Story & Lesson Highlights with Kara Brown of Baltimore

We recently had the chance to connect with Kara Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Kara, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
No day feels normal lately. With staffing shortages, I’m wearing many hats and stepping in wherever needed. This has led to unexpected discoveries—like misplaced items or overlooked details—and allowed me to refine job descriptions as roles evolve.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kara Brook Brown, an artist specializing in encaustic painting, an ancient art form using beeswax. My passion for this medium led me to beekeeping, which began as a hobby but grew into something much bigger. Initially named ‘Waxing Kara,’ our brand evolved into ‘Bee Inspired Goods’ to better reflect our mission. The rebranding journey was challenging—marked by missteps, unexpected costs, and setbacks—but with the dedication of my incredible team, we persevered. Today, I’m grateful for those who stood by me and excited for the bright future ahead.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was 16, my father passed away, leaving my stay-at-home mom with limited options. At the same time, changes to death benefits required me to be enrolled in college to qualify. Despite classes starting three weeks earlier, I convinced a community college dean to admit me. Testing revealed my gift for math, and not only was I accepted, but I was also offered a job tutoring in the math lab. That experience taught me the power of perseverance and self-belief.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience. The saying, ‘What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger,’ may sound dramatic, but it holds true for me. Nothing I’ve achieved has come without challenges, and I believe that struggle shapes character. Looking around, I see that those who’ve had everything handed to them often lack the appreciation and grit that hardship instills.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Resilience and gratitude are foundational truths in my life. I’ve learned that strength often comes from struggle, and the hardest moments shape who we are. I also believe deeply in the value of hard work—earning something makes it far more meaningful. These truths guide me daily, even if I don’t always put them into words.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Our customers would miss the unique balance we’ve created—an old-world product like honey delivered through modern e-commerce with exceptional service, fast shipping, and meticulous hand-packaging. They’d also miss the quality. In blind tastings, our honey consistently outshines larger competitors, proving that we deliver superior products with unmatched care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beeinspiredgoods.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beeinspiredgoods/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karabrookbrown/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beeinspiredgoods
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beeinspiredgoods

Image Credits
All images copyright Kara Brook Art, LLC