Meet Jane Donahue | Maker of BeeKissed Caramels

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jane Donahue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jane, why did you pursue a creative career?
And so the adventure begins….

I don’t accept what is but I can respect it, and then I think how I’d like to change it. My view of things is in the endless variety change creates. The carousel of options, is me in a candy shop. I love many ways of creative expression and not one is a favorite. Everyday is a new mixed media of possibilities and my challenge is how I decide to physically dress for it, am I diving in deep knowing I have hours to enjoy my creative pursuit uninterrupted or am I touching the surface of many projects in the day. The pleasure of self expression is the elixir of joy I drink. I thrive in an environment of “what if’s”. I naturally layer a menagerie of intentions at all times on a never ending “to do” list! I enjoy working alone so I don’t have to hear anyone tell me “that’s not going to work” or “let’s do that tomorrow “! Nope, every moments inspiration must be acted on before it escapes. The potential of opportunity is constantly around me. I see and feel so much that I can’t understand why so many are not aware of even the few things I might decide to mention. My artistic self is best expressed in the mornings. The rest of the day I am an action/adventure/creative maker! I am not someone who likes to be caged, I will select the aisle seat or the spot closest to the door whenever possible.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a creative….. what sets me apart from others is my desire to build my identity around a Bee. Not just being a beekeeper but a maker of culinary treats from honey. To explore and express bee inspired creations in decorating or wearing as well. I believe that if you are serious about your ideas and stay inspired, always testing new inspirations you will also be interested in new opportunities to showcase yourself. This is how I continue to be on a level of respected commitment to what I am doing.
BeeKissed Caramels began in Southern California 9 years ago. Delicious creamy buttery honey caramels sprinkled with sea salt. So many small trays handmade and handwrapped to share with everyone. This year BeeKissed is launching honey jam and the first to be presented is Bumbleberry Jam. Seriously the Bees Knees scrumptious!
Simply the best, made with blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and honey. We can’t wait to present it at 12 South Farmers Market this season. Not only are we bringing BeeKissed Caramels to a new market but also sharing our Bumbleberry jam makes this year exciting and new!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love history and would share and enjoy visiting local plantation mansions. Beginning with President Andrew Jackson and his Hermitage. This is a very well preserved property with many original details. So much history that is still there after over one hundred and eighty years. I truly love seeing and learning all this history and knowing the personal stories. The time spent is quality that adds a new personal awareness and this makes history come full circle to my current day. I like to feel what it was like back then. The next plantation would be the Belle Meade Historic site. Gaining more knowledge of the area and the acreage used for one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms over 5400 acres. This is a fun day to blend history with a winery and gift shop, a delicious restaurant called “Meat & Three”. They have a yummy southern menu of which I enjoyed the pulled pork meal.
The week would include going to The Ryman Auditorium for a backstage tour as well as a concert performance. Finishing our time with a walk along Broadway where people love to gather and enjoy the visual excitement of all the neon lights and honky tonk music venues.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my husband Richard who has participated in the development of BeeKissed Caramels from the beginning. He has been encouraging and supportive of all my ideas from the start nine years ago. He has used his printing career experience to help with all label designs. He has been my primary taste tester. He really enjoys every opportunity we have to participate in all vendor events. We are very fortunate to have so many interests that are uniquely our own and at the same time we can enjoy the time we spend together in support of each other!

Website: beekissedcaramels.com

Instagram: @beekissedcaramels

Linkedin: Jane Donahue

Facebook: www.Facebook/honeycaramels.com