Hearts & Honey
by Eason Brohee
Miami is filled with life, but none of it is possible without those who keep it flourishing. And for one family they’re dedicated to protecting our pollinators through their backyard hives, while running the business “Mom’s Honey.”
“As a beekeeper, we're maintaining the health of a hive,” said owner William Shaw.
William took on the responsibility of caring for the bees while Jan focused on producing and selling the honey. The two began learning the process together, with some of their earliest experiences happening side by side.
“We’ve done some removals together. We have done a lot of stuff like that. You know, the very first time of opening the hive, that was the two of us together,” said William’s mother, Janet Luykx.
As the business developed, their roles became clearer. William continued working directly with the bees, while Jan took over the honey production and sales. Their different responsibilities allowed each of them to contribute something of their own while still working toward the same goal.
But for William, the work is about more than simply taking care of the bees. Spending time outdoors and working with the hives has become something he genuinely enjoys. The business gives him an opportunity to step away from everything else and focus on something he finds calming.
“First of all, I like it… I’m at peace…,” said Shaw.
What started with William walking onto the patio in a white beekeeper suit has grown into a business built around more than honeycomb. For Jan and William, Mom’s Honey has become another way to strengthen their relationship, with each depending on the other to keep the business moving forward.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without her,” said Shaw.
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