Bee2Bee Honey Collective

A Sweet Vision for Houston’s Backyard Beekeepers

When you think of honey, what comes to mind? Maybe you picture a jar of golden liquid to drizzle on your morning toast, or perhaps you envision a cozy cup of tea sweetened with a spoonful of nature's nectar. But for Nicole, the visionary behind *Bee2Bee Honey Collective*, honey is more than just a tasty treat. It's the result of a deep passion for beekeeping and educating others about the essential role bees play in our environment.

The Heart of Bee2Bee Honey Collective

Located in Houston, Bee2Bee Honey Collective is not your typical honey business. While their honey is, of course, a major product, Nicole and her team consider themselves primarily a beekeeping business. Thier mission? To create an army of educated hobbyist beekeepers through mentorship and educational services. This is how Bee2Bee is reshaping the local beekeeping landscape, one class and hive at a time.

Nicole’s love for bees began long before she took her first beekeeping class. "Bee2Bee was a concept I envisioned before I even had a beehive," she says. "It was a dream of mine to provide hyperlocal honey to Houstonians, and now I’m living that dream every day."

The Sweet Taste of Local Wildflower Honey

One of the biggest draws at Bee2Bee’s market booths is their signature product: local wildflower honey. Often described as "everyday honey," this honey is beloved for its versatility and unique flavor, which represents the essence of Houston’s local flora. "It’s rich yet balanced in flavor," Nicole explains. "And though its dark color may surprise some, that’s actually a hallmark of the honey from this area."

Wildflower honey can vary dramatically from season to season depending on the flowers the bees forage from. At Bee2Bee, this natural variability is a key talking point with customers. It’s one of the reasons Nicole and her team are so passionate about educating the public—not just about honey, but about the entire process of beekeeping. They take great care in explaining how different types of honey can taste and look depending on where the bees gather nectar, and how the harvest can vary from year to year.

Educating the Public: The Bee2Bee Mission

Beyond selling honey, Bee2Bee is deeply committed to providing education. Through hands-on mentorship, classes, presentations, and even consultations, Bee2Bee empowers individuals and families to take up beekeeping themselves. Nicole is dedicated to spreading the knowledge of backyard beekeeping, urban pollination, honey pairing, and the importance of bees in our ecosystem.

"It's about fostering a community of hobbyist beekeepers who are informed and passionate," says Nicole. "When you support Bee2Bee, you're supporting the next generation of beekeepers, and that's something we're incredibly proud of."

Overcoming Challenges: The Resilience of a Bee Business

Like all entrepreneurs, Nicole has faced her share of challenges. Last year, for instance, the Houston area was hit by Hurricane Beryl. While the hives themselves survived the storm unscathed, the properties where they were kept suffered damage, including downed trees, fallen fences, and even roof construction. Despite the setbacks, Nicole and her team worked tirelessly to move the hives to safety. On top of that, the ceiling of their shipping room collapsed after taking on water. It was a trying time, but one that Nicole and her team pushed through with determination and resilience.

But it’s not all hurdles. One of Bee2Bee's most significant wins in the past year was the Heights Mercantile 5th Anniversary market in September, which turned out to be their best financial day ever. "So many customers came out to support the market—it was incredible!" Nicole beams. “A big thank you to The Informal Grub Team for putting on such an amazing event!”

A Community of Beekeepers and More

What truly sets Bee2Bee apart is its sense of community. Nicole doesn’t just see herself as a business owner but as a mentor and educator, fostering a supportive environment where people can learn and grow alongside the bees. Customers can attend a variety of Bee2Bee’s events throughout the year, from hive tours and tasting experiences to classes on beekeeping, honey marketing, and even urban pollination.

In addition to their in-person events, Bee2Bee offers shipping through their website and free 24/7 pick-up in Montrose, making their delicious honey accessible to even more people. For those looking to start their own beekeeping journey, Bee2Bee provides consultation services, a shadowing program, and even text support to answer any questions.

Outside of the hive, Nicole is also active in Houston’s local culture. She co-hosts Afternoon Delight on 96.1 KTRU Rice Radio every Tuesday at 2 pm, where she spins music from the 70s. Nicole is also a member of the Space City Pinball League, competing in local tournaments.

The Importance of Collaboration

Nicole's advice to young entrepreneurs? "Collaboration is key. Your business is only as good as the relationships you create and nurture." She also stresses the importance of finding a hobby outside of your business to keep things balanced. "Trust me," she says with a smile, "you’ll thank yourself for it later."

Bee2Bee's Support Staff: The Unsung Heroes

While Nicole is the face of Bee2Bee, she’s quick to credit her team for the success of the business. "I have a fantastic support staff behind the scenes, helping with beekeeping, honey extraction, bottling, and fulfilling orders," she says. "Penelope, who helps us at the Sunday markets, is truly a gem. She’s a great ambassador for Bee2Bee and a wonderful human."

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re curious about bees, honey, or even taking up beekeeping yourself, Bee2Bee offers plenty of ways for you to get involved. Visit them at the farmers market, sign up for a class, or even stop by for a hive tour. Whether you're a seasoned beekeeper or just someone who appreciates local honey, there’s always something to learn from Nicole and the Bee2Bee team.

And of course, don't forget to grab a jar (or two) of their wildflower honey while you're there—it’s the perfect gift for yourself, your friends, and even your toast!