Founded in 1995 by renowned author and herbalist Melissa J. Buckley, Honeybee Gardens blossomed from a simple passion for herbal remedies. Inspired by years of study, Buckley sought to craft natural personal care products for her family, sparking a journey from kitchen cosmetics to global acclaim. Today, our products grace the shelves of health food stores, pharmacies, online retailers, mass retailers, and specialty stores worldwide.
Melissa J. Buckley
Founder
In August of 1995, at the age of 27, I found myself standing at a crossroads. Armed with a journalism degree, I had ventured into the field right after college only to realize it wasn’t where my passion lay. Needing a job to make ends meet, I found myself working at an architectural firm, where the rigid structures of business intrigued me.
Yet, despite the semblance of stability, I couldn’t shake the feeling of discontent. The corporate world, with its sterile confines and artificial lights, left me yearning for something more. It was during this time that I stumbled upon a simple yet profound realization: happiness lay in pursuing what truly brought me joy.
And so, fueled by a fervent desire for change and a penchant for entrepreneurship, I embarked on a journey that would alter the course of my life forever.
“My journey with Honeybee Gardens began from a simple need.”
I had a fascination with herbs nurtured since my late teens. And I loved gardening. Newly married, I wanted to alleviate the discomfort my husband suffered from shaving his sensitive skin. Experimenting tirelessly in my kitchen, I formulated concoctions using the herbs in my garden, each trial bringing me closer to the perfect solution.
“One day he emerged from shaving, pieces of botanical material still stuck to his face, proclaiming “THIS STUFF WORKS!”
Driven by a fervent love for gardening and a newfound appreciation for the power of natural remedies, the idea of starting my own business began to take shape. It was a daunting prospect, as I had zero knowledge about HOW to start a business nor how the cosmetics industry worked. Oh, and I didn’t have any money. But the allure of independence and the prospect of turning my passion into a livelihood fueled my undying determination.
With Honeybee Gardens, I found my calling—a harmonious blend of business acumen and botanical bliss. From very humble beginnings to global recognition, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. There were lots of bumps and mishaps along the way. And tears. But with each misfortune or mistake, a lesson was learned and it made me stronger.
Today, as I reflect on the evolution of Honeybee Gardens, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to offer natural, skin-friendly products. Gratitude for the unwavering support of our loyal customers. And above all, gratitude for the chance to make a positive impact—one product at a time.
Since our inception in 1995, Honeybee Gardens has championed a simple yet powerful ethos: crafting pure, all-natural bath and body care products from the finest organic ingredients. Our commitment extends beyond skincare; we embrace sustainability by reusing and recycling whenever possible. But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to cruelty-free practices. Certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny, we refuse to test any of our products on animals. Moreover, we shun green-washing and fleeting trends, opting instead to engage with our customers directly. Their feedback guides our innovation, ensuring that every product we create is a reflection of their desires and our commitment to excellence. At Honeybee Gardens, our customers aren’t just patrons—they’re friends. We cherish their support and strive to deliver nothing but the best, both in terms of products and service. So, whether you have a question or simply want to share your thoughts, know that we’re here for you, every step of the way.
