During this Mindful March at Virtue, we are taking time to recognize all the hard-working female-identifying folks on our team! We celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month with a quick intro to the women of Virtue:
JAMIE YONKER
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
A year and some odd months ~ farmhand, kitchen, host, bar staff.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I worked for an airline for 2.5 years in Grand Rapids, was a farmhand on organic farms around the US, and am back in school!
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
Between events, new releases, and fresh faces, no two days are the same. Andddd there are so many animals to talk to and share snacks with. 🐷🐰🐑🐣
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
I work with so many cool chicks. All artsy and awesome and brilliant in their own right.
What’s your favorite cider?
Aardbei in the summer, Percheron in the winter.
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
Inside the Deep Creek Mine in Colorado, during the wrap party of The Hateful Eight, Quentin Tarantino asked me to move off of a totally empty couch. I've never been the same since.
GEORGIA HERTZ
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I have been working at Virtue for just one month as a farm hand assistant, but already it feels like home!
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC, but moved to Charleston, SC, in 2011 to study history and creative writing at the College of Charleston. After graduating with a B.A. I worked as a stagehand in various theatres around town - I definitely missed seeing the sunshine, though! In August of 2019 my partner and I made the move to western Michigan with our two dogs.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
While I haven't been here long, from day 1 I have been welcomed with open arms and made to feel greatly appreciated for all work that I do. My job is more than just feeding animals or mending fences; I love all my coworkers (two-legged, four-legged, and feathered) and have a vested interest in their happinesses as well as the happiness of our customers. Already it feels like a big family.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
I used to get underestimated a lot (in terms of strength, especially) working in tech theatre. Now my boss says "Go hang that gate on the fence" or "Here's a hammer, patch up this hole" and there's no doubt in her mind that I can accomplish the task. It's very refreshing (Thanks, Johanna!)
What’s your favorite cider?
Michigan Cherry
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
I'm a published poet, I play 7 instruments, and my favorite Disney princess is Tiana (gumbo is also my favorite food).
KAELY REED
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I’ve been at Virtue Cider Farm for almost 2 years now, I help Johanna slay the taproom.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
Born in Pontiac, grew up on the west side (best side). Coffee was my launching point into the beverage industry.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
Fuzzy animals (duh), my coworkers, THE CIDER, the sound of the compressor.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
I’m impressed and inspired by the women around me constantly, THANK YOU.
What’s your favorite cider?
Anything jazzy, anything with our name on it.
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
Talk to me about plants please.
SARA ROPER
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I’ve been at Virtue for a little over 7 months and my title is Farm to Table Specialist.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I am Peruvian but was raised here in Michigan. I’ve worked off and on in the school system for roughly 14 years as well as in the food industry for 25 years.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
I love the joy it brings my heart to feed our guests as well as our team. Seeing people enjoy themselves through food and cider as well as the environment on the farm makes me so happy. I also really love our animals though. They bring such peace to my soul.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
I work with amazing people that encourage me everyday. Also I work with some stellar boss ladies that know what’s up!
What’s your favorite cider?
I love Michigan Honey and our new Flock ice cider! Really love Virtue Cider Pear too and can’t wait to see it on the shelf this summer!
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
When Sara is not doing volunteer work in cultural preservation projects, she loves feeding the pigs and sheep baguettes and stuffing her own face with cheese and pickled veggies.
JOHANNA BYSTROM
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
Sometimes I have to remember the seasons I’ve been with Virtue by how many birthdays I’ve lived here. I’m 33 now and have been celebrating since I turned 29. So I’m entering my fifth rotation around the Virtue Sun. I’m the Consumer Experience Manager which means I manage farm animals and people and cider lines.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I was born in Florida and grew up in Michigan, very confusing I know. I’m a first-generation farmer with 9 years of greenhouse, vegetable CSA and sheep management experience at various locations from central New York to my current role here at Virtue. Being a young farmer also required a lot of side work in farm-to-table restaurants, event coordination, and line prep. I feel fortunate to know the whole round process of hospitality and how food/beverages reach our lips as consumers (and how to get it there with excellence).
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
I love our relationships with farmers. If I can’t be driving a tractor, I want to be an ambassador for those who do. Farmers are the ultimate example of honorable work ethic and the truest hospitality. Also our cider is delicious.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry?
It’s hard but not impossible to make yourself important. I’ve learned so much in the past few years about taking responsibility for how I want to be seen and heard. It’s a balance, practice and effort, but I’m inspired on tired days by the women who have done the work to be my scaffolding, and I want to hold someone else up too in my lifetime. So we press on. (Apple press on!)
What’s your favorite cider?
Lifetime fan of Lapinette, and Flok, our new ice cider, has sheep knees on the label so you know I’m in.
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
In my lifetime I’ve assisted 3 human births, 32 lamb births and 2 pig births. I’m some kind of doula I guess.
AILEEN GLOVER
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I have worked at Virtue since last October and I am a member of the farm team. So I get to take care of all the cute animals!
