The Bee Works Giftshop at Dancing Bee Equipment is a hive of activity. Store Operations Manager Jennifer Stafrace tells us what all the buzz is about.
Watershed Magazine: Dancing Bee and the Bee Works Giftshop is a unique experience. Tell us about the place.
Jennifer Stafrace: Dancing Bee Equipment started over 10 years ago on Todd Kalisz’s farm in Port Hope, and after tremendous growth, he purchased the land where we are and built the 20,000+ square foot warehouse we have now. We’re Canada’s leading beekeeping supplier. None of what we do would be possible without our amazing team of people who work so hard!
Tell us about your beehives. How many do you have?
We have about 10 hives, and of course, our seasonal observation hive, which is so cool to see. Unless you are a beekeeper, it’s not something you get to see and experience in person. We also have hives on our farm property and hives across Northumberland County.
The air smells so good; what is going on here?
When you walk into The Bee Works for the first time you will notice the beautiful aroma of honey. This comes in part from the honey we bottle here, but also from the beautiful, pure beeswax candles. It is truly a calming and comforting scent.
There’s been a lot of talk about food fraud and adulteration, and honey is one of those products vulnerable to being cut with cheap sugars. Is this on your minds at The Bee Works?
As leaders in the industry, this is something we are very aware of. We can proudly say that our honey is never cut with sugar. We believe that honey is best in its true form and that pure, unpasteurized honey is the best of the best!
The Honey Wall is impressive; where do all these pretty jars come from?
A lot of it is our very own Bee Works products, including our creamed and infused flavours. We do love to support other beekeepers in the industry, and we have honey from across Canada.
Can visitors sample the honey before they buy?
Yes, they can sample honey. Each honey has a unique flavour, so it’s important to give people the opportunity to learn about each floral source and taste the difference. A sunflower honey tastes completely different from a blueberry or buckwheat honey – sunflower has almost a caramel flavour, while buckwheat has a molasses flavour.
You have a lovely selection of bee-themed gifts. Tell us about some of your favourites.
We have some really special products, such as our natural health and beauty items, including skincare and shower essentials as well as the pure beeswax candles we make onsite.
Do you feature local artisans and producers in your shop?
As a small business, we believe in the importance of supporting other small businesses and products made locally. We carry many products that are made in Northumberland County and the surrounding areas.
The Bee Works offers some great holiday options for gifting and the table; what are some of your favourites?
We carry many products that can’t be found anywhere else – we make gifting easy, unique, and beautiful. Our gift boxes and baskets make thoughtful gifts and we ship across Canada!
The Bee Works has become quite the tourist destination. Are visitors allowed into the attached warehouse?
We encourage even non-beekeepers to investigate the warehouse. Who knows, it may spark their desire to become a beekeeper! We offer workshops including mead-making, candle-making and a wide range of beekeeping workshops geared toward the beginner and seasoned beekeeper. One of our beekeepers, Dana, does a lot of our workshops, and also creates our beautiful candles, candle molds, and our DIY kits. Our new Me and the Bees experience offers kids and adults the chance to learn about bees, don a beekeeping suit, hold frames, smoke the bees and experience something truly beneficial to the environment.
Story by:
Signe Langford
