Becoming a beekeeper wasn't part of Amy Rzepka’s master plan. A stay-at-home mom, she was spending her time volunteering and taking care of her kids, Molly, Rachel and Nathan (then ages 11, 10 and 7). About eight years ago, a family friend asked to put a beehive on their property in Solon, OH, but was unable to dedicate time to care for the bees. Amy's husband, David, took classes and studied up on his new neighbors and their upkeep. “We became beekeepers completely by accident!” says Amy.

Caring for the little critters made the Rzepkas aware of how connected the bee world was to theirs. “We began to think about the foods we ate, the chemicals we used and the direct impact these factors had on the bees and us,” says Amy, 46. Soon one hive led to 20—and the creation of Beecology, a line of healthy and natural skin-care and beauty products made from honey, beeswax and other natural ingredients. The line is handcrafted and made in small batches to guarantee excellence.

Success has been sweet for Beecology, which is why the Rzepkas donate 10 percent of their net profits to their consumers’ charity of choice through their charity website partner, SweetYear.org. By inputting the charity code found on Beecology products, consumers can directly designate which organization will receive a portion of the profit from their Beecology purchase. The Rzepkas are proud that they have not only educated people about the benefits of using natural products, but about the importance of giving back as well.

Amy and David plan to grow the Beecology line to include a face cream, foaming soap and “a few other surprises,” hints Amy. And while they were initially afraid of the bees—the couple have collectively been stung thousands of times—the joy the bees have brought their family has made it all worth it. “Working as a family has brought us closer than ever before,” says Amy. “That is every mother’s dream come true.”