“Meet the Vendor” Evan Reseska, Boston Honey Co.
Tell us a little bit about your business.
Back in 1996, my father was working as a painter. He was painting a rabbi’s house with his team, most of whom were allergic to bees, so my dad painted the side of the house that was next to the beehives. He found himself captivated by the bees and got himself a beehive. Beekeeping became a hobby and turned into a full time job once he had 300 hives. We now have between 2,500 and 2,600 hives, 1,200 of which are here in Massachusetts. In the process of harvesting from the hive, we reuse everything, turning the wax into candles and skin care products. Even the propolis (produced by bees to seal small gaps in the hive) – we put that into the honey as well.
What is your favorite item you sell?
It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite. It depends on what you’re making! For a bland oatmeal, I would use the flavorful Gallberry honey. For a tea, I would use the Basswood – it has a minty taste that goes really well with herbal teas.
What has been your biggest career accomplishment or proudest moment?
Opening here at the BPM. This has been my project. I invested a lot of time planning and designing our space here, getting permits to make sure this place would be ready. When it all came together, Friends and Family night before the market opened was a really special moment to share with those close to us.
How has being a part of the market changed your business?
The BPM has allowed our business to grow. This is our first retail space. All of our previous business had been done wholesale and online. Now that we have our own brick-and-mortar location, it allows for face-to-face interactions with customers. We’ve been able to have cooking classes and honey workshops, and I’ve even been on a radio show!
What is your favorite thing about working at the market?
The community feel! I know all the vendors by name and I love meeting new people every single day. Plus, I get to sell something that I’m very passionate about. It’s always enjoyable to see kids learning about our on-site live bee hive for the first time – they get so excited!
Do you have any pets?
Besides the bees?! I have a beta fish named Pip.
What do you like to do outside of the market?
When I’m not here at the market, I might be back at the farm working on the hives. Otherwise I’m out and about, checking out different restaurants and bars. Also, I love going up to New Hampshire with my friends every so often, going hiking and doing a bunch of outdoors stuff.
Enjoy this refreshing treat – one of Evan’s favorite ways to use his honey products:
Honey Drink:
7 ½ cups of water
½ cup of honey
¼ cup of lemon or lime juice
Pinch of salt
1 tray of ice
*Post workout = use lemon
*”Buzzed” version= use lime and add some rum!