Welcome to the World of Beekeeping

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jodi Turner, Founder of Imagine That Honey, located in Swanzey, NH, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We teach beekeeping basics and mentor new beekeepers on best practices related to honey bees. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years.

Tell us about yourself

I started keeping bees in my early 40’s but first got introduced to bees when I was about 20 years old when I saw my first observation hive. I was working at Stonewall Farm, a local education center, and I took my first beekeeping class and was hooked. This started my amazing journey about bees and just how they live, work and crest such a great atmosphere in and for the hive. I learn something new every day. They have taught me much more about patience and humility.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have taught over 500 beekeepers how to get started with bees. It makes a huge difference in understanding why things happen, how to anticipate the needs of the bees, and what action may help you get there. Talking with local beekeepers in your area can help you tremendously. Take classes, read books, and most importantly, practice and visit hives in your area, not just your own. It helps you think outside the box.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest part of keeping bees on a larger scale is giving enough time in the day. For someone with a couple to a few hives, it’s quite manageable. Being proactive, organized, patient, and open-minded help. Humility is very important. Even the best beekeepers face obstacles. Like honey bees, we all need to work together. It’s for the good of the hive.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Getting started in beekeeping can be rewarding. The three most important tips to becoming a beekeeper are to educate/learn the vocabulary, read/share/converse with other beekeepers, and keep healthy bees by understanding the cause and effect of your actions. Most importantly: practice, practice, practice. Becoming a better beekeeper takes time. I think if it is a lifetime, we’ll spend it.

I can’t imagine my world without honey bees and other pollinators. If we could take a few minutes to observe how they intersect and live for the hive. They know what their roles are, do what needs to be done, protect the hive, and then start to forage. This is just the egging of a much longer story. Happy to encourage anyone interested in making a commitment to keeping healthy bees and encouraging other crucial pollinators to thrive.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.imaginethathoney.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Imagine-That-HONEY-101140643304873/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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