Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana “Shellie” Shirah.
Hi Diana “Shellie”, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started beekeeping because I thought it would be cool to have our own honey. After finally getting things going I was looking for a way to raise money to go on a mission trip. I had also started some farming and realized I had some honey, vegetables, and fruits. I decided to try to make some fresh organic honey jams, pickles, and peppers and sale them to raise money for my mission trip. I am blessed to say that I have now been able to raise enough money to leave soon on my 5th mission trip. I am now in the process of working to open my own home-based business…
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say my “main” struggle was that I lost my bees the first 2 years I tried to start raising them. I prayed, I dug in and I got in touch with my local Beekeepers Association (Paulding County) to learn from others who had been successful. I am now a Georgia Certified Beekeeper maintaining over 30 hives and I allow others to come and learn hands-on in my own bee yard.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a beekeeper, but I am also a farmer. I specialize in raising honeybees and also growing organic fruits and vegetables. I personally make and can all my items (honey jams, pickles, peppers, and condiments) with the honey from my hives (no sugar added). I have not only been able to sustain my bees and farm with the proceeds, but I have been able to go on mission trips to help others. I am blessed to say that I am now officially working to open my own home-based business.
What are your plans for the future?
I am now officially looking forward and working to open my own home-based business.
Pricing:
- Honey $10 per pound (basic)
- Honeycomb – price per pound
- Honey jams: 1/2 pint: $9.00. Pint: $16
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @poohscornerstore
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/people/Poohs-Corner-Store/100057464198910
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCElH8pfM6zM89N5CNsa5aVA
Image Credits
Photo credits: Gabrielle McCarty
