Meet Justin and Austin of Stubbees
Meet Justin & Austin, the brothers behind Stubbees– a Small Batch Honey & Apothecary located in St. Augustine and Atlantic Beach. Their store has all the natural vibes and tells the story of a bee’s relationship with plants. Find their goods online or in their storefronts!
Tell us about yourself! What made you want to start your business?
Animal and plant lover with an affinity for herbal remedies. A supportive family helped spark the idea that a beekeeping hobby could become something far greater
Typical day well... isn't so typical at all! We showcase the value of bees and plants and answer people's questions about how they are good for your overall well being. Much of our day also includes supporting our retail partners navigate their customer questions as well.
Tell us about your space! What’s a typical day at your studio?
Typical day well... isn't so typical at all! We showcase the value of bees and plants and answer people's questions about how they are good for your overall well being. Much of our day also includes supporting our retail partners navigate their customer questions as well.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting Stubbees?
Biggest lesson is people never fail to help you learn more about yourself. Always striving to get better and be better, give better responses, act better with certain situations and be responsive to people's needs and never take being a small, family business for granted. It's a blessing not a curse.
What kind of challenges have you had to overcome as a small business owner? How has COVID-19 affected your business?
With being a small business it always requires us to be flexible not fragile! Navigating unforeseen circumstances is our niche and innovation is what drives us to keep moving forward. COVID-19 is just one example of unforeseen circumstances that has affected us and required some changes to how we do things. We have a knack for dreaming up solutions to crazy situations that occur.
Anything exciting along the horizon?
Always EXCITING things we are cooking up! The ideas never stop and we are so appreciative to our customers who seem to always enjoy our creations! Our wheels are always turning with ideas and it's tremendously humbling how much people are on board with the evolution of Stubbees! They give us the space we need to keep pushing the envelope on how expansive our brand can bee. (get it ;) )
What are you inspired by lately?
I'd say for me personally I'm inspired by the history of our country. I love collecting old books and manuals of beekeeper's past and toiling through the pages for inspirations. I believe the past can light the way to a better future. This may seem too deep for this topic but being an apothecary we are always looking to give people a heart to heart with the past in a new way.
Can you tell us a bit about your holiday collection?
Our holiday collection was inspired by our mission to provide not only a culinary innovation as honey is tricky to incorporate in almost anything but to offer something in line with our ethos. Working with small local businesses is our way of spreading the love the community has for local goods and providing a distinctive alternative to many of the coffee packaging out there that adds waste to our landfills plus it tastes absolutely delicious!
Any advice for people looking to find their own style?
Do what you love. Let's be clear it's a commitment almost unlike any other. When we started Stubbees in our teens and now being in our mid-20's for all I'm concerned it's been almost a 10-year marriage. Give 110%, follow your convictions but at the same time be patient and practical and always find a way to keep family first. Be true to you, styles will always evolve and you will too. I'm a history junkie that hugs the occasional tree so our shops are littered with elements that make me smile and our hearts are filled when our customers smile too.
What is your process? Do you start with an idea in mind? Do things happen more organically?
Well from our experience if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. Take 2020, for instance, nothing went as planned but things still panned out and it always seems to turn out better than we first envision when we collab and brainstorm as a team and family.
You're based in St Augustine. What spots/businesses/makers are your favorite in town?
Absolute favs are Hyppo & Mayday, our local ceramicist Lauren Ytterbom, and we can't forget Future Friends Co. our local imagineers. There are many others and I can go on but it sure feels good that we have a community full of ingenuity that gives St. Augustine it's texture.