By Suzanne Dowling
What started as a hobby for his father has turned into a successful online business for Geary Hewett.
“We began beekeeping as a hobby with no intention of turning it into a business. However, as the number of hives we owned increased, so did the costs of our hobby. So we began selling some of our honey to help defray the costs of our hobby,” said Hewett.
But Hewett and his Dad soon discovered that there was a worldwide market for natural honey.
And thus began Hewett’s entrepreneurial venture: Hewett’s Honey Farm.
“After we learned about the market potential for our honey, we then concentrated on increasing our yearly production of honey while maintaining its natural purity.”
Hewett found that the best vehicle for reaching his target customers was the Internet, so a web site seemed the best route to go.
“Going online gives you the opportunity to open up your product to the world.”
“We don’t get a lot of hits on our site, maybe 200 each month. But of those hits about 90% make a purchase so we feel like that’s a great return,” he said.
Less than a month after their website was up, Hewett was shipping orders to China, Australia and China.
“Going online has truly made the difference for our little business.”
His advice for budding entrepreneurs: “If you have an idea, go for it. Don’t wait.”
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