Beecology Uses What The Bees Give Us
Once upon a time, an outdoorsy family from Solon was inspired, probably after a trip to Burton, to tap Maple trees and make maple syrup. They also decided to plant apple and peach trees on their properties. The kids played in a hand-hewn tree house. Eventually, they ordered a queen bee that arrived in a tiny wire box, and were in the honey business.
Beecology started with two beehives and guidance from the Ohio State Extension’s beehive guy, who teaches apiary types how to keep disease and mites away. Before they knew it, Amy and David Rzepka had sixteen beehives, were making honey, and became friendly with the local beekeepers association. Their three teenage children have unusual hobbies, and the family has a business. The Rzepka’s, who own Beecology, not only make honey, they make products from honey and demonstrate what they’ve learned for schools and others who are interested.
It’s strange how the queen bee is shipped in a little box with a marshmallow holding the bee in place, but it’s not easy to go out with a net and catch one. Once the queen bee is in the hive, she makes it known, and the other bees come to the hive too. Bees live in their hives throughout the winter and keep their hives at a constant temperature with their wings.
The product line started when the Rzepka’s had excess beeswax, and after many attempts, they came up with lip balm. Beecology crafts products from natural, renewable ingredients to nourish the body—inside and out. They carry essential oil soaps, sulfate-free hair care products, antioxidant creams, and Bee Organic raw natural honey and Buzz Balm lip balm. Now Beecology has moved from the basement to the warehouse to make and store products made with reconditioned machinery and fabricated and reused parts. The products are marketed through the Internet, regional farmers’ markets and boutique retail outlets in Ohio, Michigan and New York.
The business model began with two priorities: To create high quality, ecologically friendly products using completely natural and renewable ingredients and to ensure charitable giving. Amy says, “We donate 10% of our net profits to our consumer’s charity of choice. Each supported product contains a charity code. After the purchase, consumers can visit Beecology’s charity web site, http://www.SweetYear.org to enter the code and designate to which charity their percentage should be donated.”
The business has had other benefits, as Amy explains when she says, “It has been a great experience for my kids to see how a business is established–from the ground floor up. They give their opinions, learn to make products, take care of the bees and help at the different farmers’ markets.”
Now, the challenge for Cool Cleveland readers: What can you do outside your comfort zone that will be crafty, make money, and have a good influence on your children, the environment, and community well-being? Find your bliss, or go to Beecology to help David and Amy with theirs. The lip balm sells for $3, skin care products are $12, bar soap is $5, shampoo and conditioner are $10, and the body washes are $8.
Beecology, which makes and sells honey products, is located at 23400 Aurora Road #5, in Solon. Check them out at http://Beecology.com or call them at 440-786-7650 for more information.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia Taller, whose passion for words has led to creation of the Lakeside Word Lover’s Retreats, an outgrowth of her work with Skyline Writers. Her favorite foods are red wine, salmon, ice cream, and chocolate. She loves to read, write, tour wineries, ride her bike, ease into yoga, and cook gourmet meals for friends. Find her at http://www.claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com.