We had the good fortune of connecting with Meghan Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meghan, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Sonoma, California.

I was surrounded by vineyards, winemaking families, and was deeply inspired how food and beverage is a labor of love, craft, and connection. I also grew up as a grocer’s daughter, my Dad worked for Safeway, and I watched how we as humans buy, interact, and make decisions on what is brought to the table.

I do not think until recently I realized how much my up bringing impacted my passion and drive to work in food, beverage, and agriculture – particularly the storytelling within it.

After high school, I went to Sonoma State and studied marketing with some specializes courses on wine. Funny enough I spent my college days working for Safeway until the romantic wine industry drew me in. My path started working for a winery in Sonoma, working on all the direct to consumer marketing and wine club marketing for this beautiful Italian-focused winery. I spent my early career understanding the power of storytelling and connection. I then left and went into coffee – equally as majestic albeit more global with a critical conversation that surrounded ethical farming.

While in coffee, I realized a gap in agencies and within the niche of food and beverage. A focused firm that could bring design and marketing under one undivided roof. That is when I started Honey in 2008.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Honey is a design and marketing studio in Sacramento, CA.

Founded in 2008, we are a female-led creative studio that intersects design and marketing to create impactful work. Our craft is fueled by a collaborative and holistic process. As experts in the food, beverage, cannabis, and agriculture industries, we focus on building brands, creating connections with audiences, telling stories, and inspiring passion. We love working with a wide range of clients that look to do things differently.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Sacramento. It is a underrecognized city for it’s creative, talent, and food! I feel so grateful that I started Honey in a corncupia of ag land and farm-to-fork.

Favorite eateries
Binchoyaki – yakitori and more!
Shoki Ramen – just reopened this year – thank god
Canon – friends of Honey and creating menus that have put Sacramento into a new canon of food
Jim Denny’s – N’gina reopened this nostalgic diner and is bringing community to casual, upscale dining – bring on that burger
Tres Hermanas – crunchy beef tacos and a margarita – done
Revolution Wines – urban winery (across from our offices, we are so lucky), with incredible food and a fabulous local wine list

Favorite bars
Good News Wine – Bennett brings in wines that will knock your socks off. Natural but don’t freak out. They are incredible!
Butterscotch Den – dark moody and a freezer martini that will make you feel like you are in a MadMen episode

Favorite recreation
Our weather, walking and the American River Trail which is 32 miles of gorgeous bike and running trails on the river is my favorite. Get outside!

Humans to know

Faith McKinnie – art is a beautiful thing and Faith is thought-leader and someone I admire. She started the Black Artist Foundry and I am in awe of her tenacity and what she brings to the cultural and artistic tapestry of our city

Bean Harrah – a staple in the fitness community, Bean and Heather Harrah own Urban Flex and Flow. They are the most impactful and inclusive people and I am lucky enough to say I have been a cycling instructor there for almost 12 years!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people in my life who I hold immense gratitude for but one person certainly shaped the way I lead and also think about marketing. A red-headed Italian, named Paolo Mancini. Paolo was my boss, a mentor, and someone who reminded me always to “write it down” and “pick up the phone.” His analog approach to being present and not letting the digital world usurped human connection is always an anchor for me. I started Honey because I believe food and beverage is the greatest connector. He always reminded me of that. For years we traveled the country together but we always enjoyed meals and celebrating memories with clients who richen their relationships with our brands at the table.

His mentorship and reminder to break bread and talk to people (not type to people) truly helps the work I do and the space I want to hold for honest connection, learning and unlearning, and having conversations that spark new perspectives in my work.

Website: www.workbyhoney.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workbyhoney/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannora/

Image Credits
Headshot – Stephanie Russo. All other images shared by Honey.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.