We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christopher Bush. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Christopher, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing we’ve learned about our customers is how deeply they care about creating a positive social and environmental impact. When we first started Hive Works Honey Company, we thought people would mostly connect with the honey itself. What we’ve found is that businesses and individuals alike are drawn to the purpose behind the hives.
Many of our corporate partners in Cleveland want more than just a sustainability initiative, they want to be part of something that blends community involvement, environmental stewardship, and ethical business practices. Whether it’s supporting pollinator habitats, volunteering alongside our team, or sponsoring hives as part of their corporate social responsibility goals, our customers truly want to “B the Change.” That passion has been the most inspiring surprise of all.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Chris Bush, founder of Hive Works Honey Company, a Cleveland-based social enterprise that blends beekeeping, community development, and education to create meaningful environmental impact.
What makes Hive Works special is that we use honey bees as a bridge between people and purpose. Our work started with a simple goal: to teach kids with disabilities soft job skills through caring for bees and though markets. From there, it’s grown into something much bigger — a network of hives placed across Northeast Ohio in partnership with businesses, schools, and organizations that want to align their operations with ethical and sustainable practices.
Through our programs, we help companies strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, engage employees in volunteer opportunities, and contribute directly to pollinator health and biodiversity. Every jar of honey and every hive represents a shared commitment to community involvement, environmental sustainability, and positive social change all made right here in Cleveland.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people break when empathy and shared purpose fade. At Hive Works Honey Company, we’ve seen how connection is restored when teams come together for something meaningful like building hives, planting pollinator gardens, or volunteering in the community. Working toward a positive social and environmental impact not only strengthens relationships but reminds us that purpose brings people back together.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Last winter was one of the hardest moments for Hive Works Honey Company. We lost nearly 90% of our bees. It was heartbreaking, and for a moment, I questioned whether we could keep going. But then I remembered why we started: to create a positive social and environmental impact, teach kids valuable skills, and connect our community through purpose-driven work.
We rebuilt, one hive at a time, with the support of our partners, volunteers, and local businesses who share our commitment to sustainability. That experience taught me that even in the face of loss, perseverance helped us bee stronger than ever.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in our industry is that all honey is pure. In reality, nearly half of store-bought honey is imported and often adulterated. Supporting local beekeepers ensures top notch quality.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, our customers would miss more than just the honey. They’d miss the connection to Cleveland’s local beekeepers, the hands-on community programs, and the chance to support ethical, sustainable practices that make a real social and environmental impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Hiveworkshoneyco.com
- Instagram: @HIVEWORKSHONEYCO
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17Uop5YRBn/
