Meet Debra
As people walk along Main St. Greenville,SC, on a Saturday morning during the summer, at the TD Farmers Market, I love to watch the people look up at my sign and then look at my offerings. We chat, they select their goodies and off they go. They don’t know that I catch them glance back at the sign and I see them laugh and say to their friends “ Do you get it? Look at the sign! Miss Bee Haven Honey Bones .
Yes, it’s an off take if the word misbehaving. I thought about my bees, my business, my dogs and my kids and Miss Bee Haven Honey Bones popped into my mind.
Now, 12 years later, I think it’s a long name and I have lots more than just delicious dog biscuits made with honey, but at the time I never dreamed I would have come this far with no stops in sight.
My why
I became a Master Gardener here in Greenville through the Clemson extension program in 2008. What a terrific experience and learning adventure! Then in 2011 I became acutely aware of how important pollinators are so I became a certified beekeeper that was with the Piedmont Beekeepers Association.
Fascinating, mesmerizing, spooky, scary, & awesome!
I started with two hives my first year and will never forget the first time I was alone with my bees , I was shaking so frightened, but I took a deep breath and said be peaceful breathe and relax so that’s what I did and I was enchanted by them and what I was doing that I forgot my fear and fell in love. I’ve never been stung by my bees space never!
I’ve been stung by other bees, especially when catching a swarm or moving hives of others. I posed a threat to them, but never to my girls.
Honey is incredibly beneficial for both humans and dogs, improving hair, fur, skin, nails, allergies, and the immune system—its benefits are undeniable! As I discover more about the wonders of Honey and Bee Pollen, I’m excited to share these insights through products designed for your pets. After all, pets are part of the family! I offer a variety of honey-based products including shampoo, flea and tick spray, dental spray, salve, ear cleanser, and more. And don't forget the tasty dog biscuits, available in several flavors with seasonal specials!
For the humans, my wildflower honey is absolutely fantastic—locally sourced from Greenville, where I live in a wooded area that helps protect my bees. Not only do I offer this delicious honey, but I also have Bee Pollen, one of the world’s top 10 superfoods! A few years ago, I even ventured to the Appalachian mountains to try and harvest some sourwood honey. The first year showed promise, but the second year was tough due to dry conditions and poor flowers. In the third year, I added more hives and got a remarkable sourwood harvest just before Hurricane Helene hit. Unfortunately, I lost 10 hives, but I’m committed to keeping the honey flowing because those of you who’ve tried it absolutely loved it!
I enjoy what I’m doing. I love to know that you enjoy my honey, and that your dogs like the biscuits and are healthier because of the products I make for them!