Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Jones.
Hi Kristin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The idea for The Hive Collective was born when my husband became a beekeeper in 2013 after rescuing a swarm of honeybees in a warehouse. A couple of years later, after learning and growing his apiary, we started selling raw honey at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Greenville, Ohio. I enjoyed setting up there every Summer, and I especially enjoyed meeting other creative local vendors who set up as well. From there, I set up at other local events and grew into making soaps, balms, candles, scrubs, and candy using our beeswax and honey. Throughout those few years, I also learned to crochet and macrame after experiencing pregnancy loss. I found that using my hands to crochet or macrame projects was very therapeutic in processing my grief. During COVID-19, I took a step back from setting up at the Farmer’s Market, and I really missed the creative community. But in early 2021, another venture was started.
In March 2021, my husband and I bought a quaint building in downtown Greenville, which just so happened to be my favorite building growing up. We planned to sell our Farmer’s Market honey and beeswax items at our new shop, along with other items from fellow makers who wanted a year-round venue to sell their handcrafted items. While talking with the previous building owner about our plans for the venue and telling her our shop name, The Hive Collective, she asked,
“Did you already know the history of the building?”
I said, “No. Why?”
She replied, “Well, the original shop here in 1904 was called The Bee Hive!”
“What!?! No way!!” I instantly had goosebumps. It was meant to be! Even the building’s front windows were built to form an arch to resemble a skep hive! Any doubts I had were now gone.
Plans fell into place quickly, with great responses from vendors we reached out to, along with many other local makers who approached us in wanting to sell their handmade wares at “The Hive.” Our Grand Opening was June 4, 2021 with myself and a friend running the shop. Shortly after opening, we found out we were pregnant with our sixth child. A couple of weeks later, I had hired two more employees! I needed the help, stat! We started this venture three years ago, and we now feature creations from over fifty local makers and are continuously adding new vendor items as space becomes available. At The Hive, we are a collective effort of many busy bees offering one-of-a-kind items, which many customers claim makes it fun to explore!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges when offering one-of-a-kind handmade gifts is that there is no “re-ordering” from a wholesaler when popular items are getting low or when something unique sells. Many items we have in the shop are “1/1” in the entire world. This is something that draws people to The Hive but it can also be a challenge with inventory consistency and consumer demand. Our loyal customers know to get an item they want when they see it because there may only be that one in existence.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Hive Collective. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a collective of over 50 makers, bakers, artists, and creatives in Darke County, Ohio. Our offerings range from handmade jewelry and leather goods to raw local honey and homegrown fruit jams, to watercolor art and handcrafted wood trays, to French macarons and handpainted chocolates, to homemade soaps and beeswax candles, and so much more! Our venue gives shoppers a chance to explore the local talent and creativity in Darke County, Ohio! We offer a unique shopping experience with truly one-of-a-kind items that no one else in the world will have.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We are so grateful to our creative vendors who make the most amazing items and define the uniqueness of our shop. Together we are the busy bees who work together for the success of our Hive.
Contact Info:
- Website: thehivecollective517.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehivecollective517?igsh=MXRsNmJicWF6eHRqbA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehivecollective517?mibextid=LQQJ4d
