It’s likely that you’ve already met Joy, she’s been with Lost Worlds since we opened selling to-go beers back in April. Her name is also what she brings to the taproom, we only wish she was here more. Her day job gets in the way of that, but we’ll take what we can get! Meet Joy!

Tell us about yourself…

I am the 3rd of 4 kids from the Ohio Valley area. I grew up along the border of OH, WV, and PA and I am a die hard Steelers fan! I have lived in Charlotte for 18 years now. I went to WVU my first year of school and then moved to Charlotte and went to UNCC. I love that we have a beer called Euchre because I grew up playing that with my grandparents! I work full time for a Point of Sale Software company as a Client Manager. I have worked in bars and restaurants as either a full time or part time gig since I was 16 with the exception of the last 5 or so years and I missed it...so I had to come back!

You've been here from the start - what attracted you and what are the biggest changes you've seen since we opened?

I have really missed the interaction with people that you get when pouring them drinks! I wanted to get back into that world for a "fun job" on the side and Lost Worlds just felt right! I fell in love with the people, atmosphere, and of course the beer from day 1! My first day we were still only able to sell to go beer.. now we can have people sitting at the actual bar (which is my favorite), its been so awesome to be a part of and see how far we have come. Right now, I have to say my favorite night is Tuesday for Music Bingo! I love seeing everyone get together, laugh and sing along to all the songs in such a carefree way! It reminds me of "old times".

What is it about working in the craft beer industry that gets you excited to to come to work this side gig?

I love good beer... I love trying all kinds of new beers... and I LOVE helping people find a beer that they love. Beer brings people together! I love that we have created such a comfortable place for all of our guests and have such a wonderful base of "regulars" but I have to admit that I love when people say its their first time. Watching them fall in love with the adventure guides and beer for the first time is so fun to watch. I get so excited when we come out with a new beer...its so fun to be able to try styles I might not have gone for in the past and really appreciate them!

What’s the most exciting adventure you’ve been on? Or do you have any on the book for next year?

Unlike the rest of our Adventure Guides, my level of adventure and outdoorsiness is drinking on a patio... but a few years ago I had the opportunity to camp with 400 of my co-workers on the beach in Oahu. I have never camped a day in my life and to this day they make fun of me because it was more like glamping, but it was amazing! I was able to experience so many cool firsts during that trip! I would even try camping again!

When you're not beertendering where can we find you?

Music, friends, good beer and wine are my favorite things in life! When I am not working , and it's not 2020, I can be found attending as many live concerts and festivals as I can... or sitting on a patio somewhere with my friends trying a new beer or sharing a bottle (or 2) of wine!

What’s your favorite style of beer?

I would have to say my go to is IPA, but that just seems too easy! I like different beers based on the season or what I am doing... and I love trying all kinds of new beers. Now that it's getting colder out I love a good Porter or Stout! I do have to admit.. I had never had a Black Lager until I tried ours and it's now my favorite beer on our lineup!

Meet Adventure Guide, Joy Ledyard