My Shop, Five Bees is based on my Family, around my Family, for myself and therefore, my Family. The name is a combination of the letter "B", which is the first letter of our last name, the number of people that are in my Family and my LOVE for Honey Bees growing up.

Here is my story...
I went from being a working 9-5 Mom, to being home with my 2 year old daughter and twin baby boys. That was a HUGE adjustment. In the past cleaning the house, gardening and other house related tasks, was a stress reliever BUT with 3 LITTLE kids it just wasn't possible. I started to look for other things to do to help relieve stress and keep my mind sane. I read, I baked, they worked for a bit, but I wanted more.

I had several friends having babies and since I was home I was able to take them time and actually MAKE them things! I am HUGE present giver; I LOVE LOVE LOVE to give people presents. So, I started making presents for friends and their babies, and then I started to get LOTS of compliments on what I made. Along with the compliments came requests to make things for others to give as gifts, and the suggestions of opening a shop...This got the wheels in my head turning.

I loved being home with my kids, but I knew they would get big and it wouldn't last forever. What was I going to do when the kids went to school? I wanted to do something that I really really enjoyed, I didn't want just a job and just a paycheck. So, I decided I have 5 years, 5 years until my youngests start school. Why not turn these gifts into a business!?

After MONTHS of Research and building of inventory, I opened my Shop up on September 3rd, and got my very first sale that same day! The entire process has been a lot of work, but I have enjoyed every bit of it! My daughter started Kindergarten this past Summer and my Boys will go to Preschool 2 days a week starting in September. I am super excited about the extra time I will have to put into my shop to help it grow further!

If you want to know more please check out an Interview I did for a Local Photographer and Fellow Mompreneur, Christy of Be True Image and Design in Raleigh, NC http://betrueimagedesign.com/blog/raleigh-mompreneurs/introducing-michelle-bertoncino-fivebees-raleigh-mompreneur-feature/

I work from my kitchen table and even the counter sometimes; on nice days I set up a table outside while the kids play - I know pretty awesome! Even with the working outside option I DREAM of a Day when I will have my own craft room. :o) Right now I have a great storage space with a peg board and TONS of shelves I will have to take pictures of it some time soon. For now you will have to look at pictures of my Family, The FIVE BEES!