Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kara Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kara, appreciate you joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Bee Inspired Goods – A Name Born from Art, Nature, and Growth

Naming a business is a challenge—an act of translation where ideas and dreams must take shape in something as simple and lasting as a name. For Bee Inspired Goods, this story begins with art, bees, and a longing to create something deeply meaningful.

I retired from a demanding career in technology to reconnect with my artistic roots. This path led me to the ancient craft of encaustic painting, a method using beeswax to create luminous, layered artwork. Enamored by this form of expression, I decided to raise bees in 2010—to create my own beeswax for my art. This harmonious cycle of creativity and nature was profoundly fulfilling. Over time, my bees became more than just a source of wax; they became a source of inspiration, teaching me about balance, dedication, and the importance of nurturing something with care.

I began writing about beekeeping under the pen name “Waxing Kara,” a name full of nostalgia and meaning. But as my brand grew, the curious ways people interpreted “waxing” as something other than a reverent nod to bees nostalgia and creativity became too difficult to ignore. After much thought (and plenty of good tea!), it was clear my brand needed a new name—something that celebrated the connection between nature, creativity, and the simple joys of life.

“Bee Inspired Goods” was already nestled within my work as a tagline, so flipping the spotlight onto it felt perfectly organic. It encapsulated everything my brand stood for—drawing inspiration from the tireless creativity of bees, the warmth of handcrafted goods, and the authenticity of a life connected to nature.

But reimagining a brand name isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. The process of transitioning from “Waxing Kara” to “Bee Inspired Goods” was a winding road—one filled with lessons. Early iterations with consultants taught me more than I imagined they would. Some paths led to unexpected places, others felt more like detours. At one point, I realized that “branding” means wildly different things, depending on who you ask. But along the way, I found clarity, learning that the essence of a brand doesn’t live in its logo or letterhead—it lives in its story, its values, and its ability to connect with its audience.

That transition, as challenging as it was, reaffirmed the heart of my business which is rooted in nature’s elegance and the delights of small-batch craftsmanship. If I could start over, I might have approached it differently—starting Bee Inspired Goods as its own entity, nurturing it from the ground up while letting Waxing Kara quietly shift into a smaller section of my work. But every step taught me patience and reinforced my commitment to the integrity of this brand.
Today, Bee Inspired Goods is a name that feels like home. It celebrates the artistry of bees, the beauty of handcrafted goods, and the small, intentional ways we can bring creativity and nature into our lives. It isn’t just a name; it’s a promise—a promise to inspire, create, and care for the world around us, one thoughtful product at a time.

To all who are dreaming of naming something close to your heart, remember this—it’s not just about finding the perfect name. It’s about creating something authentic that tells a story people will want to be a part of. For Bee Inspired Goods, that story starts with a hive and a heart full of art.

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.

It’s funny how life has a way of weaving together passions you never could have planned. My story, I suppose, emerged like honey from the hive—one drop at a time, naturally, sweetly, and entirely unexpectedly.

I never set out to become an encaustic painter, a beekeeper, or to live a life so deeply intertwined with nature. It all began during my retirement. I was exploring ways to fill my days with creativity and purpose, and painting quickly became my calling. Enamored by the ancient art of encaustic painting—a medium rooted in beeswax—I dove headfirst into mastering this craft. The way the wax danced with pigments, creating layers and textures, allowed me to express myself in ways I’d never imagined before. It was alive, tactile, and deeply connected to the natural world.

At the same time, another thread of inspiration was quietly taking hold. My husband and I had built a beautiful home on a farm overlooking the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The house, nestled amidst fertile agricultural land, felt like an invitation to live closer to the Earth. My dreams swirled with ideas of cultivating the land and raising animals. I imagined chickens clucking in the mornings or rows of fresh produce thriving under the sun. But life has a way of humbling our ambitions. Raising animals wasn’t practical for part-time farm living. Predators roamed the landscape, and daily care wasn’t something my schedule could sustain.

Then came the bees.

