Walking into a space that immediately feels intentional, warm and inviting can be a rare experience - but that is exactly what you feel at Amani Brewing Company in Martinsburg, West Virginia. This collaboration between VBanz Photography captures the heart of a family-owned brewery where craft beer, community, and storytelling photography intersect.
As the photographer behind VBanz Photography, my role was to bring this story to life visually - to preserve the atmosphere, the passion, and the people that make Amani so unique.
Founding story & Inspiration
When chatting with Paris, I asked about Amani's founding story and her response says it all. Amani Brewing began with a clear vision: bring exceptional craft beer to the Eastern Panhandle and to create a space where people could connect, hangout, and enjoy themselves and each other. Curt, the owner, transformed a long-time home-brewing hobby that he loved into a thriving business. He loved it so much that he wanted to share his passion with others - and just like that Amani was born!
"The journey from the first home brew batch to our operations now was quite the jump! Curt home brewed for 8+ years, dialing in processes, recipes, etc. and it wasn’t until he was 100% satisfied with the end product, would he consider putting it out for the public" - Hazy Day Maker, their house NEIPA that they are very much proud of - one of the first home brews that Curt made - underwent over 20 tweaks and variations!
The brewery is a family-owned operation - a husband, wife, and daughter team (Curt, Chrissy, and Paris). Amani translates to peace, love, and "the most beautiful girl", reflecting Paris' middle name and the values the family brings to their business. From the daisy logo (Chrissy's birth month flower) to the color palette seen in both the logo and decorations inside of the building are inspired by the sunrises and sunsets seen at Amani. The family developed the concept of Amani with the goal of creating a space where all could come, feel welcomed and at peace, enjoying craft beer, food, coffee, and community.
Community & Culture
Community is woven into the fabric of Amani Brewing. They actively partner with local organizations such as Thin Line Service Dogs, Random Acts of Kindness, Briggs Animal Adoption Center, and the Boys and Girls Club and so much more, hosting events to raise awareness and funds.
"We also feel as though we have created a welcoming and inclusive environment where anyone (kids and pups included) can come and find a place where they are treated with kindness and warmth - [a place that feels like home or a second home]".
They felt that the Martinsburg and Spring Mills area needed this and they are thrilled to be a part of that along with other business that have the same vision.
During my time capturing the brewery through photography, it became clear that the environment is as much about people as it is about beer. Regulars are treated like family, every interaction tells a story of connection and care.
Amani gave me the opportunity to collaborate with them in creative ways - they welcomed me and hosted me as a vendor for a Hoppy Holiday Mini Session, which was a huge hit for my pop-up mini sessions. The family also gave me the opportunity to photograph several events, including beer launches, Night Markets, and Friendsgiving - each offering a unique perspective on their vibrant community and culture.
Beer & Food
While Amani has their favorite styles to produce and consume, they offer a sophisticated range of beer styles, ensuring something for every palate: Hazy IPAs, Lagers, Kölsches, Porters, Sours, Stouts, and more adventurous styles like Belgian Strong Ales, Cucumber Blonde Ales, and Irish Reds. Many specialty beers incorporate their own honey and hops, and the brewery recently began growing ingredients in their own garden this past year.
Their staples, Hazy Day Maker (NEIPA) and The Mountaineer (Pilsner), remain crowd favorites, while hidden gems like Helles Lager, Rice Lager, and Nitro Stout invite exploration. A simple yet perfect pairing: any lager with the Mountaineer pizza or a classic pepperoni pizza.
business philosophy & vision
Amani Brewing approaches the craft beer industry with collaboration over competition - which as photographer, I align with collaboration very intentionally. Other local breweries are seen as partners, and intentional relationships with customers are paramount. For instance as a local myself, my family and friends have always felt welcomed - with our children and fur babies.
"Our long term goals consist of continuous steady growth – expanding at a pace that is right for us, always making decisions based on our “why.”
"We aren’t totally sure what is in store for us in the future, but know that it will always consist of great beer, food, cocktails, and a friendly environment."
They have a very exciting line up of beers for 2026, along with events and plans that will soon be revealed.
The next biggest event is their 4th Birthday Party held on Valentines Day - February 14th! There will be 3 new beers that will be released along side the celebration of an outstanding 4 years of business.
Fun & personal
"If our brewery was as person, it’d be one that enjoys drinking great beer with friends, loves being outside, going to fun events, and putting itself out there to experience new things! They’d be kind, extroverted, welcoming, and a lover of all things craft! They’d be passionate about supporting the earth and any cause that focuses on the building up of our youth, and of course, furry friends!"
"The funniest request we have ever had was to put in a golf course! "
Capturing the story through photography
Through this special collaboration, I sought to do more than take photos — I aimed to capture the spirit of a family-owned brewery and the people who make it special.
Every image highlights the intention behind the space, the care in the craft,
and the warmth of community that defines Amani.
Working with Amani reinforced the importance of telling authentic small business stories visually. Photography is not just about aesthetics; it’s a tool to communicate brand values, culture, and connection. Capturing them during events like beer launches, Friendsgiving, Night Market, and pop-up sessions like the Hoppy Holiday Mini Session allowed me to showcase their vibrancy and community engagement in real-time.
For small businesses looking to share their vision and connect with their audience, I partner closely to create images that reflect purpose, passion, and personality — capturing the moments and details that make your story uniquely yours.
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