In 1994, Kenny and Wendy Reed planted fruit trees on their Texas property and quickly noticed something was missing: pollinators. Determined to support their trees, they attended a local bee association meeting, where Kenny Reed purchased his very first hive from an elderly beekeeper.

At the time, the couple was working full-time jobs and juggling side gigs to stay afloat, but Kenny Reed found himself drawn to the bees in a way he didn’t expect. Every evening after work, he would watch the bees and grow more fascinated with them. What began as a practical solution for pollination evolved into a spiritual connection, and Kenny Reed knew he needed more hives. That early spark of inspiration laid the foundation for what would eventually become a thriving beekeeping legacy.

Wild Honey Box is a family-grown business rooted in decades of beekeeping experience and a deep love for the craft. What began as Reed Family Honey has grown into a thriving brand known for its commitment to pure, raw honey and the bees that make it possible.

“Most large-scale beekeepers sell their honey to packers, who then blend and bottle it with other sources and label it as local or raw. The truth is, you don’t really know where it’s coming from or what’s in it. It’s often overheated or mixed with additives,” Social Media & Marketing Coordinator Kayla Simons said. “All 7,000 of our hives are cared for by my dad, my husband, Dax Simons, and our small team. The honey goes straight from our bee yards to our building, where it’s extracted and bottled. It’s as raw and pure as it gets.”

Wild Honey Box bee hive used to make pure wild honey

A sweet new destination

In March, Wild Honey Box opened its first physical storefront, located at 4963 Price Road, Montgomery. For the family, it was about more than just selling honey; it was about creating a space where customers could connect directly with the products and the people behind them.

“We like to give people the chance to walk into the store so we can walk them through the different types of honey and explain the unique benefits of each,” Simons said. “Our tasting bar lets customers sample all 25 creamed flavors along with our three liquid varieties.”

The shop also offers honey-based soft serve on weekends and an observation hive for guests to watch the bees in action. It's an interactive space designed to celebrate honey, beekeeping and the hard work that goes into every jar.

Wild Honey Box opens store location in Montgomery with tasting station and honey to purchase

Types of honey

Wild Honey Box offers a variety of honey that captures the unique flavors of the flowers the bees forage on.

This honey comes from four different flowers:
  • Texas wildflower honey: A local favorite, this honey is rich and potent, reflecting the diverse flora that grows in the area. The flavor profile varies slightly each year, depending on the flowers in bloom, but it always carries the distinctive, bold taste of Texas wildflowers.
  • Sweet clover honey: Sourced from the lush fields of South Dakota, this honey has a delicate sweetness and a smooth texture, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a mild taste.
  • Texas huajilla honey: From South Texas, this honey has a complex, earthy flavor with a touch of wildness, reflecting the unique plants the bees forage on in this region.
  • Lubbock cotton honey: This honey is harvested at the end of summer, making it a limited seasonal offering. It carries a complex, earthy flavor with a hint of wildness.
They also sell pure beeswax in sizes ranging from 2 ounces to 40 pounds.

Honey and honey comb on bee hive grown by family business Wild Honey Box

Protecting the pollinators

At the heart of Wild Honey Box is a deep respect for bees and their vital role in the ecosystem. The team’s beekeeping philosophy prioritizes the health and longevity of their hives, using hands-on, ethical practices to ensure their bees thrive naturally.

“We take meticulous care of our bees,” Simons said. “We make sure to place them in healthy homes, feed them well and give them supplements. Typically, commercial beekeepers have experienced losses of 50%, but we only had about 30%.”

The commitment to sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices is at the heart of what makes their honey stand out. By prioritizing the health and well-being of their bees through natural methods the quality of their honey reflects the care and attention that goes into every hive.



Promotions

Wild Honey Box is currently offering 10% off any purchase with the code COMMUNITY10, both in-store and online.

They also offer a free sample of any creamed honey with every in-store purchase.

To learn more about Wild Honey Box’s products or to make a purchase, visit www.wildhoneybox.com.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.