We recently had the chance to connect with Bobbie Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.
Bobbie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has brought me joy recently is my garden and chickens. I have 32 chickens, each named! Being in the garden brings me healing and joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bobbie and I am the Head Beekeeper and Operations Manager for Hon’s Honey— a social enterprise of The Well, located in South Baltimore City. Hon’s Honey is dedicated to giving dignity, hope and purpose to women survivors of trauma—addiction, abuse, trafficking, exploitation, generational poverty, and more. We know that employed women take pride in the work of their hands, develop a wide-range of skills, manage financial independence, and provide for their family. Before being employed at Hon’s Honey, women commit to The Well’s Life and Workforce Development Initiatives, which provide counseling, workshops, mentorship, free childcare, outreach programs, and more. We employ 19 women survivors and our hope is to employ more women, making an even greater impact in our city and the lives of families. This past summer, I had the honor of harvesting our 6th annual honey harvest, alongside 4 other Worker Bees (AKA Hon’s Honey employees). We expanded to 2 apiaries, resulting in a total of 11 hives— harvesting over 300 pounds of raw honey, local to the Baltimore region. Our goal is to expand the number of hives to 25 this next fiscal year, ultimately making a bigger impact, employing more women— offering sustainable wages to those healing from trauma.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I had a defeated mindset toward education. I believed that I was incapable of learning and that I was not ‘smart’ enough to pursue further education. As a survivor myself, I have walked through a journey of healing those parts of me— and I am now in school at Cornell University, studying to become a Master Beekeeper, something I never would have thought possible in a million years. That is the beauty of The Well + Hon’s Honey— they show you a love that heals and a love that encourages me to see what I am truly capable of.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say: ‘Bobbie, you are far more capable than what you have been told and what you believe to be true. You have so much to offer this world; don’t hold yourself back because of the lies you believe. You are smart, and you are lovable.’
I am here to tell you these words, as well. Love can heal, and change is possible. Don’t let other people (including yourself) tell you what you cannot do— the impossible is indeed POSSIBLE.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Firstly, I am committed to walking alongside and encouraging every woman who walks through the doors of The Well + Hon’s Honey. My goal is to provide a safe place of employment for women survivors, offering a community of unconditional love and support. Furthermore, I wish to see hundreds of hives that offer sweet healing to women in Baltimore and beyond—creating lasting impact for families and communities.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am with the bees, I feel all the worries of the world melt away. I feel connected to God and nature, and it is truly a beautiful experience— It gives me a greater purpose, knowing I am fulfilling my soul, while offering healing to others. I am so thankful for Hon’s Honey offering me the opportunity of Beekeeping, and I am reminded everyday of the honor it is to teach others.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honshoneybaltimore
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xirA0vlM9P8
- Other: drinkatthewell.org | IG: @drinkatthewell | FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrinkAtTheWell
Image Credits
Hon’s Honey
