Evelyn Kofler & Michelle Lapp of Two Blokes Brewing

CW: When did you decide to go into the business you are in?
Evelyn Kofler: “My husband and I first talked about moving his homebrewing passion to a brewery business in 2011. He loved to homebrew, and his beer was delicious. However, it was taking over our house! He went back to school for brewing science online, and it took five years to write the business plan, get the brewery built and open with a partner. He passed away suddenly in May 2020 due to a stroke. I took over the brewery then with the support of the staff.”

CW: What inspires you?
Michelle Lapp: “I am constantly inspired by the brewing community in the Charleston area. When you need assistance or advice, someone is always willing to step in and offer what they can. During the pandemic and the unexpected loss of our head Bloke, Matty, we saw that firsthand in so many ways. We had more helping hands and offers of assistance than we knew what to do with, and it made me incredibly grateful and proud to have a part in the Charleston craft beer world.”

CW: What inspires you?
Kofler: “Supporting and mentoring women in pursuit of their careers and dreams. Women are underrepresented in the United States brewing industry, but that is changing, and I love that we can be a part of that change. We are a women-owned, women-managed brewery, with women working in both the front of house (taproom) and back of house (brewhouse), and I love that we can say that.”