We recently connected with Chris Bush and have shared our conversation below.

Chris , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

One day, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned home to an unexpected sight—several beehives placed on my property, accompanied by a note from my elderly neighbor. The message revealed that her daughter was relocating him to Florida, and with a touch of reluctance, he asked if I could care for his bees. From that moment onward, I dedicated myself to mastering the intricate art of beekeeping, leading to the establishment of what we now proudly call Hive Works Honey. As I delved into the world of beekeeping expertise, a desire to contribute even more to the community stirred within me. Collaborating with like-minded individuals, we brainstormed and developed our unique work program. This initiative focuses on empowering kids with disabilities by providing them with valuable job skills through hands-on experiences at farmers markets and various events.
Today, Hive Works Honey not only thrives as a testament to my commitment to beekeeping but also stands as a beacon of community engagement. Through our work program, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals with disabilities, fostering skills that extend far beyond the buzzing world of bees.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Certainly! I am the founder of Hive Works Honey, and my journey into the world of beekeeping and honey production has been both unexpected and rewarding. It all began during the COVID-19 pandemic when my elderly neighbor, faced with the prospect of moving to Florida, entrusted me with the care of his beehives. This pivotal moment ignited my passion for beekeeping, prompting me to delve deep into mastering the art.

Hive Works Honey has since evolved into more than just a honey-producing venture. Beyond our commitment to crafting high-quality honey, we have established a unique work program. This program is designed to empower children with disabilities by imparting valuable job skills through hands-on experiences at farmers markets and various events.

Our range of products includes premium honey, each jar telling a story of dedication and expertise. What sets us apart is not just our commitment to quality honey but also our unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the community. The work program is a testament to our belief in giving back and creating opportunities for those who may face challenges in traditional employment settings.

I am most proud of the transformation Hive Works Honey has undergone, from a simple act of neighborly kindness to a thriving business with a social mission. What I want potential clients and followers to know is that when they choose Hive Works Honey, they are not just getting a jar of honey; they are supporting a brand that values community, inclusivity, and the joy of sharing the sweet rewards of hard work and dedication.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2022, things got tough for us. . A drought hit, and it messed up our honey-making plans. The bees were struggling, and there was hardly any nectar to make honey. It was a bummer.

But instead of throwing in the towel, we rolled up our sleeves and got creative. We couldn’t control the weather, but we could figure out ways to help our bees. We started feeding them and managing their hives differently. It was like a puzzle, and we were determined to solve it.

The drought taught us that tough times don’t last, but tough folks do. We didn’t let the challenges sting us for too long. Instead, we turned them into opportunities. It was a lesson in staying strong and finding solutions, even when things seem a bit sticky.

So, yeah, 2022 wasn’t a breeze, but it showed us that the sweetest victories come after the toughest challenges.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my favorite stories takes me back to a time when we decided to take an unconventional and some would say spooky route to promote Hive Works Honey. The idea struck when we considered placing some of our hives at Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio. It was a bold move that came with its fair share of skepticism and raised eyebrows.

We believed that the beauty of the cemetery, coupled with the rich floral surroundings, could not only provide an ideal environment for our bees but also spark curiosity among the visitors.

Undeterred, we approached the cemetery management with our proposal, emphasizing the benefits of having buzzing beehives in their green spaces. We painted a picture of how it could enhance the natural ecosystem, contribute to pollination, and, of course, produce unique honey reflective of the cemetery’s flora.

The initial reactions were cautious, but as we explained our vision and the positive impact it could have. To everyone’s surprise, the cemetery management agreed, allowing us to set up hives in the resting places they are now.

The result was beyond our expectations. The honey produced from the Riverside Cemetery hives (Sweet Dreams) turned out to be a distinctive blend, capturing the essence of the unique floral landscape. The marketing strategy, albeit unconventional, drew attention from locals and media alike. The story of bees thriving in a cemetery became a conversation starter, and our honey gained a reputation for its one-of-a-kind origin.

Looking back, the risk we took in suggesting beehives in a cemetery was met with doubts , but it ultimately paid off. The bees at Riverside Cemetery became not just honey producers but ambassadors for Hive Works Honey, showcasing the sweet rewards of embracing innovation in unexpected places.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hiveworkshoneyco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiveworkshoneyco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiveworkshoney