Island Bee Company
Family-run apiary on Martha's Vineyard producing raw honey, beeswax candles, and Hive 5 skincare products. Founded in 1999 by Tim Colon and Tricia Sirakovsky.
The Story
Island Bee Company is a family-run apiary and skincare brand based on Martha Vineyard, Massachusetts. Founded in 1999 by Tim Colon and Tricia Sirakovsky, the company started as a small local honey business and has grown into a beloved island brand with a loyal following. The apiary produces raw honey, beeswax candles, and skincare products, all crafted from the hive using sustainable beekeeping practices.
The company best-known product is HIVE FIVE, a deeply healing moisturizer created by Felix mother that combines all five hive ingredients with olive oil. The formula is patented and has become the brand top seller, praised for its protective and nourishing properties. Island Bee also offers Beeswax Emollient Bars, simple solid-moisture bars that seal hydration with clean ingredients.
For 27 years, the business stayed small and local, selling at farmers markets and island stores. In recent years, Island Bee Company has expanded to online sales and is exploring B2B and wholesale opportunities, with Felix Colon now working part-time to help grow the brand into something sustainable and meaningful for future generations.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products
HIVE FIVE
Deeply healing and protective moisturizer made with all five hive products (raw honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, royal jelly) and olive oil.
Beeswax Emollient Bars
Solid moisture in an easy-open tin. Beeswax seals moisture in place with simple clean ingredients. Available in Lavender, Lemon, and Orange.
Island Bee Beeswax Candles
Hand-poured candles made from pure beeswax sourced from Martha Vineyard hives.
Company Timeline
1999 — Island Bee Company founded
Tim Colon and Tricia Sirakovsky founded the apiary on Martha's Vineyard, focusing on sustainable beekeeping and raw honey.
2015 — Launched Hive 5 moisturizer
Introduced the patented Hive 5 skincare product, a five-ingredient moisturizer that became the company's best seller.
2022 — Expanded to online sales
Began selling products online for the first time, reaching customers beyond Martha's Vineyard farmers markets and local stores.
2026 — Featured on HIBT Advice Line
Felix Colon called into the How I Built This Advice Line to discuss scaling the family apiary business with host Guy Raz and Ronnen Harary.