From Bees to Lip Balm
Sean Morrissey from Wyoming, IL
What do you like most about Wyoming, IL?
The heritage and connection I have with the land I live on. I’m a 4th-generation farmer; my family has cultivated the earth for over 70 years.
It gives me a sense of pride and purpose to do my job every day.
What’s your backstory?
In 2015, I became a beekeeper.
My father, Phil, and I farm together, planting corn, soybeans, and wheat. We knew the benefits of introducing more honeybees to the farm, regarding improved pollination for crops and other plants and delicious, raw, unprocessed honey.
The idea of becoming a beekeeper wasn’t mine, but my father’s. The whole idea of wearing a hot beekeeper suit and the likelihood of getting stung from time to time didn’t appeal to my dad; thus, the job was handed down to the younger member of the farming operation, me.
I began taking beekeeping classes and talking with other beekeepers. I started with just one hive and the first year was a disaster. The queen’s eggs got into the top frames of the hive and the honey had to be discarded.
The next year honey was harvested, but the queen later died, and the hive collapsed. I learned a lot about the dos and don’ts of beekeeping throughout those two years.
When I inquired about the beeswax, many of my beekeeper friends said they threw it out. I did some research and found that beeswax had incredible benefits when used in cosmetics and skincare.
I didn’t know much about cosmetics, but I wanted to make a product with beeswax and use just a few natural ingredients. I had heard of beeswax lip balms, but the major brand had upwards of 16 ingredients listed on the label!
I wanted to see if I could make something even better with far fewer ingredients. I started out using a syringe filled with beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and natural flavor oils, and I squirted the mixture into small, round containers. These containers were handed out to friends and family and loved by all!
Still researching ingredients, I came across jojoba oil. I learned that jojoba oil was a natural antioxidant, high in Vitamin E, and a lot like human skin sebum. Even though I was skeptical because it sounded too good to be true, I decided to add it to my lip balm recipe.
Since jojoba oil is a liquid wax, I was pleasantly surprised by how the oil helped give the lip balm “staying power.” The lip balm was all-natural, moisturizing, soothing, and the combination of beeswax and jojoba oil helps to keep it on your lips longer, locking in moisture. That’s how I created the perfect lip balm: It’s The Balm Diggity!
Currently, what are your income streams?
The majority of the sales come through the website and Amazon. In addition, the lip balms are carried by a variety of local businesses, including boutiques, coffee shops, hair salons, gift shops, bridal boutiques, drugstores, and even a seasonal orchard.
How have you attracted new customers?
Social Media has helped grow the business the most. It’s a great way to connect with thousands of people that I wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.
I started putting posts and ads on Facebook. Later, using Instagram and now have over 4,000 followers. Videos on TikTok are getting thousands of “Likes”; that has helped get lip balm orders in TikTok Shop.
What is your favorite product?
Coffee lip balm is my current favorite! It’s aromatic, and as a coffee lover, I can’t get enough of it. It smells as if you walked into a coffee shop.
If you could go back, would you do anything differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing! All the choices I’ve made in life, right or wrong, have made me who I am today. I wouldn’t be where I am without making a few mistakes and growing from them.
What are your goals?
My financial goal is to earn enough to live without want and to feel successful through my work. My personal goal is to raise my kids to be better than me.
What platforms do you use?
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and our website: thebalmdiggity.net.
Do you have a favorite motivational quote, cooking recipe or book?
My favorite motivational quote:
If you don’t know, the thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn.
As far as cooking recipes, anything by Max Miller, and my favorite book is the Count of Monte Cristo.
Pet dog named Raider, a Bichon Frise.
Where can we find you online?
Shop online at thebalmdiggity.net and Amazon. Follow us on Instagram @itsthebalmdiggity