About Smitty's Honeybees:

Becoming a beekeeper was one of the most natural undertakings for me, though it didn't happen overnight. I have always been interested in honeybees, but only recently become aware of the crucial role that they play. For example, the sweet honey and the soothing beeswax candles, soaps, and lotions would not be possible without the hard work of these amazing insects. In addition to the wonderful items we can harvest from them directly, we can also thank the honeybees for 1 out of every 3 bites of food found on our dinner plates: bees (and the cross-pollination that occurs when they collect nectar) allow trees and plants to produce the fruits and vegetables we love so much.

As I learned more about the honeybees, I also found out about the challenges they face in the modern world. Habitat destruction, use of pesticides, lack of feeding, and over-harvesting the honeybees' stores: these are only some of the ways in which humans have made it difficult for the honeybees to thrive. It's possible even for beekeepers with the best of intentions to act as irresponsibly, jumping into beekeeping without so much as glancing at a book,

joining a local beekeeper’s association, or finding suitable mentors to coach them.

Along the way I fell in love with the helpful beekeeping community. After more than a year of research, attending meetings, conferences, and bee-friendly community festivals; after planting bee-friendly flowers and foliage; after discussing with and educating my spouse, family, and immediate neighbors of my intentions, I donned my own bee suit and fired up a smoker in the spring of 2018. My world has never been the same and our honeybees have been happy, healthy, and give back!

We need more (educated) backyard beekeepers and members of the community to help the honeybees. This is why Smitty’s Honeybees was created: to inspire, educate, and provide ways for those who love and/or want to help the honeybees to support the beekeeping community. Together, we can make a positive difference.

-Lauren Helfgott, Owner