Our Story
Urban Garden Brewing LLC (UGB) is a Washington, DC-based craft beer brand and distributor of high-quality beer. Our recipes are inspired by the ancient practices of Egyptian women, who, according to history, believed beer to have powerful healing properties. Reminiscent of tea, our special blends draw from the fragrance and healing properties of flowers, herbs, and spices. We started experimenting with beer in 2017. Since then, we've been collaborating with local small businesses, non-profit organizations, and artists to encourage more diversity and inclusion in the craft beer industry. Through merging beer, music, and art, we are creating positive and authentic experiences within the local beer community.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between craft beer, community, and urban culture, one sip at a time. Our movement uplifts people of color by merging beer with art and music to create more inclusive and authentic experiences within the beer community.
What does "Urban Garden Brewing" mean?
In addition to the flowers and herb blends we use in our beer, Urban Garden Brewing represents cultivation and growth within an urban environment. UGB is the “rose that grew from the concrete”. We’ve planted the seeds! Now our dreams are blossoming into a beautiful garden of opportunities that will help uplift our community. We are ushering in a new era of craft beer by staying true to our urban roots.
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THE FOUNDERS
Eamoni Collier was born and raised in the inner city of Washington, DC. At the early age of 16, she ventured across the world to study in Denmark as an exchange student. Traveling at such a young age opened her eyes to the many possibilities of the world. She was first introduced to the world of craft beer while working to pay her way through college. Returning to DC after college was a culture shock, to say the least. Gentrification had made it nearly impossible for her to afford to live in her hometown. She was able to sustain a living by continuing to work in the food and beverage industry. Her life has always been centered around music, art, and politics. She eventually made her mark on the DC craft beer scene by combining her music and art with beer. From naming her collaboration beers after her songs to curating events that highlight craft beer and local artists, her creativity proved to be boundless. A true radical, she challenges the status quo and advocates for diversity and inclusion. With over 7 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, she applies her love for people, expansive knowledge, and passion for craft beer to provide a wholesome experience through her recipes.
Stephon Green was raised between Washington, DC, and Prince George’s County. Growing up in the DMV area has exposed him to the multi-cultural influences in the food and beverage industry. In his early years as a craft bartender, he has been featured in a wide variety of local publications, such as "Welcome to Hyattville," showcasing his artistry. Throughout his eight years within the industry, he stumbled upon the extraordinary world of craft beer as a "bartender" for World of Beer in Locust Point, Baltimore, MD. This path has led him to appreciate the bond between culture, people, craft beer, and the ingredients that emphasize each element that contributes to a memorable moment. He believes that a collaborative effort is essential for prosperity and that all inspiration can be transformed into reality.
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What We Need & What You Get
Creating beer recipes is fun but starting and maintaining a business takes a lot of work! Especially during a pandemic. Your contribution towards this effort will help us with the following expenses:
- Chamolite rebrand.
- Production growth from 5 barrels to 30 barrels of beer.
- Summer launch of a new beer.
- Quality labels and packaging.
- Storage, distribution, and transportation of the beer.
- Marketing materials.
To help us reach our goal, you can claim some super dope Urban PERKS! We're offering limited edition UGB Swag, social media shout-outs, promotional opportunities, and private beer/food pairings!
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PERKS SUMMARY
- UGB pin.
- Digital thank you card.
- Social media shout-out.
- UGB sticker pack.
- Limited edition shot glass.
- UGB logo shirt.
- Limited Edition Chamolite T-shirt.
- Vote on the name and style of our special beer release.
- Name feature on the labels and our website.
- Beer and food pairing for 3.
Claim your perks NOW!
THE IMPACT
According to the Brewers' Association, there are currently 15 breweries in DC. Of those, 15, only two companies were Black-owned as of 2021. Urban Garden is now the third Black-owned beer brand, which brings the number of Black-owned beer companies in DC to three. While it is now 20% in DC, African-Americans still own less than 1% of breweries nationally, according to reports. In addition to being the third black beer company, UGB is the first Black woman-owned beer brand and distribution company in Washington, DC, and one of the very few that exist nationally. The industry needs a face-lift. Your contribution towards UGB supports history in the making!
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THE VALUE
Over the next 5 years, we will grow our foundation and resources to eventually be able to help other small craft beer brands distribute their products to the local market. We will gain experience through marketing and distributing our products, and by continuing to build strong relationships with local retailers. While a brick-and-mortar brewery would be a dream come true, we want to be of service to our community by becoming a beverage distributor that supports minority brands.
MILESTONES
- Obtained licenses to operate.
- Secured storage space.
- Landed a production contract with a large facility.
- Chamolite beer is in 4 popular locations in Washington, DC.
- Featured in Washington City Paper, DC Beer, and news coverage by WUSA 9!
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RISK AND CHALLENGES
Gender Bias: The craft beer industry is comprised of about 76% male-owned businesses. Gender biases have prevented evolution in the beer space. Entering a male-dominated market as a woman-owned craft beer brand presents many challenges, but it also presents many growth opportunities. Our introduction to the craft beer business will contribute to more female representation in beer thus inspiring more women to join the industry.
Diversity and Inclusion: A consistent issue in craft beer has been its deficiency of diversity, leaving us in the undervalued percentile range of under 1%. As a result, Black-owned craft beer companies are more often subject to less exposure and support. Even though this is the case, our mission includes utilizing this to our advantage by expanding on the blueprint for others to pursue with less friction. This also allows us to circumvent the saturated market with unique and rejuvenating ideas inspired by Black culture.
Crowded US Beer Market: The underserved consumer is our primary target market. Our products will cater to millennials and people of color. Our tea-like recipes, such as our Chamolite, offer a friendly introduction for new beer drinkers as well. Our consumers will include people who enjoy the story behind the beer and are committed to sharing the experience with others.
Limited Start-up Capital and Resources: Our home of Washington, D.C., has granted us access to a considerable number of resources that have aided us in the process of getting our business up and going. Despite the amount of help distributed our way, the reality of operational costs can hit newer businesses hard.
A common practice in the industry which we've decided to adopt is the "Contract Brewing" method. "Nomadic" brewing allows us to tap into the element of collaboration with other breweries and produce great brews at a friendly cost, all while building and growing our relationships in the industry. By taking this route, we avoid the millions of dollars it takes to open a brewery. With the appropriate capital, sustaining the fruits of boundless creativity will be more obtainable.
There will be many more challenges, but we will continue to work diligently to overcome every obstacle presented to us!
Other Ways You Can Help
Can't contribute, no worries! Here are other ways you can help:
Spread the word!
Follow us on social media!
Use the Indiegogo share tools to share our story with others who support craft beer and diversity!
THANK YOU! Cheers!
