As Seen On : Michelle Riaz

[introduction + interview by kayla doyle]

I have never really liked beer. 

I have tried everything from sours, to IPAs, pumpkin ales with sugary rims, coffee porters, and even heavy stouts, much to the suggestion of others. “You’ll grow to like it,” some have said, “You just have to find the kind you like."

About three years ago, I decided and started to state more firmly, that nope, I am not a beer drinker. I have mostly made peace with this, although there are still moments when I wish I liked beer...moments when I find myself at breweries. 

Ah, breweries. I love the community, loud beer hall activity, live music, outdoor beer gardens, communal tables, the casual standing, drinking, snacking, mingling that breweries offer. I love that it’s acceptable to show up to a brewery in athletic clothing after a run or a casual day exploring a different town. I love the friendliness, the food trucks, and the fun events that they host. I even love the shiny tanks that resemble the crafting or making of something local, original, and good. 

Also, the people I love, love breweries. Sure, it feels a little awkward when ale-orders are being swung around but soon, I carve out a little space for myself and I’m just enjoying it like everyone else. A little uncomfortable at first but then, “You just grow to like it!”

Recently I spoke with Michelle Riaz who is an Amy Vander Els wearer, local Amesbury resident, and the co-owner of Brewery Silvaticus in Amesbury, MA. I forgot to ask if she was a beer drinker. 

Here, here!

KD

Michelle, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am originally from Brooklyn, New York. Jay (my husband) and I have lived in a lot of different places before settling in Amesbury, Mass. When we first started dating we moved to the Mountain View, California for 4 yrs then back to NYC for 3 years, then to Denali Park, Alaska for 5 years and here we are now in Amesbury. Curiosity, work, a love of exploration and travel have moved us all about the country.

You and Jay own and operate Brewery Silvaticus in Amesbury, MA. What do you love about the work that you do? 

 We love creating a welcoming environment for our patrons, where they can enjoy good beer with family & friends, meet new people, and feel at ease. We have met so many wonderful people at the brewery who we have become dear friends with, who we have collaborated with and who may even work with us now. It's all about this community. 

Jay Bullen + Michelle Riaz, Silvaticus Brewery

The brewery is located in an interesting part of town, in the same mill building as Amy’s jewelry studio. What made you choose this location for Silvaticus?

The brewery is located in an old boiler room that used to power the mills. We are the first establishment in the space and have been able to bring it back to life in a different industry. We selected this location because it was important for us to be in an inspiring beautiful space, which it truly is. Plus we’re located right on the PowWow River, with outdoor seating, next to parking and walkable to all places downtown….We love it!

Silvaticus Brewery (and my studio window, 2nd floor on the right side)

I am not a beer drinker but I love breweries as they are a more casual place where people can come together. Silvaticus has long tables and feels quite open as a space. What were your intentions as you did the build-out for the brewery.

Communal seating, no TVs, family friendly. It's all about enjoying the simplicity of conversation and good beer in a welcoming environment.

The taproom

You and Jay moved to Amesbury and started the brewery in 2017. What has this little city meant to you and how have you seen it change since you moved here?

It’s comforting to live and work somewhere that you know your neighbors, traffic stops when you go to cross the street, strangers say “hello” and “good morning”. I'm not used to that growing up in NYC. Living in this small, close-knit community, you always run into someone you know whether you're grabbing a coffee, a beer, going for a hike or at the grocery store. There is something very comforting about that.

Someone once said, you guys are shaking up this little town. Having coffee shops and breweries downtown that are community orientated has definitely drawn more young people and families to Amesbury.  

Have you always been in the service or food/beverage industry? What else have you explored or tried?

My background for most of my life has been in retail management & HR. In addition to Silvaticus, I also work for a non profit organization that provides cultural exchange opportunities for university students from around the world. This job has afforded me the opportunity to travel all over the globe and helps me do some good in this world.

What did 2020 and the start of 2021 help you remember or learn? Either personally or, as a business owner. 

Personally, that slowing down and enjoying some of the simpler parts of life is just as satisfying if not more than being busy all the time with work and travel. Don’t get me wrong, I have itchy feet and can't wait to start traveling again but having the time to make our new house our home, adding a puppy to our family and chilling outdoors or by a fire has been wonderful too. As a business owner, we are so grateful to be part of such a wonderful community that has been supportive through every pivot and challenge the pandemic has challenged us with.

You’ve hosted everything from yoga classes and artisan markets at Silvaticus. What do you like about holding or hosting these events? What does it add or bring to the brewery and the community at large? 

Silvaticus is so much more than a taproom. The events we host give me a platform to bring an element of what is important to me to our business. Jay makes great beer, there is no denying that. My contribution to our business and what is important to me is to use our space in creative ways that invites new folks to our taproom for a plethora of reasons. From yoga classes, to food trucks, to makers markets, to run club, to trivia to puppy adoption fundraisers - Silvaticus is a space for all. We are Amesbury’s brewery. I can’t begin to tell you how many wonderful people I have met because of all the events we have hosted.

The beer garden on food truck night (pre-Covid obv)

Speaking of events, please tell us about the artisan market that is coming up soon.

Our upcoming Silvaticus Mother’s Day Market happening on Saturday, May 1 from 11am to 4pm, and will be held outdoors in the Lower Millyard with 15+ vendors! It's a curated group of local artists, makers and business owners who each bring something unique to the market. It's going to an absolutely amazing event. All must come! 

How did you come to connect with Amy? How did you meet and start working together? 

It’s hard to remember if we met first over beer at the brewery or coffee at the Bakehouse. Amy's studio is next door to the brewery. I have admired her jewelry from the get-go and I probably made it a point to meet her. I pretty much wear her earrings exclusively now. Amy and I share a love of travel, nature, and working with the community. We have collaborated on organizing and promoting the market together. Couldn't do it without her! 

What piece of Amy’s can you be seen wearing? How do you typically wear them?

The Mina Hoops - they are everyday pieces that make a statement and I wear them all the time, mainly with a top bun and jeans or overalls.

Michelle in the Mina Hoops , Gia Studs with turquoise, Carnelian Necklace + Silvaticus Hoodie

Thank you so much for reading our latest installment of As Seen On, and please be sure to check out silvaticusbeers.com to learn more about this special brewery in the heart of Amesbury. And we’d love to see you at the Mother’s Day Market on Saturday, May 1, 11a-4pm in the Lower Millyard before stopping by the beer garden for a pint with your friends. Actually, after. Why don’t you come after? Tipsy shopping is the best.

ASO readers, please enjoy 20% off Michelle’s favorite AVE style, the Mina Hoops. Discount is automatically taken at checkout.

If you or someone you know wears Amy’s pieces and is interested in being featured in our “Ode to the Wearers", please reach out to us. We’d love to learn more about you and what you wear.