Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ Lawrence
Hi TJ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
TJ Lawrence is a commercial beekeeper and bee educator. After having held a long career as an IT Specialist and Manager he turned his gaze to urban gardening, and then to bees. He has managed a beekeeping store for several years and now he brings forward his vision of a unique company, which includes fostering a local third space where community can gather, learn, and grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth if not in a straight line. The transitions (from part time to full time, from outdoor markets to a brick and mortar, from small lounge to small restaurant) always bring their lessons of endurance, patience, and ability to quickly pivot.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A man of many hats, TJ’s role runs the gamut. As company President he’s tuned into the various business needs from taxes, HR, and bar management to interfacing with the many vendors we feature. As lead beekeeper, he’s in charge of managing our many hives and bee yards, maintaining colony health, and carefully growing their numbers. As head barkeep and in-house beekeeping educator, he fosters relationship with everyone who enters our doors, holding space for community and the growing a spirit of learning & wonder.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Get out to the events in your field. In our case, it’s showing up to the monthly Lake County Beekeepers meeting, every 1st Thursday at the Ag Extension office. Put yourself out there – there’s more folks want to help than it might seem.
Pricing:
- Mead Flight – $20
- 1# Local Wildflower Honey – $20
- Goblet of Traditional Mead – $9
- Handmade soap – $8
- Handmade Lotion Bar – $8
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinesmoke.com
- Instagram: @pinesmokebeeco
- Facebook: Pinesmoke Bee Co https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083946477478
Image Credits
Most of the images were taken on Audra’s phone (company cofounder). The lovely image with the sunset and trees in the background was taken by photographer Michael McGowan, used with permission.
