Chantel | Co-Owner, Novel Strand Brewing Co.

One of the first things that struck me on our way to Colorado was the lack of diversity. Where I’m from, I was one in a mass of people who looked like me. In Denver, I’m usually the odd one out. Also, being in the craft beer industry, there are not many people who look like me. When we opened our brewery, there was a lot of conversation around what it looks like to be Afro-Latina in beer. It’s been an interesting experience to figure out who I am here. I haven’t quite figured that out yet, but I feel like I’ve allowed myself to be more comfortable in my skin. Denver is so laid back and judgment-free. There’s a certain level of freedom here.