Can you share a little bit about your background and how Beehive Designer Collective came to be?
I grew up in Trinidad and moved here in the early 90's when my mother was offered a job. They were in their early 40s which is pretty remarkable. I came here for college with the intention of going back or moving to Europe after my degree. I studied Political Science and Environmental Studies so naturally retail was the last thing on my mind! However, I loved the big epic shopping days I had with my mom, aunts and cousins growing up. We’d buy fabrics and haberdashery while scouring designs to be adapted to our liking by our seamstress…so my Dad always said my change in direction didn't surprise him, since I always liked searching for unusual goods.
What did you do before opening and owning Beehive Designer Collective?
I had a wholesale business before the store. I worked with and imported the goods of artisans in Kenya, South America, and the Caribbean and sold them to stores around the country.
What was your inspiration to purchase the shop?
Honestly, it was a bit of a fluke! As mentioned, I was in wholesale and never thought of having a retail store. The opportunity to buy it came up and I partnered with someone else. A few months in she decided it wasn't for her, and I realized that I loved it. Coincidentally, I had been taking a beekeeping class at John Jay Homestead that year. I got a Beehive, just not the kind I thought I would.
Was there something specific that drew you to Mt. Kisco or the area?
I've lived in Westchester for as long as I've lived in the US and Northern Westchester is where my family settled. My husband also grew up here and we ended up meeting after he moved back after college. It's home!
Your store represents a marketplace for local artisans, highlighting some of the best original crafts and wares in our community, was that your vision when you purchased the store originally?
The initial incarnation of the shop was exactly that, a place to foster local makers and encourage the community to shop local. It's a mission I am on board with and continue to support.
Can you talk about the meaning behind the name Beehive Designer Collective?
Beehive is a creative community and community-oriented creative place. The name speaks to those two aspects.
I read you purchased the shop in 2012 so this year marks your 10 year anniversary? What are some of the greatest business lessons you have learned over the past decade?
Keep your head down and do your thing. The moment I start comparing myself to others and feeling like I should be like anyone else is when you lose the story and not trust those instincts. It doesn't mean you don't look up from time to time and take in the landscape, but own your place in it and follow your instincts. Be willing to evolve and definitely accept that you may not be for everyone and that's ok!
What advice would you pass on to others thinking about owning a local business?
Don't do it! I'm just kidding. Seriously though, it's hard work. It's not rocket science but it's not easy at times. Covid has been one of the most worrying and rewarding times. There are many peaks and valleys. But I love it when people come in and they tell me that our space makes them happy.
You opened a sister store Little Beehive in New Rochelle a couple of years ago - can you talk about that decision and what happened to it?
We were given this opportunity with the City of New Rochelle and had to try it. It was an adorable shop, I worked super hard to set it up and met some really wonderful people along the way. Ultimately it was not the right time but it was a really great learning experience for me and I don’t regret it for one second.
Would you ever think about trying to expand again?
I think of it all the time, and other opportunities have come up that I have turned down, but you never know. I constantly think of a Beehive in the North Shore of Kauai but maybe in a few years.
Everything in the store seems thoughtfully selected, from roller skates, to PJs, to candles and greeting cards - how do you approach sourcing and choosing products for the store?
I'm lucky to have a lot of really good friends in the business so I always start there. We have artists who have worked with us from year one and we continue to work with them, and they are often the source of introducing us to new lines. I also scour markets, blogs for new makers and work. In some cases we have been the first shop in NY (or ever) to carry a line and it's fun to see that evolution.
When shopping the store most of the products seem to make customers smile, is that intentional?
I am so happy you've recognized that! I do curate with emotion in mind, big time. I take many factors into account; does the item make you smile or bring some functional ease to your space? Is it eco-friendly? Will it afford some positive emotional value to your life?
Do you have any personal favorite products in the store?
That's so hard! I get excited about so many things we sell! I will always have a soft spot for our roller skates and jigsaw puzzles because they probably saved us during Covid lockdown. We have gone through so many incarnations and many special pieces and artists over the years. I always love having the work of NY designer Betsy Olmsted in the shop. I carry her vibrantly colored textiles and I'm excited for the clothing and ceramics coming in this Spring.
If you could design a product that doesn’t exist today what would it be?
I'll only tell when/if I've trademarked it! :)
As a seasoned business owner, can you talk about some of the things you’ve been doing through your work and the shop to help promote the next generation of entrepreneurs?
I just organically love feeling connected to other independent business owners. I have deep, deep respect for the people I know, and look up to, who have been at it for decades in our community. We can all recognize the challenges and it feels right to just be each other's champions. If we thrive, all the stakeholders in the community win.
Lightning Round:
If you weren’t running the Beehive Collective what would you want to be doing?
I really love what I do but I wish I had studied either industrial or textile design. I love textiles and it’s cool to follow the thread of human’s history through it.
What other businesses would you like to see open in our area?
1) A roller skating rink with a DJ (YES PLEASE!)
2) A members-only Finnish sauna
