The Chic Guide: Tell us more about Crown and Comb Honey!
Will Hayslett and Bri Trappe, Owners of Crown and Comb Honey: Crown and Comb Honey is a limited production beekeeping duo in the Dayton area. We pride ourselves on using our experience with honeybees/pollinators to educate young and old about how important these creatures are to all of us. Providing our community with access to pure honey, a taste that surprises most, brings us tremendous joy. On par with the honey is our love of educating young and old about the world of bees. We enjoy giving people a glimpse into nature in that way and make a point to provide several formal presentations a year to a range of ages as well as mentoring at least one new beekeeper a year.
The Chic Guide: What’s the inspiration behind the business?
Hayslett and Trappe: Will was introduced to beekeeping while living in Germany. He was taken by the relationship the “Imker” had to nature, acting as a conduit, to bring the wonders of that relationship to his community. Finding his way to Dayton he was excited to take up beekeeping again as a hobby. Experiencing the excitement and wonder that friends and family had for pure hive products was so satisfying that it led to the development of a brand that could be offered to people outside his immediate circle.
The Chic Guide: What products can readers purchase from Comb and Honey?
Hayslett and Trappe: We’re excited to offer local products from our hives! These include raw wildflower honey, Sweat Heat Honey infused with peppers from our garden, Bourbon Infused Honey, creamed/whipped honey, bee pollen and pure beeswax.
The Chic Guide: What makes Crown and Comb Honey unique?
Hayslett and Trappe: Our approach is unique because it is rooted in conservation and sustainability for not only the bees but also the area that they forage from and the other creatures that live there. We propagate our farm with a purpose – converting lawn areas to wildflower meadows, planting flowering and fruiting plants and trees that support the entire ecosystem. We’re always mindful of tending and caring for the bees in the best ways possible.
The Chic Guide: Is there anything new on the horizon?
Hayslett and Trappe: As we’ve started offering our product to the public it’s been so exciting to also get to partner with other local businesses like Guided By Mushrooms (Dayton area Mushroom Farmers) and Urban Stead Cheese (Cincinnati Cheese Maker). We’re looking forward to collaborating with others in similar ways. In addition we’ve recently opened a roadside farm stand that is allowing us to share our products with even more of the local community.
The Chic Guide: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Hayslett and Trappe: The best places to find out what Crown and Comb and the bees have going on is Instagram and Facebook.
