“It will be a game-changer for me to establish a presence in my hometown,” declares Eamoni Collier, the founder of Urban Garden Brewing. In the District of Columbia, there are currently three Black-owned beer companies, but none of them have their own brewery. Collier intends to change that by opening a brewery in her beloved hometown. Her business partner, Lindsay Castillo, shares her vision, and together they have set their sights on a space in Northeast DC, which is conveniently located just a short two-minute walk from the Fort Totten Metro station.

Collier is hopeful that they will soon be able to sign a lease for the space. The establishment of a production facility will allow them to meet the increasing demand for Urban Garden beer. Their unique brews, which include “Chamolite,” a chamomile and honey blonde ale, and “Roses Aren’t Dead,” a pale ale infused with dried red rose petals, have gained popularity among beer enthusiasts. Urban Garden prides itself on using botanicals to add a refreshing twist to its beers, attracting even those who are not typically beer drinkers. According to Collier, “We offer a different kind of experience that people aren’t used to seeing in beer.”

Currently, Collier brews her beers on a contract basis at various locations throughout the city. However, she has long dreamed of brewing her own beer in her own space. In order to fulfill this dream, Collier had to raise thousands of dollars through an Indiegogo campaign. The funds are needed to cover startup costs such as licensing, permitting, and legal fees. Collier explains that financial challenges, in particular, pose a significant barrier to the establishment of Black-owned breweries. She laments, “There is literally no Black-owned breweries…three of these brewing companies all have to contract brew because we don’t have the access to capital.”

Despite the challenges, Collier remains determined to make her brewery a reality. She has found support within the local beer community, especially from Sankofa and Soul Mega, the first and second-oldest Black-owned beer companies in DC. Together with other like-minded individuals, they have formed an informal group called the Collective, where they provide assistance and guidance to one another. Collier refers to the founders of Sankofa and Soul Mega as her “big brothers,” as they have been continuously encouraging her throughout her journey. Their efforts have inspired her to finally launch Urban Garden in 2021.

Right Proper, where Collier previously worked as a hostess, server, and bartender for six years, has become a valuable ally in her pursuit of opening a brewery. It was Right Proper co-owner Leah Cheston who introduced Collier to the potential space in Northeast DC. This woman-owned brewery serves as an example to other beer companies and is committed to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Cheston explains, “People helped us get where we are. So we think it is our absolute mission to pass that on.”

The camaraderie within the local beer community was palpable during a recent collaborative brewing session at Right Proper. Collier received assistance from Barrett Lauer, a brewer from the establishment, in creating a special beer for Colada Shop, a Latina-owned Cuban restaurant. This unique beer will be made with Colada Shop’s coffee beans and guava leaves and will be available for purchase next month at their DC and Virginia locations.

Collier’s determination to overcome the hurdles facing Black-owned breweries is fueled by her belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion. She acknowledges the impact that Sankofa and Soul Mega have had on her journey, stating, “Honestly, if I didn’t have those two people that already started breaking the barriers, paving the way, I probably still wouldn’t have started.”

As Collier’s dream of opening her own brewery inches closer to reality, she remains grateful for the immense support she has received from the local beer community. With their collective efforts, they are not only reshaping the beer industry but also paving the way for future generations of aspiring Black brewers.

Today, I want to share with you the inspiring story of Eamoni Collier and Lindsay Castillo, the women behind Urban Garden Brewing. These two friends turned business partners are taking on the challenging world of craft beer brewing with determination and a passion for their craft.

Collier, a talented brewer with 27 years of experience, learned the art of brewing through an initiative called “beer college” led by her mentor, Lauer. This knowledge and expertise come into play as Collier and Castillo work on their latest batch, which is expected to total about 600 gallons. The teamwork and collaboration between these two is evident as Castillo handles the operations side of things, allowing Collier to focus on what she does best – making beer.

