GUEST EDITOR
MARISSA CARLISLE
Marissa Carlisle, and her husband, Clay, founded Bevi Bene Brewing Co., a local taproom focusing on craft lagers and hard kombuchas, carving a unique niche in Charleston's vibrant food-and-bev scene. In addition to being a business owner, Marissa happens to be incredibly stylish: get inspired by her favorite looks in store now.
Q: Tell us about Bevi Bene. Where did the concept and name for your taproom come from? What was the journey of opening the taproom like?
A: The idea stemmed from Marissa's Italian heritage and Clay's dedication to crafting cleaner, traditionally brewed beer and kombucha. Bevi Bene translates to “drink well” in Italian. “Drinking well” isn't just about adopting a healthier lifestyle; it's about connecting with loved ones or even strangers. That's the essence of what we aim to achieve with Bevi. Also conscious, mindful drinking. The journey started wayyyy back with Clay making beer and kombucha in our driveway. We used to travel a lot (before kids) and loved going to breweries, vineyards, wineries, hotel lobbies. Anywhere we could sit comfortably, connect with each other without distraction with a favorite drink. This is where we drew up an idea for Bevi. Making something our own from designing the space, figuring out what we like, what the public likes and how to create an experience for them every night. Being a part of the Charleston community has been nothing short of beautiful.
Q: You come from a family of restaurant entrepreneurs. How did your family’s experience impact the opening of Bevi Bene?
A: I pretty much grew up in my grandfather's restaurants. Running around all dressed up, eating cherries behind the bar, introducing myself to customers, haha; but witnessing the dedication, hard work, and attention to detail that my family poured in day after day generated a deep appreciation for the service industry. The attention they gave their customers was something of an art and also pretty intimidating to recreate. They loved it. Truly. I always hoped to have something that could match it. When creating Bevi Bene, we didn’t just want to create another brewery. It had to be different, more thoughtful, completely authentic, prettier and with a staff super kind, passionate and knowledgeable about our product.
Marissa's wearing: LABO.ART Giacca Ermou Jacket in Mojave; MARNI Technical Check Wool Cropped Top in Lemon; LOULOU STUDIO Attu Wide Leg Denim Pant in Ivory; DRIES VAN NOTEN Platform Boot in Tan
Q: What makes Bevi Bene different from other taprooms?
A: I think Bevi has a unique blend of Italian-inspired craftsmanship, a commitment to quality ingredients, an inviting atmosphere while also keeping the vibe right. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where guests can gather with friends and family, relax, and connect with one another. Taprooms can feel kind of cold, so we love the idea of a tasting room experience: our taproom is designed to be an airy, comfortable and inviting space, with cozy seating. We want everyone to feel like they can stay a while.
Q: I would love to hear a little bit about your personal style. What sort of clothing do you gravitate towards?
A: I definitely lean into a more gender neutral approach, feeling comfortable and a bit sexy. I LOVE baggy jeans or trousers and always have since growing up. Middle school in the 90’s and early 2000’s during the “going out” top era. It’s become somewhat of a uniform for me. I like to pair something expensive with something less expensive for the perfect balance between luxury and practicality. It adds depth and interest to my outfits and creates a sense of authenticity. I just love putting an outfit together! Anyone can just put a dress on. I love linen which always adds an ease to my wardrobe and is great for hot weather. Good quality linen pants, tiny tops, swimsuits if appropriate.
Q: Does being a business owner impact your style?
A: Being a brewery business owner doesn’t really impact my day-to-day because I can have fun and dress however I want to dress! And I definitely have fun with it. I'm big on sneakers again, and like more of a unisex type style, which always makes me feel almost sexier. I guess that's like a 90s, early 2000s vibe. I'm big on the going out top and a pair of really good denim: I grew up in upstate New York, so we always froze our asses off, but we always looked cute and it didn't matter.
Marissa's wearing: LABO.ART Giacca Ruth Jacket in Jeans; HEIRLOME Josephine Bra in Black; MM6 MAISON MARGIELA Shorts in Off White/Black; MARION PARKE Classic Slingback in Black Glitter Mesh
Marissa's wearing: ALEMAIS Paradiso Shirt Dress in Multi; DOROTHEE SCHUMACHER Emotional Essence Pant in Camellia White; RACHEL COMEY Taro Heel in Gold
Q: When do you feel most beautiful?
A: I feel the most beautiful… at home cooking with a glass of wine, just being mom and just, in a comfortable outfit that I have probably worn 1000 times that I know looks good on me. Yeah, that's it. Barefoot, too.
Q: Do you think being a mom has influenced your style?
A: I do, being a mom of girls. I was always pretty modest growing up, and now that I have little girls, I'm like, no! Show your skin! Be yourself, you know: do you, whatever it is. I'll buy them muted floral dresses and they're like, no, we want sparkle and tutus and I'm like, let's do it! So I think, yeah, just embracing who you are and not being afraid. If you're a girl, a boy, anything like, just really embrace your style, and it's gonna change and that's ok! You need to roll with it. My style changed so many times growing up and I hope that I support my girls in that way and one day, if they come in in all black, just, everything head to toe black: like, yeah, we'll do it and we'll go see Marilyn Manson and just roll with it because it will change. And that's the fun of fashion.
314 King St, Charleston, SC