Our connection to nature runs deep—whether we’re working in the fields or enjoying the outdoors, those are the moments we feel closest to how God intended us to live. As a family, we’ve always valued producing our own food. Oakes has long been a hunter and fisherman, and together we’ve grown and preserved fruits and vegetables for years. Eventually, we began using honey as a natural alternative to processed sugar, drawn by its health benefits and sustainability.

With Oakes’ background in ecosystem restoration, we grew increasingly aware of the vital role pollinators play and the threats they face. When we built our home, we filled our landscaping with native plants and enrolled in a federal program to plant a 3-acre pollinator habitat. The next step came naturally—beekeeping. Starting with two colonies, we quickly fell in love with honey bees and their fascinating world.

Tasting our first batch of raw, unfiltered honey was a revelation. The rich, complex flavor was nothing like what we’d bought from store shelves. That moment sparked curiosity, research, and eventually, a passion for sharing the difference with others. As friends and family began asking for jars, we realized we’d found more than a hobby—we’d found a calling.  O