From Hive to Harlem: Theresa Crichlow’s Sweet Success

Promoting health, sustainability, and community empowerment through urban beekeeping and education.

Meet Theresa Crichlow...

a passionate and resilient entrepreneur, is the heart behind BeeFavored. Inspired by her mother, a professional canner known as “the canning lady,” Theresa turned a childhood memory and a chance encounter with a swarm of bees into a thriving business. With just $1.49, she began her journey in 2020, creating BeeFavored to serve her Harlem community and redefine what it means to be sweet.

Building a Business Against the Odds

As a minority and woman-owned business, Theresa faced significant challenges, from accessing resources to navigating opportunities in a competitive market. Yet, through grit, determination, and community engagement, she built BeeFavored into a beacon of sustainability and empowerment.

  • About BeeFavored

    BeeFavored is more than a business; it’s a community hub in the heart of Harlem. The Honey Parlor produces unique honey blends, jams, sauces, and the upcoming Southern Sweety Pie Spices, all crafted with care and innovation. At its core, BeeFavored serves as an urban oasis, converting rooftops into thriving apiaries and fostering ecological education.

  • Key Initiatives

    Rooftop Beekeeping: Supporting pollination, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.

    Educational Programs: Offering workshops, tours, and experiences to connect residents and tourists with urban agriculture.

    HarvestED Program: Integrating beekeeping, urban farming, and environmental science into school curriculums and community activities.

Community Impact

BeeFavored addresses critical challenges in Harlem, including limited access to fresh food, environmental degradation, and economic disparities. By producing local honey, creating green spaces, and offering educational resources, BeeFavored empowers the community with tools for sustainable living and self-sufficiency.

The HarvestED Program

As part of BeeFavored’s mission, the HarvestED Program focuses on:

Youth Education: Teaching urban agriculture and sustainability to the next generation.

Job Creation: Offering vocational training for women and young ex-offenders.

Food Security: Encouraging urban gardening and pollinator-friendly practices.

Community Engagement: Hosting events and workshops to strengthen local connections.

Why BeeFavored Stands Out

BeeFavored has established itself as a leader in urban sustainability and community empowerment by:

Sustainability Leader: Addressing declining bee populations and promoting urban biodiversity.

Educational Pioneer: Inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through hands-on learning.

Community Builder: Empowering marginalized groups with meaningful opportunities and skills.

Impact of the Hustle Grant

The Hustle Grant will enable BeeFavored to expand its operations, deepen its community impact, and invest in sustainable practices. Key uses include:

• Modernizing rooftop apiaries with innovative hive designs.

• Scaling the HarvestED program to reach more schools and participants.

• Supporting job creation and leadership development for women and young ex-offenders.

• Hosting community workshops to raise awareness about urban agriculture and sustainability.

A Vision for the Future

With the support of the Hustle Grant, BeeFavored is poised to become a model for urban sustainability and community empowerment. Theresa envisions a Harlem where rooftops buzz with life, families thrive with fresh, local food, and young leaders shape a more sustainable future.

Words from Theresa

“BeeFavored isn’t just about honey; it’s about hope, resilience, and creating something meaningful for our community. With your support, we can continue to redefine what’s possible, one jar of honey at a time.”

Learn More About BeeFavored