Beessential grew out of David Rzepka’s unexpected turn as a beekeeper and remains a family-owned Ohio business shaped by that connection to the hive. For more than 20 years, the family has made small-batch natural skincare in its Ohio facility, using honey and beeswax in formulas intended for everyday care.
Nate's NectarNate’s Nectar is a family-owned DeGraff, Ohio, business that grew from Nathan Davis’s college beekeeping interest and four starter colonies into an operation involving the Davis family. Working alongside sister company Davis Apiaries, the family harvests and bottles raw honey for customers seeking locally sourced honey products, while also developing small-batch beeswax goods.DE GRAFF, OH
Avital's ApiariesAvital’s Apiaries turns the products of its honey hives into handcrafted body care, including soaps, lotion bars, haircare and bath products. The three-person team works from a solar-powered workshop in Newfield, New York, drawing on 30 acres of wildflowers and forest while also sourcing hive products from other local beekeepers. What began with two hives and a local fair table 12 years ago has grown into wholesale and online sales, with minimal packaging and a strong preference for glass, tins and paperboard.NEWFIELD, NY
Honey BuzHoney Buz grew from a beekeeper’s understanding of honeybees, natural remedies, and the need to protect pollinators. Based in Sussex County, New Jersey, it creates natural honey-and-hemp personal-care products for people seeking alternatives to harsh ingredients, including plastic-saving shampoo bars and gentle pet care. The company sources honey through its own apiary and local beekeeper community while supporting local farms.WARWICK, NY
Becky’s Buckeye NaturalsFrom Troy, Ohio, Becky’s Buckeye Naturals makes handmade skincare and body-care products in small batches using natural ingredients, including locally sourced materials whenever possible. The shop is especially distinctive for its solid shampoo bars and simple Bastille soap, made with saponified oils, shea butter, and essential oils. Its products are sold across the United States and at area farmers markets.