S2/Ep1: The Year of Yes: A Sweet Journey with Katie Merchant
In this episode of Resilient as F*k!, Vivian Perez sits down with Katie Merchant of The Honey Merchants to explore the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship unpacking how taking risks, giving yourself grace, and community education have shaped her journey and her work.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcast
Katie Merchant shares her journey of becoming a beekeeper to help her son overcome his fear of bugs, eventually building a honey brand rooted in education, community impact, and the courage to take leaps. She talks about how committing to a "year of yes," stepping into massive events, and teaching kids not to be afraid of bees helped her navigate challenges and create meaningful connections with her audience.
From overcoming an exhausting 10.5-hour booth setup to using school presentations to connect with her community, Katie shares her candid insights and practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to balance growth, family life, and mental well-being.
Key Takeaways
Embrace the "Year of Yes": Committing to trying every available market can help you figure out what truly works for your unique business.
Give Yourself Grace: Making mistakes is part of the process—allow yourself to fail and pivot without carrying the emotional weight.
Education Drives Connection: Teaching your community—like bringing live bees into classrooms—builds a deeper, purpose-driven brand footprint.
Learn the Power of "No": Once you know your limits and what emotionally taxes you, confidently saying "no" to big events is crucial for your personal recovery and family time.
Memorable Moments
Katie’s reflections on setting up at the Calgary Stampede and realizing she could hold her own alongside massive global brands like Budweiser and Wrangler.
A vulnerable moment when she cried all the way home from the Saskatoon Farm market because she feared she wasn't good enough, only to bounce back stronger.
Tips on integrating community education, like handing out "I Love Alberta Bees" buttons and honey sticks, into a grassroots marketing strategy.
Resources Mentioned
The Honey Merchants:thehoneymerchants.com
Events & Markets: Calgary Stampede, Saskatoon Farm, Lilac Festival, and The Brewery and the Beast
Retailers: Main Street Market (Okotoks and Strathmore) and Jolene's Tea House (Banff)
Katie’s story is a reminder that resilience, taking calculated risks, and self-compassion are essential parts of the entrepreneurial journey.
Where to Listen: Catch the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for more insights on building resilient brands that connect.