Driving down Westmoreland Ave the bees are buzzing. The Clayton resident Joy Stinger is the founder of Stingers Honey and Beeswax Company. Stinger is 80 years old, and has been living in the heart of Clayton for 32 years with her friend Alan Sherman.

28 years ago Stinger just wanted to plant a garden, but her wish blossomed into so much more. After planting her garden, she realized her yard did not have enough bees to pollinate the flowers. She started with one hive, but over the years she added more hives. Stinger learned that the honey must be extracted from the bees, or the bees will leave the hive. Extracting the honey is extremely strenuous work. A friend and mentor helped her through the process for many years.

After eight years Stinger had too much honey to give away. Once Stinger had numerous hives she started a business, “I mostly sell my honey at the farmer’s markets, people come to my house, or I wholesale the honey to business such as University Gardens, Winslow’s Home, and Jennifer’s Pharmacy.”

She used to extract the honey three times a times a year, the bees are producing less honey.  Even though Stinger has more beehives, she is receiving less honey than she did 25 years ago.

Honey is not the only product Stinger makes. “I have made quilts, pillows, candle items, beeswax, and stools,” Stinger said. “Most times I will hand make an item for fun, and I realize I could sell the product!”

Stinger’s agenda is full year round, from quilting to gardening, to taking care of the animals. She loves to work and just wants to live, “I retired from my job as a graphic designer at 62,” Stinger said. “I love taking care of the chickens, rabbits, cats, plants and the birds.”

Check out Stinger’s Honey and Beeswax Company at the local farmer’s markets, or take a trip to her home at 7639 Westmoreland Ave. She welcomes visitors, but asks for them to call her first at (314)-862-0509.