Beekeeping felt like a perfect harmony—a way to nurture life without the demands of day-to-day tending. Bees, those tireless architects of nature, became my partners on this unexpected path. I could marvel at their brilliance and care for their wellbeing without intruding on their world too much. It was farm living, artistic inspiration, and ecological stewardship all rolled into one. And then, as if it were all meant to be, the connection between my bees and my art deepened. Their wax—the lifeblood of my encaustic paintings—brought everything full circle.

If I’m honest, I didn’t plan for any of this. I could have never mapped out the way these passions would collide—art, beekeeping, and a deep appreciation for living in harmony with nature. My very first lesson from my beekeeping mentor, a wise man with over 50 years of experience, stuck with me profoundly. He told me, “Don’t take their wax—they need it.” That simple, heartfelt statement guided me from the very start. My role isn’t to take but to honor what the bees create, to weave their gifts into my artwork responsibly and sustainably.

What sets my work apart is this deep reverence for nature and the beautiful interdependence it fosters. My encaustic paintings don’t just use beeswax—they tell stories about the Earth, the seasons, and the intricate dance of pollinators who make our world bloom. I strive to infuse authenticity into everything I create, celebrating a connection to nature that can spark inspiration and mindfulness in others. Whether it’s through my paintings or through sharing my experiences as a beekeeper, my hope is to foster a sense of beauty, balance, and sustainability in the lives of others.

What makes me most proud is how this journey has evolved into something greater than I imagined. My art and my bees serve as reminders of life’s gifts—of how creativity, nature, and shared stories can come together to inspire. For anyone who connects with my work, I want them to feel that sense of wonder too. Whether you’re exploring encaustic art, supporting pollinators, or simply enjoying the beauty of a handmade piece, my brand is about celebrating these moments of connection—moments that remind us we’re part of something much grander.

Life is full of unexpected paths, each one as intricate as a honeycomb. Mine led me here—where art, bees, and the connection to the natural world thrive together. I invite you to share in this story, to celebrate what inspires you, and to discover the beauty waiting in the quiet hum of nature.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A Story of Resilience: Turning Floodwaters into Determination
Resilience is not something you can acquire overnight—it’s shaped by challenges that seem insurmountable at first glance. My resilience was forged in 2016, on the heels of a life-altering trial that could have easily derailed everything I had worked so hard to build.

Building a Dream
Back in 2015, I decided it was time to go all-in on my business. I moved operations from an industrial area into a retail space and carved out a small section for manufacturing. It wasn’t easy, but I knew this was the leap I needed to take. I hired two full-time employees, committed myself to working in and on the business full-time, and poured my energy into making it thrive.

Unlike many small business owners, I wasn’t reliant on outside funding. During my career in tech, I had invested in two properties in Ellicott City, Maryland—a historic Main Street township. I had painstakingly renovated them, managing the construction from the ground up, a process I can confidently say was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. But it was worth it. Those properties became dream investments. When I needed funding for my business, the revenues from those properties provided a steady stream of working capital. I didn’t have to seek family investments or rounds of funding like many entrepreneurs around me.

Things were moving forward, albeit slowly. I was very intentional about every dollar I spent, determined to lay the foundation for long-term success without accumulating debt. I saw a vision for the business that others couldn’t always see, and that vision fueled every decision I made.

A Storm No One Saw Coming
But in July of 2016, everything changed overnight. A heavy rainstorm hit central Maryland, ravaging Ellicott City. It wasn’t just another summer storm—it was a historic catastrophe. The town, once a charming historic landmark, simply couldn’t handle the amount of rainfall, largely due to overdevelopment and insufficient water drainage systems. Lives were lost, homes destroyed, and my properties suffered devastating damage.

Both of my buildings on Main Street were utterly ruined, requiring an estimated $2 million in repairs. The income stream that had sustained me through the early stages of my business dried up instantly. Instead of serving as a financial cushion, the properties became a massive financial burden.