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I am from Saugatuck, Michigan, and that is where I currently reside. I went to school for Animal Science and also Ecology/Evolutionary Biology. I have worked a wide range of jobs from retail, restaurants, and also a few horse barns.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
There are a lot of things to like about working at Virtue. I love how everything that is done at Virtue is done with a purpose and they are always thinking of their environmental impact. It feels really good to be a part of a team that cares so much about our natural resources and the footprint we leave for future generations. I also love the animals! It’s really great coming to work and having all these adorable faces excited to see you.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
I feel like women are the backbone of our industry and can sometimes be the most under-appreciated. Women get stuff done!
What’s your favorite cider?
Cardinale, our collaboration with Wicked Weed Brewing, is my absolute favorite.
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
I have three four-legged kids: two cats, a horse, and soon will be adding a sheep to that crew! I also collect house plants and currently have over 200 different varieties of plants in my house.
AMBER BLUE
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I have been a part of the Virtue family for about three months now as an Assistant Manager.
What is your background?
I am super-local—born and raised in Fennville! I grew up working in a fudge kitchen, where I've spent the last 10 years pouring my heart and soul into managing four stores, famously known as Kilwins. Working under the most amazing owners, I learned so much more than any business class could teach me!
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider? Oh so many things!
I have always wanted to work on a farm, and Virtue is just beautiful! I love that we run a 48-acre sustainable working farm always giving back to the animals, bees, and trees. I also love that our cider is made from only local apples, and doesn't contain any added sugar. Mostly I love that everyone who works here is simply amazing!
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
Never let anyone hold you back, work hard, and move mountains. Anything is possible.
What’s your favorite cider?
I haven't found one I don't like, but right now I love mixing Old Spot and Michigan Cherry!
OPAL WALLE
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your background?
It's been a glorious year of slinging cider here at Virtue!
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
Coffee, people, and books. Oooh and puppies! I grew up in Pullman.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
I like flexing my creative muscles in a beautiful setting close to home.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
As a human in this industry, I feel supported and encouraged. Additionally, zazzle.
What’s your favorite cider?
Divisé and Briard!
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
My real name is Casey. Shh don't tell anyone.
RACHEL PEABODY
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I’ve been at Virtue since May 2019 as an analyst in our quality lab.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I am from Michigan, born and raised. Before coming to Virtue, I worked in environmental testing for about two years after college.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
Working for Virtue combines pretty much everything I’m passionate about. I get to do the scientific work behind making a creative, artisanal product. Plus I get to do it in an environment that is close to nature. I couldn’t ask for a better fit.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
I was way too excited when we hired Rebecca. I’m finally not the only woman on the production team anymore!
What’s your favorite cider?
It’s so hard to pick…. But for me, anything in our Mitten series of bourbon barrel-aged cider is hard to top.
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
I leave snacks scattered around Cider House 1, Louie drags me for my cup ramen habits at work, and I have been told the lab has the best music. I wish I could use emojis in emails.
REBECCA GALVIN
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I am a Cidermaker at Virtue Cider and began working here in September 2019.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I am from Corvallis, OR and I have a BS in Chemical Engineering. My previous work experience includes working as a lab technician at Allegheny Technologies Incorporated which is a specialty metals and chemicals company and working as a mechanical engineer for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
My favorite thing about working at Virtue Cider is the opportunity to be creative. There are many small batch ciders and innovative ideas that we get to play around with. I really enjoy the fact that Virtue Cider sources local raw materials for our ciders and that plays into the farm to bottle idea.
What’s your favorite cider?
My favorite cider is this year’s Lapinette, which we just bottled, but my favorite cider may change as we continue to experiment with new flavors.
RACHEL HEFFERAN
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I started helping out as a host last summer, I give tours and welcome guests in to the ciderhouse.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I'm a Fennvillian! West Michigan Native, I raise chickens and goats and am currently getting my Masters in Fine Arts - I'm a weaver.
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
Virtue has been like home for a long time - It's my family.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry.
People can build each other up in an amazing way, it does make a difference to recognize individuals, I think everyone can get behind that.
What’s your favorite cider?
Lapinette. maybe Old Spot. No, Aardbei is bae.
Anything else interesting you’d like to add?
I'm OBSESSED with microbes!
AMANDA LEMKE
How long have you been at Virtue Cider and what is your role?
I've been at Virtue for a year now and work in the taproom slinging cider.
What is your background? (Hometown, previous jobs/experience)
I'm a local Fennvillian. Kinda cool because I grew up going to Crane’s and playing with kids from Fenn Valley. Now all of us kids are working on the farms!
What do you like about working at Virtue Cider?
It's refreshing to be surrounded by customers who are just out for a good time, laid back and happy and not afraid to get dirty. I like it when Jamie cranks up the 90's country and does her weird dance.
Any comment you’d like to give about being a female in your industry?
Our girls here at Virtue specifically are all so tough, talented and have huge hearts. It's always been a little difficult to work or do projects with so many women, but these girls here make it easy and fun. No matter what industry you in it makes me proud to see women come together and rock-out challenging jobs.
What’s your favorite cider?
Old Spot; I also like how the real ones snore!
Anything else interesting you’d like to add.
I am thrilled to be raising another amazing woman to contribute to this world. Watch out for Ava Splash! My middle name is Sunshine.