Even though I started beekeeping only three years ago, I come from a long line of beekeepers. My grandfather has been a beekeeper for over 70 years in Moldova, having learned the craft from his father-in-law, who was a beekeeper in Ukraine. Growing up, I didn't spend much time with my grandfather around bees. However, four years ago, I visited my grandparents in Moldova and accompanied my grandfather to his apiary.

That day, I was terrified of the bees and kept trying to run away from them. Despite my fear, I was struck by my grandfather's passion and dedication to these little creatures. I saw how gentle and attentive he was with them, and I wanted to experience that connection myself. When I returned to New York, I brought back with me a newfound fascination for beekeeping.

The following year, my husband and I bought 33 acres of land upstate New York, and that's how Sunshine Bees Apiary was born.