Artrepreneur Podcast

Kevin Ryan and Meredith Sutton transform military discipline and artistic flair into a brewery uplifting communities.

  In this Creative Companies edition, host Grace Cho meets Kevin Ryan and Meredith Sutton, the duo behind Savannah’s Service Brewing. What began with a Valentine’s Day home-brew kit has grown into a 27,000-sq-ft brewery overlooking River Street, where military discipline meets bold design—right down to artist-commissioned labels on its sought-after Double IPAs.   Kevin traces the journey from West Point and two company commands in Iraq to a corporate detour at Booz Allen and CareCore, before that 2012 home-brew gift changed his trajectory. Meredith—a SCAD-trained metals artist whose pieces have appeared in Lark’s 1000 Rings, Martha Stewart Living, and on the 2016 New York Fashion Week runway—channeled her visual storytelling into the fledgling brand. Two years later, the couple opened Service Brewing, weaving Army rigor and art-school imagination into a business whose very name honors service to country and community.   Creativity fuels every release. So far, Service Brewing and Artrepreneur have partnered on four open calls, each inviting artists to re-imagine declassified military stories for the brewery’s Double IPA labels. The newest can—part of the Ghost Army series—drops on May 17 and features work by Artrepreneur artist Esteban Martínez. Service’s support doesn’t end when the contest does: one earlier winner was commissioned to turn her label art into short animations for the brewery’s social rollout, proof that the team keeps nurturing talent long after the initial collaboration.   Purpose fuels outreach, too. A 24-person team keeps the tanks humming while SkillBridge internships help soldiers transition to civilian life, and the taproom doubles as a no-cost venue for community makers. Since launch, Service Brewing has directed more than $350,000 to high-impact veteran and first-responder charities—proof that every pour can give back.   About Service Brewing: Founder Kevin Ryan applies his engineering management and Army leadership experience to guide brewing operations and foster innovation, while co-founder Meredith Sutton shapes the brand’s look, products, and community programs. Dedicated to giving back, the Savannah-based brewery channels its success toward organizations that support veterans and first responders.

Raychel Wade shares her journey from makeup artist to celebrated interior designer crafting timeless, livable spaces.

  Join Grace Cho, CEO of Artrepreneur, as she sits down with Raychel Wade, a New York-based interior designer known for her ability to reimagine tradition and craft timeless, layered spaces. In this episode, Raychel takes us on a journey through her fascinating career—from growing up in rural Vermont with an architect father who shaped her appreciation for design, to an unexpected start in the beauty industry, and finally, to becoming the owner of Raychel Wade Design, a firm celebrated for its elevated yet livable interiors.   Raychel shares insights into her creative evolution, highlighting how her early experiences on job sites and her love of color and texture seamlessly transitioned from makeup artistry to interior design. She also opens up about the challenges and triumphs of starting her design business without formal training, learning on the job, and leveraging meaningful client relationships to build a portfolio that speaks for itself. This conversation dives into her design philosophy, the importance of setting boundaries with clients, and her candid reflections on navigating the financial and emotional aspects of running a creative business. Listeners will be inspired by Raychel’s advice on finding courage in the face of uncertainty, the power of massive action, and the necessity of surrounding yourself with mentors and like-minded peers. She also discusses her future aspirations—including the dream of flipping or building her own house—and how her father’s legacy continues to influence her work.   About Raychel Wade Design: Raychel Wade Design specializes in crafting elevated spaces that are both personalized and tailored for everyday living. Owner Raychel Wade grew up in rural Vermont, where her architect father instilled in her a deep appreciation for design, allowing her to develop a unique ability to envision a space’s potential from a young age. Today, she combines her expertise in interiors with a passion for layered, textured designs, ensuring that each project reflects her clients’ lifestyles

Toby Usnik: From corporate communications to social impact, championing art's role in global connections.