Felix Colon
From Martha's Vineyard, Felix is part of the third-generation family behind Island Bee Company, an apiary producing raw honey and Hive 5 moisturizer. He aims to grow the business while maintaining its artisanal roots.
Felix Colon's Bio
Felix Colon is a third-generation member of the family behind Island Bee Company, an apiary based on Martha's Vineyard that produces raw honey and skincare products. The business was founded by his parents in 1999 and has remained a small, local operation selling primarily through farmers markets and island stores. The company's best-selling product is Hive 5, a moisturizer made with five ingredients straight from the hive—raw honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly—using a proprietary formula created by Felix's mother. Felix works part-time for the business while nurturing a long-term goal of taking over and growing Island Bee Company into something meaningful. He has recently begun expanding online sales, which started only three to four years ago, and is exploring B2B channels including corporate gifting and luxury hotel partnerships as pathways to scale.
Career Timeline
1999 — Island Bee Company founded
Parents founded the apiary on Martha's Vineyard, focusing on raw honey and local beekeeping.
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
Called into the How I Built This Advice Line to discuss scaling the family apiary business with host Guy Raz and Ronnen Harary.
