WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR STARTING BEEKEEPER’S NATURAL?
I started the company out of necessity rather than inspiration. I had struggled with a weak immune system and chronic sore throats for years. I was sick, and nothing I tried was working.
It wasn’t until I found myself in a small Italian pharmacy during a semester abroad that I discovered a solution to my problems—this mysterious substance called ‘propolis’. It was the first thing in my life that was able to zap my sore throat and keep my immune system firing.
I couldn’t live without this magical stuff, but I had trouble finding it when I came home to North America. Even when I did track some down, I quickly learned that the quality of these bee products was way worse than what I was finding in Europe. So I started beekeeping to ensure that my personal remedies would be formulated in the clean and fastidious way I needed them to be.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE WOMEN WHO ARE WANTING TO START THEIR OWN COMPANY?
Dispel the negative self-talk and go for it. If you don’t know how or haven’t done anything like this before, remember, some of the most amazing things are created by first-timers. You are not insignificant. You are capable of learning and changing and creating whatever it is that you feel the world needs.
HOW DO YOU STAY BALANCED WHEN JUGGLING BOTH PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL JOBS?
I’m not going to lie, it’s hard. I try to keep an organized schedule—and not just for work. I make sure to book in time with friends. I even carve out personal time for things like meditation and yoga. I’ve become more intense about not canceling my personal commitments and treating like important meetings. I have pushed myself to the brink of burnout before, so it’s something I need to watch closely.
WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL?
To challenge thought consensus.
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
On the other side of fear lies freedom.
WHAT MAKES YOU FORGET TO EAT?
Being in the flow with work & creative team meetings that run overtime.
WHAT GIVES YOU GOOSEBUMPS?
Watching other women step into their power.
WHAT IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
- A book
- A journal
- B.Chill Sticks
- Saje Sleep Well essential oil rollerball
- Beeswax candle
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
For me, success is about personal fulfillment and my greater impact on the world.
WHAT DID YOUR 8-YEAR-OLD SELF LOVE DOING?
Playing in the dirt and climbing trees (basically the same as my 28-year-old self).
WHAT IS YOUR BAD DAY BACKUP PLAN?
I believe that the cure for sadness is gratitude and acts of service. If I’m having an off day I make a gratitude list, write in my journal, and try to be there for someone else.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WITH A BROKEN HEART?
Every time the universe takes something away there is something far better that will replace it. Trust that it’s either this or something greater.
WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU GRAB IN A FIRE?
- My computer.
- My copy of The Alchemist with all the notes I made in the margins.
- Propolis Spray: this one is purely practical to help with any inflammation from the poor air quality I was exposed to in the fire.
FAVORITE WORD?
Euphemism: it’s a beautiful sounding word and I’m big on positivity, so it seems appropriate.
FAVORITE WORK OF ART?
Blossoming Almond Tree by Vincent Van Gogh
I love everything about nature, but there is something extra special about this painting for me. It gives me a sense of comfort and serenity—the same peaceful feeling I get when I spend time at the hives.
WHAT DO YOU WEAR THAT MAKES YOU FEEL STRONG?
I usually feel extra badass in a good blazer.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST PET PEEVE?
Rude people. I have zero tolerance for meanness.
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Harry Potter series will always be one of my favorites, but I also adore the book Ender’s Game. I’m a sucker for the underdog and I love tales of personal expansion and achievement.
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Do what you’re scared of.
To learn more about Carly and her company Beekeepers Natural, please visit beekeepersnatural.com and follow on:
