Kristy Allen’s Story

My name is Kristy Allen and I began a small business called The Beez Kneez Bicycle Delivery. Almost every week since October 31st, 2010, I have used my bicycle to deliver raw honey to the people of Minneapolis. Rain or shine, snow or crazy headwind, I put on my bee costume and hit the streets. When spring came, I loaded up my custom-made bike trailer, designed and built by a local welder, and started my first farmers market. As of now, the honey is sourced from northern Minnesota where my Aunt and Uncle operate Bar Bell Bee Ranch. I have worked there with my family intermittently for the past few years and developed a passion for beekeeping that I simply can’t ignore.

 

With more experience, I have learned many things about bees, honey and the business. I spent nine months in the mountains of Ecuador where I was a member of a local beekeeping cooperative. Presently, I work for the Land Department of the Mdewaketan Sioux Community in Prior Lake, MN where we manage and market 50 hives. The more I learn, the more I know this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life. One of my customers coordinates a 30 member, urban CSA who wishes to expand and has mentioned me keeping bees in their community gardens. As we grow more food in the city, we need more honeybees. With this in mind, I envision supporting city beekeeping whether I act as their distributor, beekeeper or friend.

 

In an effort to expose more people in Minneapolis to local honey and local beekeepers, I aim to act not only as a beekeeper but a distributor of other local honey, as well as a devoted promoter of bee health and awareness.

 

In order to achieve these goals, I am hoping to acquire a 9/18 frame motorized honey extractor as well as a bigger bike trailer to transport not only honey, but also beekeeping equipment around the city. These two investments total around $2,000, $1,100 for the extractor and accompanied equipment and $900 for the bike trailer.

 

All my life I have been trying to find a way to give back to my community. When I am dressed like a bee on my delivery route and people smile as I fly by, I feel like a super hero. I may not be saving lives or fighting the bad guy but if I can make life just a little sweeter for my community while supporting honeybee populations, I feel like I am playing my part.

 

Thank you for your consideration,

Kristy Allen
The Beez Kneez Delivery
Beecyclist Extraordinaire