We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Marlene Holmes, MSW. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Marlene below.
Hi Dr. Marlene, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Throughout my career in healthcare, corporate security training, and higher education, I’ve consistently found myself as the lone representative in various professional settings. This experience has equipped me with a resilient skill set and the confidence to navigate spaces where I might stand out. Upon entering the CBD/cannabis industry, I’ve noticed a notable lack of inclusivity despite its outward appearance.
I strongly believe that the current opportunities we’re embracing will pave the way for success among Black entrepreneurs. Embracing my role as often the only woman, the sole Black woman, and frequently the singular individual holding a PhD in these environments, I’ve come to see it as both a gift and a blessing. This distinctive position has empowered me to bring multifaceted perspectives to discussions, fostering positive change. My commitment lies in utilizing this platform not just for personal success but also to carve paths for others, striving to create an environment that is more inclusive and equitable for everyone.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Entrepreneurship has been a profound part of my journey since 2017, and in 2022, a collaborative effort with my siblings led to the inception of our business in 2023, ‘3 Bee’s Honey.’ As a Black-owned and sibling-run enterprise, our primary focus is not just on establishing a successful business but on creating a lasting legacy and generational wealth for our family’s future.
The support we’ve received has been incredible, yet we’re learning that this industry comes with its share of challenges and complexities, especially navigating through red tape. Our commitment remains resolute as we tackle these hurdles head-on.
At ‘3 Bee’s Honey,’ we take pride in growing our own CBD plants and infusing our products, sourcing our honey from a Black-owned hive in Detroit, and packaging our items in BPA-free straws. Our emphasis on customer health is intentional. Our product line includes both CBD Honey and CBD-Free options such as Elderberry and Hot Honey, ensuring inclusivity for everyone. Each CBD purchase contains 10mg of CBD per stick, with a central focus on overall health and wellness, especially gut health.
Consistency with our honey yields numerous benefits, aiding in alleviating mental health stressors, minimizing physical ailments, and adding a delightful touch to beverages or meals. The convenience of our products extends to travelers, offering easy packing and disposal by simply cutting and squeezing the straw – a hassle-free experience.
Our brand encapsulates a commitment to health, diversity, and simplicity, aiming not just to offer quality products but also to enrich lives through everyday wellness.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In reflecting on my journey, three pivotal elements have significantly shaped my path: family entrepreneurship, diverse expertise, and a commitment to driving positive change. Within our family, the spirit of entrepreneurship runs deep. Both my younger brother and I already own businesses, while our baby sister has always been the creative force among us. This collective experience brought unique strengths to the table as we cultivated ‘3 Bee’s Honey.’ From understanding how to initiate a business, crafting comprehensive business plans, to identifying and connecting with our target audience – our varied skills played a crucial role in our journey.
Our unwavering dedication to health and fostering change empowered us to recognize a gap in the wellness community, propelling us into action. The advice I’d offer to those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as an opportunity for growth. In industries like ours, barriers and obstacles are prevalent because the pathways to navigate this space often exclude marginalized communities. It’s essential not to be deterred by these challenges but instead see them as opportunities to create new ways forward and advocate for inclusivity and change.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
At this stage of our brand’s growth, collaboration plays a pivotal role in our journey. We’re actively seeking partnerships with various entities to expand our reach and impact. If you’re interested in collaborating, here’s who we’re keen to work with:
Local CBD Grocers and Retailers: We’re looking to partner with local CBD grocers and stores interested in carrying our unique products. Our goal is to provide our wellness-focused goods to a wider audience.
Social Media Influencers: Collaboration with social media influencers is another avenue we’re exploring. Connecting with influencers allows us to engage with their audience, especially those interested in wellness products, to expand our brand’s visibility and impact.
Retired Athletes: We’re especially excited about partnering with retired athletes. As someone who’s been in that world, I understand firsthand the benefits of honey and CBD. Combining these elements creates a mutually beneficial scenario that promotes health and wellness.
If you’re interested in collaborating or have ideas for potential partnerships, please don’t hesitate to connect with us. You can reach out to discuss potential collaborations and partnerships. We’re always open to exploring new opportunities that align with our vision of promoting overall health and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.3beeshoneyllc.com
- Instagram: @3beeshoneyllc
- Facebook: 3 Bee’s Honey LLC
- Linkedin: 3 Bee’s Honey LLC
- Other: Tik Tok: 3 Bee’s Honey LLC
