Sheffield bee-keeper reveals snapshot of life in lockdown

A Sheffield-based beekeeper has been shortlisted in a national competition revealing a snapshot of business during lockdown.
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Louise Hurst, founder of Bone Shaker Balm, entered the PopUp Business School Summer Photo Challenge with a picture of herself at her apiary in Whirlow.

She said: "From an early age, I've known that one day, I would have my own business, I just didn't know what that would look like.

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"There are many reasons I wanted to own my own business. Starting my own business allows me to make a living while pursuing something I have a passion for and find the freedom from a 9-5 desk job, I also get to learn new skills and meet lots of new people.

Bee-keeper Louise Hurst whose lockdown image has been shortlisted in a national competitionBee-keeper Louise Hurst whose lockdown image has been shortlisted in a national competition
Bee-keeper Louise Hurst whose lockdown image has been shortlisted in a national competition
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"Another big driving factor is the bee populations are in decline and it is very important that everyone plays the part to protect them.

"The pandemic has been a big one for me and my company as I am a start up and April 2020 was my planned launch date. I had my first trade show planned, that was cancelled, so I had to try and find some other way to start selling, especially as my plan was to sell to trade.

"Everything had to go online and I had to try and generate sales that way, however, this is almost impossible when you and your company are unknown.

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"I am getting more and more interest and I have changed my plan. I have decided to try and get as much coverage as I can get so the product gets noticed and, hopefully, sales will follow."

Louise's products, which include hand balm and tattoo balm, are made in small batches with natural ingredients. She adds: "I love making and developing my own personal care items by hand and from scratch. I use natural ingredients that would not exist without bees.

"I only use the excess wax from the bee hives and would never take anything from their nest. This means my products won't cause an environmental impact or any distress to the honey bees."

PopUp Business School, which helps people from all walks of life to launch their own businesses, is asking people across the UK to take a photograph which illustrates their business, or business idea, with the chance to win up to £200.

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