MEET THE BEEKEEPERS
Our Story
The Pleasant Bee is a father-daughter venture born from a shared appreciation for nature, a strong family bond, and an entrepreneurial spirit. It began in 2008 when Al and Sarah took an introductory beekeeping course at North Carolina State University. After joining the Wake County Beekeepers Association, they unexpectedly won a beehive as a door prize, turning their interest into a lifelong pursuit of beekeeping.
Since then, Al and Sarah have grown The Pleasant Bee into one of the region’s most trusted sources for local raw honey, pure beeswax, and small-batch body care products. They earned their North Carolina Certified Beekeeper status in 2009. Since then, Sarah has continued to deepen her expertise, earning her Journeyman certification and actively working toward becoming a Master Beekeeper.
The Pleasant Bee has been a Certified Honey Producer under the North Carolina Honey Board since 2009. Sarah has served in leadership roles with the Wake County Beekeepers Association, including Secretary and President, while Al continues to contribute as a dedicated member of the swarm response team.
Together, they remain deeply engaged in North Carolina’s beekeeping community, encouraging new and aspiring beekeepers to connect with local associations for training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. At The Pleasant Bee, they believe the best honey is made not only with care and craftsmanship, but through a deep connection to the community.
NC Raw Wildflower Local Honey
At The Pleasant Bee, we believe honey is best in its most natural state. Honey is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it does not support the growth of bacteria or other microbes. Because of this, it does not require pasteurization. That’s why we never heat or pasteurize our honey, preserving its purity and integrity from hive to jar.
Instead, we use a gentle straining process to remove only physical impurities like wax, dirt, and bee debris, while allowing the beneficial pollens and nutrients to remain. The result is true raw honey, rich in flavor and naturally packed with the elements that make local honey so valuable.
Local raw honey is often associated with supporting immunity to seasonal allergies. Bees collect pollen from the same regional plants that commonly trigger allergies, and trace amounts of that pollen remain in raw honey. Many people who regularly consume raw, unpasteurized honey report reduced allergy symptoms over time.
Our Sweet Adventure
What began as a father-daughter hobby has grown into a true family adventure. From caring for the bees to harvesting, labeling, and selling, every part of the process is handled by our family (including a few helping hands not always pictured).
Our hives are located across Wake County, NC, where bees gather nectar from tulip poplars and seasonal wildflowers. The result is raw, local honey with a gentle flavor and the care only a family can provide.