We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Buchanan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
After the shutdown, I decided not to return my daughter to public school, and to homeschool instead, That decision then ultimately led to the starting of this company, which in turn, inspired my daughter to start her own company. At 12 years old, she has been selling at markets for three years alongside of me, and has made quite a decent amount of money. More importantly, she has learned more from this experience than any curriculum we’ve used in our studies, and the knowledge she’s gained has been invaluable. She has hands on experience on how to run a business, and she’s extremely successful already in real world situations. I couldn’t be more proud of how she behaves and handles herself when conducting her business, and I constantly get adults making a point to tell me how impressed they are with her. It has been such a challenging, yet rewarding experience learning how to navigate both homeschooling, and how to run a small business for both of us, but with my daughter as my biggest cheerleader through all of the hurdles, I’ve been able to keep going mentally. It has brought us so close and I learn more about her amazing soul a little more each day. I wouldn’t change this journey for anything, and it has positively impacted our bond in countless ways.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This journey has been so challenging! I homeschool my daughter, go to school, and run this business and my household full time. My daughter is extremely busy with travel gymnastics, so I’m running her to and from practice four times a week 40 mins away! It’s ALL been a challenge-from navigating homeschool, to learning a new trade, to figuring out the ins and outs of running a business. I have gotten discouraged many times, because of my age, and feeling like I’m taking on too much, but my family keeps me grounded and feeling supported. Throughout this process, I have learned more about myself than I have my entire life, and it has taught me that I’m much more capable and resilient than I’ve ever imagined I could be. I am proud of myself for trying something new, and chasing a dream, and I think I have shown my daughter that we as humans are always capable of evolving, growing and changing. I am passionate about my brand, and I think the bio below perfectly describes it!

🌿 Honey Bee Loved: Crafting Nature’s Elixir for Radiant Skin

At Honey Bee Loved, we believe that skincare should be a luxurious experience that nourishes both the body and the soul. Specializing in Luxury Natural Skincare and CBD Cosmetics, we offer a sanctuary for your skin, carefully crafting products that harness the power of nature’s botanicals.

πŸƒ Uncompromising Quality, Naturally Luxurious: Our formulations are a harmonious blend of herbal infused oils, unrefined butters, and the highest quality organic ingredients. Each product is meticulously created in small batches, ensuring unparalleled freshness and attention to detail.

πŸŽ“ Expertly Crafted by a Certified Cosmetic Formulator: Behind every jar and bottle lies the expertise of a Certified Cosmetic Formulator. With certifications in Natural Skincare Preservation, Cosmetic Stability, and Anti-Aging Natural Skincare, along with a Hemp Producers License in Ohio, we’re committed to excellence in every aspect of our creations.

🌟 Empowering Families with Safer Choices: Our mission goes beyond skincare; it’s about empowering families to make safer choices for their well-being. By utilizing nature’s botanicals, we combat the effects of modern life on our skin, offering a sanctuary of purity in a world of synthetic alternatives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love thrift shopping, so I’d have to start out by wandering through Uptown Downtown, Friendtique, Nest, and Jodi’s Closet. Each of these stores has an amazing selection of vintage clothes and unique wares that will suit just about everyone. An added bonus comes is when you purchase anything from Frienique or Nest, you’re supporting the local Hospice organization! Close by you can grab lunch at Local Roots. along with fresh food , natural skincare, and a variety of goods from local vendors. It’s like an indoor Farmers’ Market! Speaking of Farmer’s Markets, every Saturday from 8am-noon from mid May until mid October. you have to check out the Downtown Wooster Farmers’ Market. It has an incredible variety of local grown food, and locally made goods along with music, wine tastings, and more. It’s always a great event!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My little girl Arianna and my partner Glenn, who support me through every single era of my life

Website: https://www.honeybeelovedcosmetics.com

Instagram: @Honey_Bee_Loved_

Facebook: @honeybeeloved

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.