Connecting with Nature: The Story of Calm and Confidence Beekeeping
In an era where reconnecting with nature is more vital than ever, beekeeping stands out as a practice that brings civilization closer to the rhythms of the natural world. Lauren Anderson, the founder and apiary manager of Calm and Confidence, exemplifies this connection through her Arkansas-based beekeeping venture. "Our lifestyle is dictated by what the bees are doing," Anderson says, emphasizing the profound link between bees and nature.
From Classroom to Apiary
Calm and Confidence originated from a high school program in Washington state and evolved into a thriving business when Anderson moved back to Arkansas over five years ago. The venture, which combines a beehive subscription service with educational outreach, has grown steadily, reaching new areas across the state.
A Zero-Waste Initiative
Calm and Confidence is more than just honey production. It’s a zero-waste initiative that repurposes byproducts like beeswax into soap, lip balm, and even furniture made from retired hive boxes. "Whenever you do something like harvest honey, it produces wax as a waste product. We’re going to find a way to use that," Anderson explains. This sustainable approach not only conserves resources but also promotes entrepreneurship.
Community Engagement and Education
The organization places a strong emphasis on education and community involvement. Whether you want to become a location partner, help process honey, or simply learn about honey bees, Calm and Confidence offers opportunities for everyone. Apprenticeships allow participants to immerse themselves in apiculture, learning essential skills to tend to honey bee ecosystems.
Dispelling Myths and Promoting Conservation
Dispelling myths about honey bee aggression is a key part of Calm and Confidence's mission. "There’s this myth that honey bees are aggressive, and once you break it, even the adults are interested in learning more," says community coordinator Anna Crossland. The organization also responds to swarm calls and relocates hives to ensure they do not pose risks to urban areas.
Expanding Reach and Preserving Knowledge
Looking ahead, Calm and Confidence aims to expand its reach through the development of an educational app. This tool will help capture and disseminate beekeeping knowledge, especially from older generations of beekeepers. Events like hive build days, honey harvests, and community engagements are designed to bring people together and foster a deeper connection to nature.
A Passion for Beekeeping
Team members like Ashlynn Bowman, a beekeeper and pollinator educator, believe in the broader impact of their work. "By spreading education, we can create a more ethical way of beekeeping," Bowman says. Events coordinator Katie Finley adds, "Learning what bees do and how they impact the world is so fascinating. Bringing this to the community through schools and farmers markets is what the world needs right now."
Conclusion
Calm and Confidence continues to thrive by combining beekeeping with education and community engagement. Through sustainable practices and a commitment to conservation, this venture not only supports the environment but also brings people closer to nature.
FAQs:
Q1: What is Calm and Confidence? Calm and Confidence is a beekeeping venture in Arkansas that offers a beehive subscription service and educational outreach focused on conservation and entrepreneurship.
Q2: How did Calm and Confidence start? It began as a high school program in Washington state and was formalized into a business by Lauren Anderson when she moved back to Arkansas over five years ago.
Q3: What products and services does Calm and Confidence offer? They produce honey, beeswax soap, lip balm, and furniture from retired hive boxes. They also offer educational programs, apprenticeships, and hive location partnerships.
Q4: How does Calm and Confidence promote ethical beekeeping? They educate the community about beekeeping, focusing on conservation and sustainable practices. They also work to dispel myths about honey bee aggression and ensure native pollinators have food sources.
Q5: What future plans does Calm and Confidence have? They plan to roll out an app to reach more people interested in beekeeping and continue engaging with the community through events and educational activities.
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