Mrs. B’s Honey Mustard

In this article, we’re happy to introduce our friend Mary, the creator of Mrs. B’s Honey Mustard. Both Professor Scott and I are big fans of her product. Mary’s journey from teaching to beekeeping is inspiring—let’s hear her story!

My amazing beekeeping journey began in June 2021, when I retired from an elementary teaching career of 28 years (where all my students fondly called me Mrs. B). Even before I had my first hives, I knew I wanted to sell my honey through a product made with honey.

Since June isn’t the time to start beekeeping, I had to wait until spring to buy nucs. I spent the next nine months learning as much as I could about bees and beekeeping. I was fortunate to take an in-person, six-month beekeeping class led by a veteran beekeeper with over 50 years of experience. He became my mentor, consultant, and friend. During that time, I also created a honey mustard recipe and named it Mrs. B.’s Honey Mustard.

In August 2021, I received my Cottage License/Permit to produce my honey mustard in my home kitchen, which allowed me to sell it at local farmers’ markets. I also obtained a business license so I could sell my product in stores across the county. Since I didn’t yet have my own bees, I used my favorite local honey from a wonderful beekeeper in my town, Thomas McCall of Sierra Honey Farm in Paso Robles, CA.

By early September 2021, I began pitching my honey mustard to local stores. To my delight, by the end of September, three stores had picked it up! Today, Mrs. B.’s Honey Mustard is sold in 11 stores throughout San Luis Obispo County, CA.

Six months later, on March 27, 2022, I bought my first two nucs. Three months after that, in June, I had my very first honey harvest—and for the first time, Mrs. B.’s Honey Mustard featured honey from my own bees!

This journey has inspired me to continuously seek education and grow my skills. I’ve taken courses on beekeeping through the University of Montana, where I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Scott Debnam and Tamila Morgan. They’ve become two of my favorite beekeeping mentors.

I’m thrilled that Dr. Debnam and Tamila will be offering online mentorship to help enhance your own beekeeping journey. I hope my story inspires you to dive into the incredible world of beekeeping—it’s been one of the most rewarding adventures of my life!

Mrs B's Honey Mustard