Beekeeping 101
We raise bees using best practices and standards. Our goal is to raise Florida’s bee population throughout the state and at the same time spread awareness among the community.
Our hope is that these backyard hives will facilitate a dialogue among neighbors, friends, family and the community at large about the huge importance of bees.
The first step to becoming a successful beekeeper is to learn as much as you can about the bees themselves. Considering all the variables that may affect your honeybees, you may see something different every time you get into your hive. In order to make appropriate management decisions, beekeepers must be flexible in their ability to figure out why bees are behaving a certain way, and how certain actions may impact their well being.
our team of experts
Meet our passionate team of honey production professionals
Head Beekeeper
William J. Shaw
William Shaw is a passionate beekeeper who has been cultivating and selling honey for the past two years. His love for bees began as a hobby, but quickly turned into a full-time career as he realized the potential of the industry. William's interest became more involved in beekeeping, attending workshops, studying the art of caring for bees and becoming president of the local bee club. William started his own beekeeping business, where he manages several hives of honeybees. He ensures that the hives are healthy and happy, and the bees have access to the best sources of nectar and pollen to produce high-quality honey. William is also passionate about educating people on the importance of bees in our ecosystem, and the benefits of consuming raw, natural honey. He often holds workshops and talks to school groups, community organizations, and local farmers' markets, where he showcases his products and shares his knowledge about bees. As a head beekeeper, William's ultimate goal is to promote sustainable and responsible beekeeping practices, and to inspire a new generation of beekeepers to take up this vital craft. He is dedicated to the protection and conservation of bees and their habitats, and hopes to continue to spread awareness and appreciation for these vital insects.
Honey Production
Jan Luykx
Jan is an assistant beekeeper and the mother of William, the head beekeeper in their family. Growing up, Jan always had an appreciation for the natural world and a love for bees. However, it wasn't until her son William started his beekeeping business that Jan became more involved in beekeeping. As an assistant beekeeper, Jan enjoys working with the bees and helping with hive management, but her true passion lies in the bottling and selling of the honey. Under the name MOMS' Honey, Jan bottles and labels the backyard honey, which has become popular among local customers for its high quality and unique flavors. Jan takes great pride in her work and is committed to providing customers with the best possible product. She is a master at selecting and measuring the delicious honey and carefully bottling it, so not a drop is wasted. She enjoys watching the bees from her window. In addition to selling the honey, Jan also enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for beekeeping with others, offering visits to the hives and explaining the process of honey production. When she's not working with the bees, Jan enjoys spending time with her family, tending to her home. She takes great pleasure in being able to contribute to her son's business and to share the fruits of their labor with the community.
Assistant Beekeper
Jacqueline Diamond
Jacqueline is an assistant beekeeper who grew up in the vibrant city of Miami. She recently discovered her passion for bees and their role in sustaining the environment, and has been working as an assistant beekeeper to gain hands-on experience in the field. Jacqueline has always been fascinated by the natural world and the inter-connectivity of different species. After taking a course on pollinators, she became increasingly interested in the plight of bees and their critical role in agriculture and food production. In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys researching and learning more about beekeeping and sustainable agriculture practices. As an assistant beekeeper, Jacqueline helps with hive management and honey extraction, working closely with the head beekeeper to ensure the health and productivity of the colony. She is a quick learner and is always eager to try new techniques and approaches to beekeeping. In addition to her work with bees, Jacqueline is also an avid artist and enjoys capturing images of nature and wildlife. She hopes to one day combine her passions for art and beekeeping by creating a series of work that showcases the beauty and importance of these amazing insects.