Raquel Duplin, Venue Manager | Private Events Manager | Marketing Manager | In-house Designer at Ferus Artisan Ales
Photo by Kathleen Ivy
Raquel Duplin has worked at Ferus Artisan Ales since before it opened. She started posting teasers on social media in fall 2018 of the upcoming brewery. She manages marketing, the venue and private events manager. In addition, she designs the website, labels, swag and anything else Ferus needs. Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and many rescue animals, as well as cooking, gardening, hosting friends, crafting and renovating her home. She spends her spare time coordinating events outside of work. The Birmingham Punk Rock Flea Market, which started in 2016, is one of her favorite events to do.
How did you get your start in the food industry?
McDonald’s? I have not had too many jobs. I tend to stick with them for a while and keep myself busy with outside projects when I get bored. After McDonald’s, I was a server, bartender and mural painter for Mellow Mushroom. A few years later I was a barista at a DIY venue/art space in Pennsylvania. In 2016 I ended up back in Alabama and took a position as a catering manager for Saw’s BBQ and Post Office Pies. I also briefly did some social media marketing for Avondale Brewery.
How has your role changed from starting the brewery to now?
When we first opened, I was in charge of social media marketing, catering, graphic design and helped with front-of-house operations. When anything starts off, you wear a lot of hats. Ha–I still do. Ferus has been a transformative experience. I transitioned into event coordination and bookings as well as expanding my marketing knowledge beyond social media. I am very grateful for this opportunity to grow all these years, and I still continue to do so.
What has been your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is doing so many different things for my job. Some days I am behind a computer coordinating events, sending contracts, writing newsletters and advancing shows. Some days I get to draw all day for a new design or concept. Some days I get to come up with content for our social media pages. Some days I get to meet with individuals that want to take an idea and turn it into something bigger, and just by facilitating a space and marketing resources, I can help. No day is the same; I think that is why I still enjoy my job and continue to work here.
How have you enjoyed working with the community of Trussville?
I have enjoyed getting to know the Trussville community. It is a tight-knit community that likes to support one another. Ferus wouldn’t exist without all of the support from Trussville. I love creating events and an atmosphere that brings people together. That could be a baby shower in the private event space or a tribute show that gets a crowd moving and singing along.
What is the best food-and-drink combo at Ferus ?
The easiest question! Pretzel Sticks with a Pilsner.
