We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jackson Ramsey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jackson below.

Jackson , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

**Beekeeping: Crafting a Legacy, Strengthening Family Bonds, and Inspiring the Next Generation**

In our family, beekeeping isn’t just a hobby or a business—it’s a shared legacy that has woven itself into the very fabric of our lives. Each time we gather around the hives, the hum of the bees becomes a backdrop to our conversations, laughter, and moments of reflection. This shared experience has enriched our family life in ways we could have never imagined.

This year marked a significant milestone in our beekeeping journey as our 4-year-old daughter will be receiving her first beehive. The joy and wonder in her eyes as she watched the bees buzzing around our current hives were palpable. This experience has had a profound impact on the youth in our family. It’s not just about learning the intricacies of beekeeping; it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and connection to the natural world from a young age. Watching our daughter care for her hive has been a heartwarming testament to the transformative power of beekeeping on the youth.

At its core, beekeeping has become a profound bonding ritual for us. When we put on our bee suits and approach the hives together, we’re not just tending to bees; we’re nurturing our family ties. The act of working side by side, whether it’s harvesting honey or inspecting the health of the colonies, has instilled a sense of unity, trust, and mutual support among us. These moments of collaboration have become cherished memories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that bind us together.

Beyond the immediate joys of togetherness, beekeeping has also become a vessel for passing down wisdom and skills from one generation to the next. I remember my grandparents sharing stories of their beekeeping days, imparting invaluable knowledge that has been instrumental in our journey. Now, as parents, my spouse and I find immense joy in teaching our children the art and science of beekeeping. Watching them learn, grow, and develop a deep-rooted connection to nature fills us with pride and hope for the future.

Moreover, beekeeping has allowed us to cultivate a legacy that transcends generations. By nurturing the health of our bee colonies and responsibly managing our resources, we’re not just building a sustainable business; we’re crafting a lasting legacy that our children and grandchildren can inherit. This sense of continuity and long-term stewardship has given our family a shared purpose and a sense of belonging that goes beyond the immediate present.

Beekeeping has profoundly impacted our family dynamics, fostering closeness, nurturing growth, and shaping our collective legacy. It serves as a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful journeys are those we embark on together, hand in hand, generation after generation. As we continue to tend to our hives and pass down the torch of beekeeping to the next in line, we are reminded of the enduring power of family, legacy, and the simple yet profound lessons that nature teaches us every day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

**From Beehives to Legacy: Nurturing Nature and Building a Family Business**

Four years ago, my journey into beekeeping began with the humble acquisition of our first beehive—a seemingly simple wooden structure that would soon become the cornerstone of our family’s legacy. Owning beehives has been both a labor of love and an exercise in dedication, requiring meticulous care, unwavering commitment, and a deep understanding of the delicate balance that sustains these remarkable creatures.

Maintaining thriving beehives is no small feat. It involves a myriad of tasks, from regular inspections to ensure the health of the colonies, to managing pests and diseases, and providing supplemental feeding when necessary. Each hive is a microcosm of activity, with thousands of bees working in harmony to fulfill their roles—collecting nectar, producing honey, and caring for their queen. As beekeepers, our role is to support and nurture this complex ecosystem, creating an environment where bees can thrive and flourish.

The work of beekeeping is labor-intensive and demanding, yet profoundly rewarding. It requires keen observation, adaptability, and a deep respect for the bees and their innate wisdom. Over the years, we have honed our skills, learned from our mistakes, and developed a profound appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between bees and their environment.

Our dedication to beekeeping has not only enriched our lives but also paved the way for the growth of our family business. What began as a modest venture crafting organic lip balms has blossomed into a thriving enterprise encompassing raw honey, organic magnesium lotions, and a growing community of loyal customers and supporters. Each product is a testament to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and holistic well-being—a reflection of the values that guide our family and our business.

As our family business continues to evolve and expand, we are laying the groundwork for a generational legacy rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and a deep connection to the natural world. Beekeeping has become more than a business venture; it has become a shared passion, a way of life, and a legacy that we are proud to cultivate and nurture for future generations.

Owning beehives and engaging in the art and science of beekeeping has been a transformative experience, shaping our family’s values, business ethos, and vision for the future. Through the dedicated care of our hives, we are not only supporting the health and vitality of bee populations but also sowing the seeds for a sustainable, harmonious future where people and nature thrive in harmony.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

**Craftsmanship and Commitment: The Evolution of Our Family Beekeeping Business**

In the heart of our family beekeeping business lies a dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Each product we offer is the culmination of extensive experimentation, rigorous testing, and unwavering commitment to quality, ensuring that every item we produce is nothing short of perfect.

**Raw Honey:**
Our journey with raw honey began with meticulous research and testing, exploring different harvesting methods, storage conditions, and packaging solutions to preserve its natural goodness and flavor. Countless hours were spent refining our techniques, adjusting processes, and seeking feedback to ensure that our raw honey is of the highest quality, retaining its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties.

**Organic Lip Balms:**
Creating the perfect organic lip balm was a labor of love and patience. We experimented with various ratios of beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, and therapeutic essential oils, carefully balancing each ingredient to achieve the ideal texture, consistency, and efficacy. Through trial and error, we perfected our formula, crafting a lip balm that moisturizes, rejuvenates, and revitalizes lips, leaving them soft, smooth, and supple.

**Organic Magnesium Lotion:**
Addressing the magnesium deficiency prevalent in America today required extensive research, formulation, and testing. We explored different sources of magnesium, experimented with various combinations of ingredients, and conducted rigorous testing to ensure optimal absorption, efficacy, and safety. After countless iterations, we developed our organic magnesium lotion, a concentrated dose of magnesium infused with beeswax, extra virgin olive oil, shea butter, and therapeutic essential oils, designed to nourish and hydrate the skin while promoting relaxation and well-being.

**Future Bee-Inspired Products:**
As we continue to innovate and expand our product line, each new offering undergoes a rigorous development process, from concept and formulation to testing and refinement. Our upcoming products, including beeswax candles, honey and beeswax soaps, and bee pollen supplements, are crafted with the same attention to detail, commitment to quality, and dedication to excellence that have defined our family beekeeping business from the beginning.

In essence, our family beekeeping business is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of perfection. By investing time, effort, and resources into every product we create, we ensure that our offerings not only nourish the body, soothe the soul, and uplift the spirit but also reflect our unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and the timeless wisdom of nature’s pharmacy.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and nurturing high morale are deeply personal endeavors that require empathy, dedication, and effective communication. Drawing inspiration from John Maxwell, a leadership luminary whom I deeply admire, here are three key insights that have shaped my approach to leadership:

Lead by Example:
As a leader, my actions serve as a blueprint for my team. I strive to embody the values and behaviors I wish to see, demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic. By setting a positive example and leading from the front, I inspire and motivate my team to uphold the same standards of excellence and commitment.

Communicate Openly and Honestly:
Open and honest communication forms the foundation of trust and transparency within my team. I prioritize creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. By fostering a culture of open dialogue, I strengthen team cohesion, encourage collaboration, and address challenges proactively.

Recognize and Appreciate:
Acknowledging and appreciating my team members’ efforts and contributions is paramount to maintaining high morale and motivation. I make it a point to celebrate successes, both big and small, and recognize individual and collective achievements regularly. By showing genuine appreciation and gratitude, I boost morale, reinforce positive behaviors, and foster a culture of recognition and support.

In essence, my leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to empowering others. By leading by example, prioritizing open communication, and recognizing and appreciating my team’s efforts, I strive to create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and inspired to achieve their best.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jackedbees.com
• Instagram: Jackedbees
• Facebook: Jacked Bee Farm