Picking Up the Pieces
At that moment, quitting might have seemed like the simplest option. The road forward was uncertain, and I could have walked away, overwhelmed by the financial and emotional toll. But I chose to stay the course.Without external funding or debt to lean on, I got creative. I tightened my spending even further and sought unconventional ways to keep my business afloat. It meant countless long hours, relentless problem-solving, and unwavering dedication. I had to believe that my vision would eventually pay off, even when it felt like no one else could see it.

Through it all, I learned that resilience is not just about enduring—it’s about adapting. You don’t just survive; you find ways to move forward, reinvent, and grow stronger.

The Key to Building Back
One invaluable lesson I learned during that time is that success is not a solo endeavor. To truly scale your ideas, the people around you must bring immense skill, dedication, and heart to the table. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to build a team of individuals who are not only brilliant at what they do but whom I also deeply admire and love for their work ethic and passion. They’ve helped me stay focused on what matters most, even during the toughest of times.

A Lesson for Entrepreneurs
For other entrepreneurs reading this, here’s what I want you to take away from my story: challenges will come, and sometimes they will feel insurmountable. But if you hold fast to your vision, remain resourceful, and surround yourself with exceptional people, you can keep moving forward.

It’s not easy, and it takes a level of commitment that most people won’t fully understand. But if you’re here reading this, it’s because you also see something bigger, something worth pursuing.

Even in the face of disaster, you have the power to rebuild. That’s the beauty of resilience.
For anyone who cares about nature, small business, and community as deeply as I do, know this—resilience isn’t just surviving a storm. It’s planting seeds in the aftermath and having the faith that they will grow.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

The Call That Changed Everything
It was just another typical day running my small business—a one-woman show at the time. My workspace was the pool table, my “office line” was just my personal cell phone, and my business strategy was basically figuring things out as I went along.

Then, the phone rang.

I didn’t recognize the number, but I picked up anyway, expecting maybe a delivery driver or a customer with a quick question. The voice on the other end said, “Hi, this is “buyer name” from Anthropologie.”

Now, if you’ve been in the world of indie makers or small brands, you’ll understand that Anthropologie wasn’t just any retailer back then. It was the retailer. A mention, partnership, or feature from them could make or break an upcoming brand. To say it was a dream opportunity doesn’t even begin to describe it.

But here’s the thing—my sister Alyssa and I had a history of playing small pranks on each other. And in that moment, my brain immediately jumped to, This has to be Alyssa messing with me. Without hesitation, I blurted out, “Alyssa, cut it out.”
Silence. Then the voice on the other end replied calmly, “I can assure you, I am not Alyssa.”

Cue immediate panic. My spine straightened as the reality of the situation sank in. I was actually speaking to a buyer from Anthropologie! My face went red with embarrassment, but I didn’t have time to wallow in it—I needed to switch gears fast.
I got my act together, apologized, and started asking every question that I could think of. What were they looking for? What were their timelines? How could I send them samples? The buyer patiently explained everything and seemed unfazed by my initial fumble (thank goodness). We wrapped up the call, and I immediately dove into action.

Pulling together the perfect samples became my top priority. I triple-checked each piece, fussed over every detail, and then poured my heart into that submission. Sending those samples out felt surreal—a mix of confidence and sheer terror as I wondered if they’d like what I sent.

The rest, as they say, is history. That phone call unlocked doors I never thought possible at the time. It reinforced a lesson I now carry with me in every marketing and sales situation—opportunities don’t always arrive in the form of polished presentations and perfect pitches. Sometimes they show up as unexpected phone calls when you’re least prepared.
And when they do, you have to fumble your way through the surprise, adapt quickly, and bring your A-game. Looking back, I still laugh about the Alyssa comment, but it’s also a reminder to always stay ready—you never know when the opportunity of a lifetime might call (literally).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beeinspiredgoods.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beeinspiredgoods/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beeinspiredgoods/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/57062916/admin/dashboard/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beeinspiredgoods
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bee-inspired-honey-house-owings-mills