"A Lesson in Bee-ing" by Courtney Cyr-Collier
Kenneth-James Tencza
Courtney Cyr at Illuman Apiary
It was seven years ago when I first learned about the declining bee population. I was sitting in an environmental studies class and one of the other students gave a speech on the repercussions of losing the Honey Bee. As she finished up her presentation, she pulled out bowls full of fruit: apples, mangos, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, watermelon, cherries, and pears. She handled the bowls around and told us to take and enjoy our favorites, because if something is not done to change the rapid rate of bee colony collapse, none of these fruits will be around. With a closing statement like that, my attention was captured.
It is my understanding that the issue of Honey Bee colony collapse is common knowledge in our culture. However, when paired with issues like water contamination, deforestation, climate change, and ozone pollution, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. When you begin looking into the problem of the Honey Bee becoming endangered, you discover a tirade of issues that researchers believe contributed to the problem. Many of them with ties to huge, government- backed organizations like Monsanto. So what do you do? As one single person, what can you change?
This is why my love story with Illuman Apiary began.
Illuman Apiary is a small, family – run business of Beekeepers. They saw a need and figured out what they could do to help. When I first read about their small business, I thought it was a neat idea and didn’t think much more of it. However, the more time I spend with KJ and Yendra, the more I realize just how true they stay to their mission. Every decision made is based in what is good and helpful to their bees. They use their platforms to educate their community on ways to help the Bees. They create real, wholesome products and put the profits towards expanding their hives.
I am even more excited to now be partnering with them in this initiative! I’ll have the opportunity to grown in my knowledge and understanding about Beekeeping, while helping them develop and expand their incredible brand.