Meet Lauren Donaldson | Beekeeper

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Donaldson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The bees found me—twice, actually. In 2016, a swarm of bees made their way under my house and onto my roof. I called a local beekeeper to help me save them, and I fell in love. That very day, I started keeping bees in my backyard. I had several mentors, and each year, the hives continued to multiply. It wasn’t a business until this year, 2024; it was simply my passion.

I gradually expanded beyond my backyard—onto John’s Island, at a school, and near a plantation in Summerville. My focus was always on the bees, not the honey. My goal is to increase the bee population and help save them. While everyone always asked for honey, I want to share the story of the bees. I began sharing my journey on social media with friends and family, and just like the beehives, my followers also multiplied. I share both the struggles and the successes, the good and the bad. But ultimately, I see myself as just the messenger, telling the story of the honey bees. And yes, I sell honey from time to time. It is too hard to resist that liquid gold.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It’s really all about the bees and educating the community about their importance. I am here to help them expand and flourish, one hive at a time. To support this goal, I sell hives (nucs). My hives multiply as queens produce more queens, and I sell the nucs to other beekeepers. Each new beekeeper becomes an ambassador for sharing the importance of the honey bees. I’m particularly excited to launch a “Host a Hive” program in 2025! Many people want to support the bees but don’t have the time to be beekeepers themselves. That’s where I come in! You can host a hive in your backyard, at your school, or at your workplace. The options are endless!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to advertise Charleston, SC! So many wonderful sites to see and great food to eat. Walking on the beach is a must. Fleet Landing is always a go to place for eating. The view and the good both rate high in my book. Don’t forget to add in a walking touring. Especially during the fall when it can be a haunted ghost tour. This historical city has so many stories to share. Don’t forget the inland waterways. Grab a canoe and see the inner waterways. They are peaceful and magical. After a ride on the canoe, I would stop by Santi’s downtown. Off Meeting Street. This small mexican restaurant is unique and delicious. It is a hidden gem as well. Downtown Charleston is just a beautiful place to walk around. If you like the simple things, just grabbing a bike and riding through the streets is remarkable. The houses and the gardens impress me even after living his for 15 years.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The beekeeping community is vast! There are numerous organizations, both big and small, but a few local mentors were instrumental in my success: Diana Rouse, Susan Crook, and Jim Strohm. I am so thankful for their support over the years!

I also want to express my gratitude to my partner, Amy Cable. She knew nothing about bees until she met me, but she eagerly jumped in to build equipment, educate people, and give me the time and space I needed to help the bees flourish. Her encouragement, inspiration, and guidance were key to my progress this year.

Website: https://justmeandthebees.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just_me_and_the_bees/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094574545920&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@just_me_and_the_bees

Image Credits
Photos are from myself, Amy Cable and Susan Crook.