We recently connected with Sam Pickens and have shared our conversation below.
Sam, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I read a book. I really did. It was called Beekeeping For Dummies. I read that book cover to cover, and once I was finished with it, I told myself that I was going to become a beekeeper. That is exactly what I have become. It started off as a hobby with just two hives. That was 8 years ago. Today I manage over 100 hives. It is no longer a hobby for me but a passion. Not just for the honey but for all to enjoy the benefits from keeping bees. In the world of beekeeping, I am what they consider to be a sideliner. I enjoy speaking with others about the importance of beekeeping as well as the goodness of honey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the co-owner and operator of Buzzy Bees Honey. We pride ourselves on providing the best of local, raw honey. Our honey is Wisconsin Certified. That means our honey has been tested for its authenticity, in that our floral honey variety is of our area and that it has no added sugars. We go that extra step because as a brand, others have invested in us for their honey needs. Aside from selling our local raw honey, we also have beeswax and beeswax candles, lip balms, lollipops, hot honey, and creamed honey. In addition to honey and wax products we have teamed up with my sister who owns and operates Unapologetically Raw and Natural to make soaps, bath salts, sugar scrubs, body creams and more.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As important as it is to learn all you can to better equip yourself with more knowledge, experience is the best teacher for me. Like on the job training. I was nervous at first when I first started beekeeping. The unknowns. Yet I was determined to be successful at it. That means I had to do it and not let fear overwhelm me. I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or to seek help if I needed it. Lastly I built myself a support system of other beekeepers. Young or old, new or experienced. I had to trust others to help guide me along the path.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate with other small businesses that utilize honey or would benefit from having honey in their business. It can be as simple as a bottle that remains by the coffee pot to offering our products for sale in their place of business. I hope this would then spark the interest of anyone using the honey to ask questions about the product they are using. Maybe make some friends or encourage more beekeepers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buybuzzys.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buzzybeeshoney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buzzyshoney
Image Credits
Cody Robinson
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