Welcome back to another edition of our Weekly Hive Highlights blog post on Beefestive.co.za! This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra van den Berg, the passionate creator behind the local brand, VeeDeBee. Join us as we delve into the story behind this unique brand and discover what makes their craft honey infusions so special.

Bee Festive is a South African, online store that specilaises in gifts and local products for special occasions. Join us for an inspiring read that will leave you inspired to lift each other up and celebrate the extraordinary talents within our local business landscape. 

My name is Sandra van den Berg – officially I’m a mom, wife, daughter and business partner. Unofficially I’m a wanna-be farm girl, bike junkie, bush fanatic, birding enthusiast, schnauzer-mom bookworm with a scarf fetish and a love of all things ‘pretty’ (as my son would say).

They say that “anyone can solve world peace in the shower BUT it’s those that climb out, towel off and pursue the dream that make it happen”. I hit a certain milestone last year and everything since is geared to making ‘it’ happen. VeeDeBee is a culmination of doing what you can, with what you have, where you are (and doing it with everything in you).

From Vanilla Rose to Spiced Cinnamon and all the blends in between, our craft honeys will take you from tangy to sweet, and beyond. They are perfect for drizzling on your favourite foods, adding to decadent desserts, or simply enjoying straight from the jar. We use only the finest natural ingredients - herbs, spices, fruits & florals. We create a range of healthful and indulgent flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.

Our dearest hope is that our signature craft honey infusions will serve to complement your life in countless ways!

VeeDeBee - VDB - stems from my family name

v

an

d

en

B

erg. Late one lazy Sunday afternoon, the fledgling idea of bee farming – on the fynbos backdrop of the fairest Cape - was born. The B become ‘Bee’ and the rest is an ongoing pursuit of building a family legacy rooted in good.

Our choice grade, raw and non-irradiated honey is sourced from local and sustainable apiaries. We then expertly infused with the finest quality ingredients to produce a range of distinctive craft honey infusions.

All our infusions are hand-crafted in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. We never use any artificial preservatives, colours or flavours. At VeeDeBee, we value honey for more than just a sweet treat. Honey has been prized for its complex origins and wonderful health benefits for centuries, and we're proud to be a part of this heritage.

Ask a million entrepreneurs that same question and get a million different answers – but the underlaying sentiment will probably be the same… The biggest challenge is overcoming the criticism, the ‘are-you-nuts’ naysayers and the constant failure. And then still being able to hold onto that child-like hopefulness that initially inspired you to begin.

How to overcome? A firm belief that consistency is the only currency.

We currently have three divisions within VeeDeBee – Craft Honey Infusions, our Meadery and VeeDeBee Collections. Our Collections division is a compilation of scarves, jewellery and accessories. All our products are hand sourced both locally and abroad - essentially adding the ‘pretty’ cherry on top of our current business model.

The best way to support any business is to support quality and service. Hold your service providers to a high standard and support those that make the cut – in the long run it will raise the bar and establish a mutually appreciative community of suppliers and consumers alike.

My playlist is pretty diverse – from gospel to rock to country. If it has a beat and a storyline, I’m in. Soul (Lee Brice) & Even If (Mercy Me) are favourites at the moment

Thank you 🐝 

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sandra van den Berg, the visionary behind VeeDeBee Craft Honey Infusions, for sharing her inspiring journey with us. Her passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication are truly remarkable, and they shine through in every jar of their exquisite honey infusions.

We would also like to thank all of you, our loyal readers, for joining us on this captivating interview. Your continued support and engagement mean the world to us, and we're thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant community.

Join us again next week as we uncover more exciting stories and remarkable brands that are making a difference in the local scene. If you have a local brand that you'd like to see featured or if you'd like to share your own entrepreneurial journey, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always excited to showcase the incredible talent and innovation within our community.

Remember, by supporting local brands like VeeDeBee and others, you contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that celebrates quality, craftsmanship, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

Thank you once again for being a part of our Weekly Hive Highlights on Bee Festive. Until next time, stay curious, stay inspired, and stay tuned for more captivating stories from the world of local brands!

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