SMALL BIZ BUZZ: Bee Empowered to Make a Difference
Shiyana Wainscoat wanted to do something to save the bees in her neighborhood. She started a hive with her family after learning about colony collapse disorder, where adult honeybees simply disappeared from hives. But Shiyana, along with her husband Richard, who are both educators, with their son Roen, took on the steep learning curve to raise a backyard apiary and turn it into a buzzing small business.
Kailua Honey was born. The entire ohana got involved from harvesting and maintenance, bottling, labeling and with shipping and distribution. They now offer a line of infused honey and honey nut butters with macadamia nuts.
“Small business entrepreneurs are jugglers who don’t quit,” Shiyana said. “A willingness to learn and evolve is a must, such as being able to listen to veterans in the industry.”
Like how busy bees work, Shiyana said there are “no days off” when there’s passion in what you do. And just like how honey bees are essential in the local economy, Kailua Honey is also proud with its local partners, where they source ingredients such as vanilla beans from Laie and macadamia nuts that are grown, roasted and packaged in Hawaii.
It is part of the business’ mission to help the community lead healthier lives by educating them on the healing properties of raw honey. Shiyana and her family don't tire of sharing their stories in several pop-up markets. “It was amazing to see our product on store shelves, but there’s no better feeling than when someone tries a Kailua Honey product and you see their face light up,” she said.
“Many women are willing to help their sisters navigate the obstacles that are thrown at small businesses,” Shiyana said. “Build local partnerships and collaborate with other businesses in your community. Surround yourself with women (and men!) who will say good things about your business in a room full of opportunities.”
That’s what we’re all about, Shiyana. Empowered women empower women.
We are excited to have Kailua Honey partner with Shop YWCA - get their products here on our site and visit their Tasting Room and Shop in Kailua (54 Maluniu Ave.) after their opening on September 8th!
Check their website (kailuahoney.com) for hours and/or to reserve a Honey Flight and Bites: A self-guided honey tasting paired with charcuteries. They will also be offering a Bee Talk Story with Hawaiian Honey Tasting later in the year.
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