Operating a brewery, especially in a city like Washington, D.C., is no easy feat. Lauer explains that there are numerous steps involved, such as procuring funders and obtaining permits. On top of that, the cost of doing business in the district is quite high. Despite these challenges, Collier and Castillo remain undeterred. They know that opening a brick-and-mortar location is a difficult venture, so they host contract brewers at their original facility in Shaw a few times a year. By doing so, they not only support fellow brewers but also gain valuable experience and insights.

One of the biggest hurdles that Collier faced was finding funding for Urban Garden. Unfortunately, she discovered that she was ineligible for D.C. government funding due to specific requirements. The available opportunities for minority-owned businesses were limited to certain areas or specific industries. This setback only fueled Collier’s determination to succeed, and she remains focused on her goal of building something special in her hometown.

The Urban Garden team is known for their tenacity and resourcefulness. Castillo, in particular, has been described as an octopus, always jumping in to help in any way she can. From delivering kegs to bars to representing the brewery at events, Castillo is an integral part of the operation. Together, they constantly challenge stereotypes and expectations, surprising people who assume they are brand ambassadors rather than the skilled brewers they are.

What sets Urban Garden apart is their commitment to their community. They plan to support other brewers who are in need of time and support before opening their own production facilities. Additionally, they hope to provide a platform for other creatives, such as DJs, as they recognize the importance of art and self-expression. For Collier, building something meaningful in her hometown is a dream come true, and she knows it will make a significant impact on her community.

As we wrap up this blog post, I am inspired by the passion and determination of Eamoni Collier and Lindsay Castillo. Their journey in the craft beer industry is a testament to the power of following your dreams and never giving up. Urban Garden Brewing is more than just a brewery; it’s a symbol of hope, creativity, and community. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.

Title: Exploring the Disparities in Business Ownership and Healthcare Support in a Gentrified Neighborhood

Introduction:

In this blog post, we will delve into the challenges faced by the H Street neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The community’s struggle with gentrification can be witnessed in two contrasting aspects: the distribution of liquor licenses among businesses and the shortage of school nurses. Despite keeping the overall story and logical connection intact, we will present the information in a unique manner, offering a fresh perspective on these important issues.

The Liquor License Imbalance:

Let’s begin with a statistical observation that sheds light on an interesting aspect of H Street’s business landscape. According to recent data, black-owned businesses in the neighborhood comprise less than half of the total establishments with active liquor licenses. This fact alone begs us to explore the reasons behind such a significant disparity. However, what’s even more intriguing is the fact that the majority of protests filed against these licenses in the past five years were from black-owned businesses themselves.

This stark contradiction raises questions about the dynamics of business ownership in gentrified neighborhoods. Perhaps the allure of H Street’s lively atmosphere and burgeoning economy has attracted a wealthier demographic, leading to the displacement of some long-established black-owned enterprises. Regardless, the evident agitation from black-owned businesses regarding liquor licenses implies a deeper concern for the preservation of their cultural and economic roots.

The Nursing Shortage Dilemma:

Now, let’s shift our focus to an equally pressing matter that has been plaguing the D.C. region even before the COVID-19 pandemic — the shortage of school nurses. To address this urgent issue, DC Health has recently implemented a short-term solution known as the “cluster” model. This model involves school nurses serving multiple schools within a specific area, effectively maximizing their reach.

The necessity of this solution is indicative of the dire state of healthcare support in the region. However, we cannot ignore the underlying factors that have led to this shortage. One possible explanation could be the inherent challenges faced by low-income communities, such as those in the H Street neighborhood, in attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals. The lack of adequate facilities and resources may contribute to this dilemma, making it crucial to address the underlying inequalities in our healthcare system.

Conclusion:

Through this alternative presentation of the same story, we shed light on the disparities and challenges faced by the H Street neighborhood in Washington, D.C. While the distribution of liquor licenses showcases a discrepancy in business ownership, the shortage of school nurses underlines the desperate need for improved healthcare support. By focusing on these interconnected issues, we gain a deeper understanding of the implications of gentrification and the importance of equitable access to resources and opportunities. It is only through acknowledging and addressing these disparities that we can hope to cultivate a more inclusive and thriving community for all.