We’re looking forward to introducing you to LaShanda Poteat. Check out our conversation below.
LaShanda, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Hello my name is LaShanda Poteat I am the everything behind the social media account Blkbeermom. Lately the joy that is fulfilling me outside my duties to my account is that I will become the Grandmother to a baby girl in six few weeks. The joy that over came my heart when I found out my only baby girl will be bringing a precious life into this world, was such a joyous moment. I now will be able to watch her take a step forward in life to become a Mom herself. While giving guidance to her as her mom all while fulfilling the joyous role of being a Glammy (new age grandmother name I gave myself) to a wonderful baby girl. Expanding the family that I have been nurturing since I became a mom at the age of 16 is now closer than I ever imagined. Look out world Blkbeermom is taking on the world as a Glammy in a few short weeks. Cheers.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
So as I briefly mentioned my name is LaShanda Poteat and I am the everything behind the Instagram Blkbeermom. Blkbeermom started as just a way to showcase myself drinking craft beer. Simple as that, well that’s what I thought. As time went by the account took a slight pivot that I didn’t even realize was even happening. I began to follow and interact with other accounts that were focused on BIPOC (Beverage Industry People Of Color). Within lots of these accounts were scholarships for individuals like me that wanted to learn about the beverage industry and interact with those people as well. Me having the mindset that I have, I began to apply for every scholarship that came my way. Because the worst that could happen would be them saying “No” and I’d move onto the next. What happened next was as surprising to me as it was I guess just surprising to me. I began to win those scholarships and they took me to those rooms that I didn’t realize I was meant to be in. I began to meet those like minded individuals and share space while gaining knowledge on how to truly be Blkbeermom.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I can’t give the credit to just one human. This truly goes to two individuals that never doubted me in the beginning and that push me beyond what I think I ever could accomplish. First my fiancee’ Kendall Boone, without his support ,love, patience, kind heart and his grounded personality Blkbeermom would have quit everyday. He takes care of home while I’m away, sometimes weeks at a time. Which at one time consisted of three kids that are not biologically his, which is one thing you would never be able to tell from his actions and love. Supporting my meetups helping with setup and break down. He was my support person for my first Panel Discussion for the Brewers Association. Which meant to me me that he sat in the middle of the room for me to have a focal spot for when was presenting my information. Always telling me I’m doing more than great when I feel like it’s all falling apart. Thank you so much to my emotional support human.
Next is the Karmen Bulmer, everyone should have a kind hearted selfless human in their life like her. She sees more in me til this day than I ever have seen in myself. I think it’s because I see it all in her. The best mom to her two little ones, and the best wife to her husband. If i ever have a doubt I can call on her to bring me back to reality and send me to the stars and moon with encouraging, kind and motivating words. At any event she’s there to help and most of all makes sure that I am doing ok. Always with a beautiful smile on her face and a glow about herself when she steps into any room. Thank you so much for just being you.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many times that I have wanted to give up. The end of last year being the heaviest of those times. I was experiencing burn out, I was tired of taking the trips, I was beginning to experience imposter syndrome but most of all I was mentally exhausted. At this point I was going to deactivate my page and go silent for the first six months of 2025. And then two things happened. My daughter announced at our family Christmas Eve gathering that she was pregnant. Right before that happened I was asked to help with a very popular beer festival named Rare and Vintage.
Wow I’m going to be a grandmother I can’t give up now. This tiny human needs to know how hard Glammy (new age grandmother name I gave myself) has been working through out her life to create space for BIPOC individuals.
What an honor to be asked to work to create more space for BIPOC individuals at a festival that gives back to MJF (Michael Jackson Foundation). While bringing so many humans together in a city (Durham, North Carolina) so close to my hometown (Graham, North Carolina).
Here I am on my last six months of my three year term as a Board Member for The Pink Boots Society. Smarter and braver than I ever was when I step into these rooms. Doing the work with a new look on who Blkbeermom is.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Becoming a Certified Cicerone. Whew that was hard to type. I have been on this journey me entire Craft Beer career. I’ll study for months, schedule my test and two weeks prior to testing reschedule my exam. I’m not sure why this test intimidates me so badly. I know many that have passed and I know many that have failed, but I struggle to even attempt the test. I full heartedly know that I will pass this test but it’s something in me that struggles with the thought of not passing the first time. So here’s to me attempting before the year is out.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
That’s easy, I’m doing what I was born to do. As a Scorpio I don’t do well with being “told” to do something. And my mom can very well tell you the same about me. I’ve always set out to do what I want while to accomplishing what I need. Becoming a mom early gave me the opportunity to get on this path of Craft beer later in life because that’s how my story is to be written. Continue to watch as more of my story continues to unfold.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkbeermom/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/blkbeermom?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6e3ff69b-d83e-44cb-8334-dacfd054e9b0
