We’re back with our Brooklyn Special Effects January Sessions, where we spotlight the artists, musicians, and makers whose passion and creativity charge our borough with its unmatched energy. In the spirit of Dry (or Dryish) January, we caught up with a few of our neighbors to hear how Brooklyn Special Effects helps them stay inspired and do what they love.

Based in Elmhurst, Queens, Erin Kelly Meuchner is the founder and creative force behind Meuchner, a bespoke jewelry brand she built from the ground up. Known for their distinctive designs, Erin’s pieces have caught the attention of tastemakers like Zoe Saldana and Dakota Johnson, and earned her a feature in W Magazine.

Erin opened up about her transformation from part-time food service worker to full-time artist and entrepreneur, attributing much of her success to her decision to embrace moderation in drinking. This shift brought clarity, creativity, and focus into her life, giving her the confidence to take a leap and fully dedicate herself to following her dream. We sat down with Erin to learn about what keeps her motivated and grounded from day to day, like finding moments to express gratitude, and taking up horseback riding as a way to push her potential – physically and creatively – to new heights.

Brooklyn Brewery: How has cutting back on drinking or incorporating NA beverages helped you learn more about yourself?

Erin Kelly Meuchner: You start becoming in tune with things around you, and becoming more aware of your surroundings. It was like peeling back the layers of an onion, reconnecting with myself as a kid, and accessing that childlike authenticity. At the same time, I feel like being true to myself is knowing my limits and my boundaries. It’s a practice of when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”

I’m really conscious about who I surround myself with. Living in a large city like New York or any metropolitan city, it’s a lot of go, go, go. For me, it’s just knowing when to slow down, and just surrounding myself with positive people. I don’t have a lot of toxicity in my life. I believe if you have inauthentic energy around you, then it’s going to make you feel off balance. I’ve been staying true to myself by focusing on where I am, who I’m with, and what I’m doing with my time.

BB: What role does mental clarity play in your approach to drinking less or embracing non-alcoholic options? Have you seen any impact in your creativity and output?

EKM: Before I cut back on drinking, I was still making jewelry, but I always wanted to get to where I am now in this industry. Sometimes I forget to be grateful for what I have in the moment, because I wouldn’t have been here if I didn’t take charge on moderating my drinking, and not spending my time in environments that weren’t so healthy and conducive to my growth. I don’t think I would be here if I didn’t take that initiative. I don’t think that I would have the vision to focus on building a brand or even know the wherewithal to even get here. I always wanted to have my own company, grow my own brand, and establish myself as an artist, and I didn’t know how to start until I cleared my head.

I was working hard, but going nowhere. I was always working in restaurants part time and hustling with my jewelry-making on the side because I thought I needed that duality to build my artistic career. I realized that when you slow down and maybe take a financial risk, it benefits you in the long term – to focus on your ambitions and your dreams. Cutting back on drinking and getting out of those environments gave me clarity on how to progress forward with my personal goals.

BB: How do you think non-alcoholic options are reflecting and shaping the way we think about socializing?

EKM: In the past, going out and drinking was often my way of dealing with my anxiety and mental health issues. I totally would have drank non-alcoholic options earlier, but they weren’t around. I’m happy they’re around now. I think they make environments more comfortable. If you go to a bar and you don’t want to feel empty-handed with water or soda, you can ask for an NA beer and you can still feel like you’re hanging out, and you’re not alone. It’s more accepted now, and the stigma around it is changing. It creates a safe space for people who choose not to drink – they don’t feel ostracized.

BB: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about cutting back on alcohol or participating in Dry January?

EKM: I would tell them it’s a really good opportunity to reset. People say it takes 21 days to break a habit, and I feel like taking a step back can bring a new sense of clarity and focus. There’s a newfound freedom to try it now that there’s options. We’re lucky to have that.

BB: Speaking of habits, do you have any keys to living a healthy life?

EKM: Waking up early. Going to bed early and waking up early has been life changing for me. I find it helpful to get the day started and move slower, at my own pace.

I also think it’s important to do my best to stay calm and present – to be in the here and now, allow things to unfold and not always set the highest expectations.

I truly believe that when you desire something, when you let go throughout your day and just let it happen, you can see the beauty in all the small things. Especially living in New York. You talk to the bodega guy, you pass a friend on the street if you’re biking, or driving, or on the subway. There’s all these beautiful little moments like finding a flower through the crack of a sidewalk. Then the dark moments and helping people out who seem like they’re in pain. There can be so much chaos in this city. You really have to keep yourself grounded.

I really just try to remind myself to breathe throughout the day. I have internal tools where I’m like, “take a beat and breathe.” Learning these practices can keep you going.

BB: What’s something surprising that you’ve discovered about yourself since embracing this lifestyle change?

EKM: Honestly, horseback riding has been therapeutic for me. I’m grateful for all the people that have helped me along the way; I’m lucky enough to have met a friend who owned horses, and I learned to ride, which had always been a childhood dream that I didn’t have the privilege of fulfilling before. I’ve learned to face my fears head on, whether that be starting a business, challenging myself in athleticism, or challenging myself mentally and emotionally.

Horseback riding is calming because there’s a fear element. I think fear is what pushes me to want to do better. Because horses are such sensitive beings you have to be really aware around them at all times. It makes me feel very present. When I’m riding, I can block out the rest of the world and connect with myself. It’s my reprieve.

Follow Erin Kelly on Instagram to stay in the loop about her latest releases. Looking for more stories from our neighborhood? Check out our interviews with Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi and multidisciplinary musician and producer Bryndon Cook, and keep an eye on our Instagram for more Do More interviews soon. Plus, drink along with $5 shipping on all Brooklyn Special Effects orders from our Online Store this Dry January.