Hello and welcome! My name is Sarah Hamilton and I’m a Meliponist – aka Stingless Beekeeper.
Stepping into the world of bees at 30, without any formal background in entomology, might have seemed like an unlikely path, especially in an industry dominated by men in their 60s.
But when you’re driven by passion, conventional paths often blur and incredible destinations are forged.
This is a brief story of how my little business – Bee Yourself – was born.
Bee Yourself
Growing up, my school report cards often painted me as a failing student with remarks like “She’s off with the fairies” or “She’s easily distracted”. To be fair, it was true and not much has changed in that regard, I’m still a dreamer. It is safe to say that traditional academics is not my strong suit, but being in nature has always felt like home to me, and that is where I thrive. So, it wasn’t surprising that I began my career as a horticulturist, immersing myself in the landscapes of Australia, from bustling nurseries to expansive farms.
The adventure didn’t stop there. I then ventured into the adrenaline-filled world of outdoor adventure-therapy, leading groups hiking, kayaking and abseiling through nature all while challenging their own mental barriers. Later, my path steered me toward support work, where I had the privilege of caring for children in care, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Every one of these chapters added a depth and colour to my life’s rich tapestry and I honestly loved every single one of these roles.
But life has its twists and turns, and seeking financial stability, I ventured into the corporate realm. Although the financial rewards were appealing and I genuinely enjoyed the work, the shadows of a toxic workplace loomed large. Faced with a moral crossroads, I made a bold decision, and I quit.
In the quiet moments that followed, clarity came in the company of my bees over a soothing cup of tea. Their gentle hum seemed to whisper insights and affirmations, leading to an epiphany: my purpose was to help others in this busy world to bridge their connection to self- using mother nature as a conduit. This epiphany led to the birth of “Bee Yourself,” besides its obvious nod to the bees, it was inspired by an Oscar Wilde quote my mother had often shared with me as a child: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”, a gentle reminder to hold onto your unique authenticity.
Now, over a decade later, I’m filled with such gratitude and joy for what Bee Yourself has become. From its beginnings in 2013, it has flourished and besides just offering established colonies of stingless bees and a wide array of beekeeping products and accessories, it now also offers beekeeping, consulting, educational, and therapeutic services across Australia’s East Coast.
I consider education, conservation, and a deep desire for people to develop an authentic relationship with nature and themselves, paramount to my business.
For those intrigued by the magic of stingless bees, their significant role in pollination, their production of a wondrous and delicious medicinal honey, their use as a therapy tool, their cultural significance, connection to country, stories, songs and dance, I invite you to explore and embrace the wonder of what being a custodian of these magic little bees is all about…and together, let’s celebrate nature, authenticity, and the profound wisdom of bees.
The Australian Stingless Bee
Indigenous to Australia, these incredible little bees are STINGLESS, making them completely safe for all environments.
There is very little maintenance required to keep a colony, and no permits of safety equipment is needed, making them an easy addition to your garden.
They are wonderful pollinators and they produce a delicious, medicinal honey that’s safe and easy to harvest.
Find out more about becoming a native bee hive custodian!
Cultural Significance
Privileged to live and work on Turrbal Country, and in the spirit of reconciliation I acknowledge the sovereign peoples of Australia, who have looked after Country for over 80,000 years, and who are intrinsically connected to land, sea and community. I pay my respect to their Elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
These lands are, always were, and always will be Aboriginal land.
I have been lucky enough over the years to spend time with various traditional owners of these lands and I give my most heartfelt thankyou to those who have taken the time to share knowledge with me and to entrust me with the sacred responsibility of being a custodian of these incredible little bees, and with sharing the knowledge of all things related. What an honour!
The Aboriginal peoples of Australia have a profound and ancient connection to the land and its creatures, including bees. This relationship with their environment is evident in how they cared for these lands from time immortal. Their relationship with stingless bees and their honey, is a prime example of this intricate web of knowledge, culture, and nature.
Historically, their approach to the environment was not just about resources and sustenance but also about storytelling, cultural identity, and a deep understanding of the land and its cycles.The bees play a critical role in pollinating plants, which supports the rest of the ecosystem. By caring for the bees, Aboriginal peoples ensured the health and balance of the broader environment. When wild honey was found, it wasn’t just a simple act of consuming; it was a tapestry of stories and knowledge about the land, the bees, and the ecosystem they are a part of. It’s a reflection of thousands of years of observational knowledge and the transfer of that knowledge across generations. The honey from the stingless bee wasn’t just a sweet and delicious food source, it was also used for its medicinal properties both topically and internally. The concept of taking only what is needed is deeply rooted in many Indigenous cultures around the world. It’s a principle of sustainability and respect, ensuring that the land and its creatures continue to thrive for future generations. We can draw parallels in how colonies of bees work, always working as a part of a whole to ensure the survival of future generations.
In modern times, with growing concerns about biodiversity and habitat loss, climate change, and the overall health of our planet, there’s so much to learn from Indigenous knowledge and practices. The Aboriginal relationship with bees, and the broader environment, serves as an example of living harmoniously with nature. It’s a lesson about sustainability, respect, and understanding the intricate connections that make up our world. By honouring and learning from these practices, we can find ways to coexist with nature sustainably and harmoniously.
We have much to learn.
