p>\n I would say that ever since I can remember I have been interested in flavours and flavour composition. I was the kid making and eating everything from playdough to mudpies mixed with my after-school snacks, which forged me into an adult who loves to eat and drink. Being curious by nature, I wanted to know how things are made, with beer being no exception. I went from sneaking dad\u2019s Black Label beer to trying my first \u2018craft\u2019 beer (Big Rock<\/em> Grasshopper<\/em>) and realising there is a whole world of beer to be discovered.<\/p>\n WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB AND THE INDUSTRY?<\/strong><\/p>\n The best part of my job is being a catalyst for good people to get together and enjoy each other\u2019s company, food and conversation. It means the world to me when someone lets me know that they\u2019ve associated their \u2018good time\u2019 with a beer I\u2019ve created.<\/p>\n Transforming an idea from raw materials and grain to glass is truly satisfying as well. On top of that, even if my resting brew face doesn\u2019t always show it, I do enjoy problem-solving and cleaning\u2014so I\u2019m a good fit as a craft brewer.<\/p>\n DO YOU FEEL THAT FEMALES ARE A MINORITY PRESENCE IN THIS FIELD?<\/strong><\/p>\n It certainly doesn\u2019t feel like we are a minority anymore! It is so incredible to see there are plenty of women in craft beer these days. Back in 2010, there were less than 20 of us from around the province taking part in a women\u2019s event. However, as much growth as there has been, we are still a long way away from being equal in numbers in the industry.<\/p>\n DO YOU FIND YOUR ROLE HELPS GET MORE WOMEN INVOLVED? <\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m not sure that my role as a head brewer helps other women get involved, but perhaps I can inspire someone to think that they too can brew. I definitely give my time to anyone who is seriously interested in the industry and would love to know how I could help more.<\/p>\n ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR WOMEN COMING INTO THE INDUSTRY?<\/strong><\/p>\n Find a mentor, or someone who inspires you, and spend a day shadowing them. Getting into the thick of it will give you a good idea of what really happens behind the scenes.<\/p>\n No matter the position, it\u2019s always good to have lots of tools in your toolbox, so shadowing different people in different roles and at different breweries is key. You may learn that bigger production facilities are or aren\u2019t your thing, compared to say a nano or small microbrewery. Get out there and get your hands dirty.<\/p>\n FAVOURITE FEMALE MENTOR IN THE INDUSTRY?<\/strong><\/p>\n Shirley Warne of Angry Hen Brewing<\/em>. She\u2019s a true legend!<\/p>\n Shirley Warne\u2019s Legendary Life In Brewing<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.whatsbrewing.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Tessa-Vid.mp4_snapshot-750x321.jpg\")
<\/a>Q & A With Tessa Gabiniewicz<\/h2>\n
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