Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Gage.
Hi Scott, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Founded in 2018 by Scott Gage, after noticing a lack of bees in his yard,
Engaged Bees is dedicated to the preservation and growth of bee
populations in the Cincinnati / NKY area.
Scott’s passion for beekeeping is contagious, and his loyal mascot,
Cosmo Kramer (yes, that Kramer), is always by his side.
With the help of mentors at Gorman Heritage Farm, Scott has grown from
one hive to tens of hives, all buzzing with activity.
Witnessing the bees’ teamwork and coordination is like watching an
orchestra in action.
Engaged Bees is committed to sharing their love of beekeeping and
educating others on the importance of these critical pollinators.
Join us on this exciting adventure – saving the planet one bee at a time.
The first few years, I only had a few hives. Year 1 was just one hive, unfortunately, that hive did not make it through the winter. Year 2, I increased to 2 hives, but again, those did not survive the winter. Year 3, I started with 4 hives (and also got my first honey). Since then, I have grown from those hives to just under 40 hives today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Keeping my bees alive in the beginning was a struggle. I didn’t know what I was doing early on. I read a lot, but unfortunately, the bees don’t read those same books, so I learned by making mistakes. I didn’t give up, and devoted more time and effort into becoming a good (better) beekeeper.
Bees will do what they do, but as a beekeeper, there are things that the bees can’t handle on their own. Pests (small hive beetles, wax moths, ants, and especially varroa destructor mites) will take a strong hive and make it weak. A weak hive is not able to handle winter.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m not sure if this question is about me before getting into beekeeping. But I’ll assume, you mean my beekeeping business.
I specialize in providing local raw seasonal honey varieties. I pull the honey typically 3 times during the year. Once around June (Spring Honey). This is going to be a lighter honey flavor with strong floral hints. The spring honey is based on flowers that were in bloom in April, May and June.
The next honey pull is around Aug, this is the summer honey, more of a typical / traditional honey flavor. This is from flowers in bloom in July and August.
The last pull of they year is in October, my fall honey. It is very bold, caramel like and with a hint of fig or chocolate. This is from flowers in bloom in Sept and October.
I sell my honey almost exclusively at various markets in the Cincinnati area. I’m at 3 different farmers markets weekly (2- one week, another the following week). Additionally, I participate in many artisan style markets, like Westside market, Cityflea, Offmarket, etc.
I think my customers, especially my returning customers enjoy getting a chance to talk directly with their beekeeper.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Follow me on instagram. @engaged.bees
Support your local farmers – visit your local farmers markets
Buy local honey. Get to know your beekeeper.
Even if you don’t buy from me, buy from a beekeeper.
Plant native pollinator friendly plants and flowers.
If you have land that you’d like to have bees on, but you don’t want to deal with taking care of the bees, I’m always looking for new hive locations in the Cincinnati area.
Pricing:
- $7 for a Spring or Summer 4oz Muth Bottle
- $8 for Fall 4oz Muth Bottle
- $13 for Spring honey in a glass bottle
- $24 for a 4 oz gift set (12 oz total) includes all 3 seasonal honeys
- $14 for Summer honey in glass bottle
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @engaged.bees
