In the gentle hum of Harold Check’s backyard, something extraordinary is taking flight. Nestled amid flowerbeds and native greenery are five thriving beehives–the heart of Bee Happy Honey, a small but mighty beekeeping venture born from a deep respect for nature and a desire to protect one of its most vital creatures.
Harold is not your typical beekeeper. A dental professional and massage therapist by trade, he has always nurtured a passion for the natural world. But it wasn’t until he learned about the endangerment of bees that this curiosity turned into action.
“We are dependent on bees and other pollinators for our food supply,” Harold says. “They’re essential to our ecosystem. That’s what first got me interested in beekeeping.”
Three years ago, Harold began shadowing experienced beekeeper Leo Stephenson, immersing himself in the world of hives, queens, and colonies. Soon after, he reached out to longtime friends Carol Caruso–a retired teacher and artist–and Christopher Clark to join him in launching Bee Happy Honey.
Building a Buzz
“It just came to me,” Harold says with a smile about the name. “And it seemed right.”
Getting started wasn’t without its hurdles.
“There’s a lot to learn,” Harold admits. “Beekeeping requires hands-on experience and a network of local mentors. You have to find a native colony, understand how to establish and care for your hives, and be ready to face challenges like pests and temperature control.”
Indeed, health and cleanliness are crucial for a thriving colony. Bees are susceptible to mites, so treatments like formic acid and natural sprays made of vinegar, salt, and water are used to keep them at bay. Hive locations must be carefully chosen, and temperatures maintained at no less than 50 degrees to ensure survival.
But for Harold, Carol, and Christopher, the rewards far outweigh the effort.
“We can harvest honey every two weeks or so,” Harold shares. “The taste changes with the seasons. It’s sweeter in the spring, thanks to the abundance of wildflowers.”
Sweet Success
Bee Happy honey has quickly gained a reputation for its rich, floral flavor–each jar a reflection of the changing landscape and the local blooms that flavor it. From spring’s delicate sweetness to the deeper tones of fall, each harvest tells a story.
As for aspiring beekeepers, Harold offers sound advice:
“Make local contacts. Take classes. Beekeeping is a constant learning experience–just like anything worth doing in life.”
From a backyard hobby to a small business with heart, Bee Happy is more than just honey–it’s a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose.
And in Harold’s corner of the world, the bees couldn’t be happier.
Bee Happy Honey – where a backyard passion turned into a thriving beekeeping venture. For more information, please contact them at 734-652-5474.