Meet Madeline Rawicki: General Manager and Event Director

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

Hi Madeline, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I gave birth to a precious baby girl this February, so my work-life balance changed drastically. I’ve been working at Celestial Beerworks for the past two years, and throughout this time from single life to pregnancy to motherhood, I’ve reaped the benefits of family-focused ownership and flexibility in management. I consider myself a bit of a workaholic, especially while having such a fun job, so my daughter has forced me to slow down and to be present, giving my all, in each moment, whether it’s with her at home or while working at the brewery.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since graduating with a degree in Communications from Texas A&M, I have been all over the place career-wise. I tried my hand at nannying, fundraising, marketing, hospitality, and my favorite-events. Before landing at Celestial, I worked at a few different non-profit organizations planning fundraising programs, and realized that creating a comfortable, fun and welcoming environment for attendees was my passion and forte. I have brought my variety of experience to my role at Celestial and have loved learning the operations and administration sides of small business. Each role and company culture has brought me to my current position and management style. A central philosophy of providing the best product possible is our driving factor. This weaves through our entire atmosphere, from the beer to the ambiance and, perhaps most importantly, the team. We’ve struggled, as any small business has, with personnel, facility and production issues. Most recently, of course, the pandemic and congruent lock-down have upended our structure, but our team has displayed resilience and adaptability far beyond expectation, for which I am incredibly impressed and grateful. We can only bring quality if we are quality, and I am lucky to be part of an exceptional organization.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh wow – I must say, I am known for my “funtineraries”, so this is right up my alley! I’ll scale down the crazy a bit, though. I am a fiend for live music and quality cocktails, so I’d bring a friend to Reveler’s Hall followed by a night cap at La Reunion in Bishop Arts. During the day I’d head downtown and have a coffee at The Henry, then set up a picnic at Klyde Warren park followed by a tour to the Museum of Illusions and the Dallas Museum of Art. An evening rooftop snack and drink at the Statler’s Waterproof bar would follow with a final refreshment at the Midnight Rambler speakeasy-esque bar of the Joule Hotel. Still searching for my favorite dive and karoake bars! On some of these days I’d want to share the experience that Dallas outdoors has to offer, so we’d paddle board on White Rock Lake and walk along the trails of Cedar Ridge. I’d definitely take a lot of time hanging out in parks and outdoor patios with Amelia. I love introducing her to all the local spots, as well! Some of my favorite past times are trying out coffee shops and other breweries, so I’d bring my friend to Manhattan Project for my favorite coffee in Dallas followed by a delicious beer, and then continue the tour to Oak Cliff, Peticolas, False Idol (as soon as they open!), and Turning Point – as well as Celestial, of course!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As both my boss and my family, my sister and her husband who own Celestial Beerworks, have supported me in every facet of my life throughout my pregnancy and start of motherhood. They’ve allowed me the flexibility to work as much or as little as needed while offering endless love to my daughter, Amelia, and guidance to me as a parent. I also want to shoutout to Jordan Peterson’s book, 12 Rules for Life, which I read feverishly during my pregnancy to help me prepare for the impending chaos of parenthood! Honestly, it would be impossible to list everyone here who has encouraged me and supported my efforts. Every family member and friend has made a huge impact in my life, and now in the life of my daughter. I have to shout out to her dad as well, who has given everything to love and be present for Amelia, and made it possible for me to return to Celestial, along with my parents who care for her while I work.