Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasha Trujillo.
Hi Tasha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts with honey bees. I used to work at the old science museum where they had an exhibit on honey bees. Every morning, I’d have to walk by this exhibit to get to my office. Normally I’d feel terrified of bees but the exhibit always grabbed my attention and I quickly became fascinated. After discussing it with my partner, we decided it would be really cool to try beekeeping. We ended up meeting someone who needed to get rid of a hive and thus began our beekeeping journey.
After a few months of beekeeping, we started doing bee removal to increase our hive numbers. We decided to start our own business since we noticed how much bee removal was needed in South Florida. This is how Palm Pike Apiary was born. Then, we branched out into selling raw honey and beeswax from our hives. We spent a few years doing this and all the while, I was growing flowers in my garden for our bees.
Growing flowers brought me so much joy. My garden was filled with all types of pollinators, not just my honey bees. I quickly became obsessed and started doing research on growing more flowers. Then, I stumbled across flower farming. After doing some research, I learned that about 80% of all flowers are imported into the United States from other countries. It was clear that we needed more flower farmers, especially in Florida.
I spent years dreaming and doing research on growing flowers as part of my business. I was too afraid to make the jump into flower farming but once the pandemic started, everything changed. Like so many others, I realized life was way too short and unpredictable to not do what you were passionate about. Towards the end of 2020, I started planning my little flower farm at our bee yard in the Redlands. Since then, I’ve been growing cut flowers using organic and pollinator-friendly practices.
Since we started our business in 2017, things have changed. Now my mission is to grow beautiful cut flowers for people and pollinators. I grow flowers for the public but mainly local florists to use in their everyday arrangements as well as events like weddings. Our flower field is filled with all types of pollinators, such as butterflies and native bees. It brings me so much joy knowing I’m able to help my local community by providing them with fresh, affordable flowers, but also that I’m helping our environment by giving pollinators a place to call home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle so far has been making the decision to pivot our business. We still keep bees but they’re not the main focus anymore. Farming has a better impact on the environment since I am working on the land so I knew I wanted to focus on that. Early on, I knew I only wanted to use organic and regenerative practices for my flower operation. It’s been a struggle to figure out how to make all of this work, including growing the flowers here in South Florida. On top of all of this, I was worried I would lose a lot of my business if I wasn’t focusing on beekeeping. In reality, it’s been one of the best business decisions we’ve made since I am so much happier growing flowers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a flower farmer specializing in pollinator-friendly flowers. My flowers are grown using organic and regenerative practices in the hopes of creating a sanctuary for all pollinators, not just honey bees. My business, Palm Pike Apiary, has been most known for beekeeping and bee products. However, I am now focusing on growing cut flowers for the community to help our native pollinator population. I’m honestly most proud of this transition into flower farming because I feel like I am making a bigger impact on our environment. I am able to help local floral businesses be more sustainable by giving them a locally grown option and I am helping pollinators at the same time.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is hands down spending time with my grandmother in her garden. My love of growing flowers definitely came from her as we’d spend most of our time in her garden tending to orchids and roses.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://palmpike.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmpike/
Image Credits
Ciara Khan
