Sarah French, a lifelong Maryland native, made a career change into the craft brewing industry over a year ago. She started as a part-time beer-tender in the taproom for 7 Locks Brewing in Rockville. Before making that transition into the world of craft suds, she was a holistic animal nutrition specialist for 7 years.
The majority of Sarah’s education and experience is in advanced behavior modification, positive reinforcement dog training, and holistic pet nutrition. So, she was very excited to dive into a new industry and learn a very different set of skills.
Fast forward to the Spring of 2020, when the demand for beer production grew as people started working from home. As a result, Sarah was offered a full-time position which involved some work on the production end. She is currently training under the Master Brewer at 7 Locks Brewing and will hopefully be able to step into the role of Brewer’s Assistant later this year.
She says that she adores animals and will always have a passion for the dog rescue community, especially pit bulls. Also, she loves to kayak and explore the great outdoors!
More about Sarah:
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a daughter (3.5 years old), 2 rescued cats and a rescued rabbit.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Current and future – Craft beer brewer! I love the continued education, craft, and skill of making each recipe, and the people who work in this industry!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Gringos & Mariachis, Lebanese Taverna,& I also love all of the local food trucks!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Worked here for 14 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Athena, the owner and operator of Key To Lion’s Heart Rescue (in Rockville).
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Sweden. I have a lot of family there and I have always wanted to visit!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Spartacus, The 10th Kingdom, Community, True Lies.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Make pet adoption your first option! Also, patience is a virtue.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To own a small farm and grow all of my own food!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Glass Animals & Alabama Shakes.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Bark! Pawsitive Petfood & Jeepers.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Judy Cicala, the owner of 6 East Salon. I would meet her at Gringos & Mariachis.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The craft breweries, the farmer’s markets, and the dog rescue community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Owning a craft brewery and a small farm where I can grow herbs, food, and hops.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I brew and ferment a lot of holistic remedies at home. I also love to paint with acrylics, go kayaking, and read.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Northern Maine along the coastline.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July, Halloween and January 25th.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The 7 Locks Devil’s Alley IPA.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jane Goodall.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite scents?
Cinnamon & Coffee.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Siblings, Holidays, Animals.