Recipe for Success

When Diane Ravens first read about honeybees in 1991, she had no idea her fascination with the social insects would spark a hobby and ultimately, a successful business.

“The fact that they are the only insect that provide food for human consumption, and that food—honey, never spoils, made me think there was more to honeybees than we realized,” Ravens said. “That was the beginning of my journey with this beloved insect.”

Ravens began this journey as a part-time beekeeper, but having a family inspired her to create “Appalachian Bee” in 2001, taking the company to the next level.

“I wanted to do something that kept me close to home, where I could be available to our young children,” Ravens explained. “Working with honeybees had always been enjoyable and challenging.”

Appalachian Bee began as a one-person effort in Ravens’ basement. She focused on creating artisan honey products—including varietal honey and honey butter—and natural skincare products. Ravens soon realized going it alone had its challenges.

“Some of the challenges I faced were where to find information about marketing, branding, and funding availability,” Ravens said. 

Once Ravens secured a BERO loan, she says her business was truly able to thrive.

“One of the best things I did with the BERO funding I received was finding and hiring a qualified graphic designer to create a brand for our products,” Ravens said. “This included designing the layout for the package labels, marketing materials, and stationary. The funding also covered the cost of printing these items, as well as the cost of designing our e-commerce website. Once the branding was established, it presented my products as professional and desirable to my clients.”

Appalachian Bee has experienced enough success to expand out of Ravens’ basement into a 2,000 square foot manufacturing facility, complete with a soap studio, packaging and shipping area and storage for supplies and honey barrels.

“Having the BERO funding gave me the ability to reach the next level with my products by promoting them in a professional manner and gave me exposure on the Internet with my website that, otherwise, I would not have been able to do,” Ravens explained. “It was an easy process applying for the funding, and the interest rates were unmatched. Having this support from the state of Tennessee positively affected our bottom line, and each year we continue to grow.”

As a small business owner, Ravens prides herself on the quality and integrity of her products. She uses only the best ingredients available and counts her ability to interact with the retail businesses that sell her products, as well as the customers who visit her honey house, as reasons why she loves her job.

“Taking that leap of faith is difficult enough,” Ravens added, speaking about taking the plunge with her business idea. “When you get that support it was like the state of Tennessee saying ‘We believe in you’ and ‘We support what you are doing!’”

As far as the future, Ravens has big plans.

“My future business goals are to continue growing the business in new markets, hire additional sales representatives to market my products nationwide, continue to market my unique skincare products using elements from the beehive, and expand upon them,” Ravens listed. “I also have in development artisan infused honeys, which have had very favorable reviews.”

You don’t have to visit Ocoee or live in Tennessee to enjoy Diane’s labor of love; you can buy Appalachian Bee products online at www.honeybeesrock.com.