Kevin Woods

We are the most overpriced and undervalued honey in Memphis,” laughs Kevin Woods, co-founder of Bee 901 Co. But when the mission of your business model is to give away 100% proceeds generated by the sale of honey and bee-themed merchandise, paying a little more for local, raw honey makes it even sweeter. “By supporting Bee 901 Co., you're not just investing in honey; you're investing in a community-driven initiative that empowers individuals in need while promoting the crucial role of bees in our ecosystem,” Kevin explains.

This altruistic business came about in 2016 when Nathan Bland, Kevin’s partner, was given a sum of money. Rather than simply donating the money, he wanted to use it as seed money to start a business that would continue to generate dollars to donate to Memphians in need. Nathan has known Kevin since high school, and so he called his very creative friend to talk about ideas. After a couple of weeks, Kevin said, "What about honey? We won't have to make anything. Bees can do that." Not that either of them knew anything about beekeeping, but they could learn. The symbolism of the hive, of working together for the good of all, was also important because it supported their vision for this business. “Bees are selfless, hardworking, and committed to their community,” Kevin explained. “This is the purpose of Bee 901 Co., and we are creating better lives for Memphians.”

Nathan and Kevin joined the Memphis Area Beekeepers Association, were mentored by an experienced beekeeper, bought a couple beehives, and so it began. The bees began doing what they do best: making honey, and in 2017 they made their first donation to King’s Daughters and Sons Home, a skilled nursing facility in Bartlett. They made monetary donations, provided needed equipment, and in 2022 they donated a transport van. The most recent beneficiary is Shepherd's Haven, which provides care and programming for special needs adults. Since their first donation eight years ago, Bee 901 Co. has donated a total of $100,000 through the sale of honey, merchandise, and outreach.

Kevin and Nathan both have professional careers, and Bee 901 Co. is a side hustle founded purely to give back to the 901. The slogan on the bottle is “life changing honey.” Neither owner pays themselves from the proceeds; all of it is donated. “Honey is a symbol. It represents the output of thousands of bees working together over an extended period of time so that all members of the hive can thrive,” Kevin explains. “One bee makes 1/12 teaspoon of honey in her six week lifetime, but collectively the small amounts create about 5 gallons of honey in each harvest.” Doing small things consistently and working together results in positive effects. Ultimately, Bee 901 Co. strives for the good things in Memphis while making life a little sweeter for Memphians in need. “To ‘Bee 901’ means to be loving, supportive, and generous to everyone and provide them with an encounter of unconditional love,” Kevin shared. “Think of Memphis as your hive. Think of Memphis as our hive.”

Bee 901 Co. honey and merch is available at bee901.co, at Restaurant Iris in Laurelwood, and Hive Bagel & Deli in Downtown.