I’m Kate, the beekeeper at You Got This Honey. I’ve been beekeeping for over 6 years and maintain anywhere from 10 to 20 hives between my backyard and nearby locations in the western suburbs of Chicago. I’ve always loved bugs! When I was little, I wanted to be an entomologist. I remember taking a rectangular hinged Godiva chocolates box and using it as my very own specimen case. I’d pin whatever insects I could find to the foam bottom, just like I’d seen in museums. My collection was short-lived (sorry, Mom!), but insects have always held a special place in my heart.
I received a beekeeping course at the Morton Arboretum as a gift, and I was hooked! Since then, I have kept my own bees and decided to “say yes” to beekeeping opportunities of all kinds. One season, I worked for another local beekeeper – managing hives in various locations, including the hives at the city aquarium and on the rooftops of two high rises. I’ve helped a therapist and young patient with exposure therapy to honey bees, entered honey contests, and even had an article and photos featured in a couple issues of Bee Culture magazine.
I completed my Master Beekeeper Certification through the University of Montana in August 2024. I love bees and will talk about them with anyone and everyone. Learning more about honey bees and their role in our environment has organically led to gaining more knowledge about pollinators, native flowers, my local ecosystem, and so on. We’re all connected! Beekeeping is more than just a hobby to me, and my bees are an important part of my life. What began as a childhood fascination has expanded to a deeper understanding and appreciation of my own connection to the natural world. I’m honored to share my love of honey bees and beekeeping with others.
Proud Member
University of Montana
Beekeeper’s Assn
Beekeeper’s Assn
Federation