Celebrating Small Business Month: A Spotlight on Local Gems

October is Small Business Month, a time to honor and celebrate the hardworking entrepreneurs who contribute to our local economies and communities. In this spirit, we are excited to highlight three remarkable small businesses from our region that showcase the creativity, commitment, and passion of our local business owners. Join us as we delve into the world of natural remedies, exquisite honey production, and awe-inspiring stargazing experiences.

Merry Little Elderberry 🖥️

Merry Little Elderberry is a shining example of a local business dedicated to promoting health through natural remedies. Specializing in premium organic elderberry and botanical products, this remarkable company emphasizes holistic healing and sustainable living.

Founded by Celeste Kellie, a former corporate professional who embraced the tranquility of country life, Merry Little Elderberry emerged from her deep passion for biodiversity and organic farming. Settling in the quaint town of Tingha, Celeste now runs a small orchard of elderberries alongside a thriving medicinal herb garden. This idyllic 1-acre property not only serves as the basis for their products, but it also reflects Celeste’s commitment to biodynamic farming.

What sets Merry Little Elderberry apart from the competition is its unwavering dedication to purity and sustainability. All products undergo rigorous research and quality testing, ensuring they are free from harmful additives. These remedies are not just effective but also embody the essence of what nature intended. Celeste’s journey from the bustling city to nurturing her land has allowed her to create a business that harmonizes with a community-focused, organic lifestyle.

Merry Little Elderberry is not just a business; it’s a movement towards better health—promoting the idea that natural remedies can complement pharmaceutical treatments seamlessly. With a wide range of products available, their offerings invite everyone to explore a healthier lifestyle, one elderberry at a time.

Melibee

In the heart of New England, Melibee stands out as a family-owned business renowned for its exceptional honey products. Founded by Geoff and Jody McNally, what began as a hobby in 2015 blossomed into a commercial venture in 2022, supported by a collective of like-minded farmers. Their bees thrive on a rich assortment of flora, producing honey that is not only delicious but also deeply nourishing.

Melibee specializes in creamed honey, distinguished by a silky-smooth texture crafted through a meticulous creaming process. Unlike typical honey producers, Melibee elevates the traditional honey experience by offering unique flavor-infused options that go beyond the ordinary. Their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every jar, setting them apart in the crowded honey market.

The McNally family plays an integral role in every aspect of the business—Geoff is the head beekeeper, Jody creates and sells specialty honeys, and their daughter Jannala lends her creative flair to branding and marketing. This close-knit team’s passion resonates throughout their offerings, with their award-winning creamed honey even celebrated at the Sydney Royal National Honey Competition.

Experience the difference that dedicated beekeeping and family values can make in the world of honey. Melibee is not just selling a product; they are inviting you into their family’s journey, rooted in sustainability and a deep appreciation for nature’s sweetest offerings.

Stargazing Adventures 🖥️

For those with a fascination for the cosmos, Stargazing Adventures provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the night sky. Founded by two passionate amateur astronomers, Matt Dodds and Lachlan Wilson, this venture specializes in immersive night sky tours that captivate and educate participants of all ages.

With a focus on laser-guided explorations and high-quality telescopes, Stargazing Adventures transforms ordinary nights into unforgettable celestial experiences. Their personalized instruction for aspiring astrophotographers enhances the experience, allowing guests to capture their own stunning images of the cosmos.

Matt, who holds postgraduate coursework in Astrophysics, and Lachlan, a three-time winner of the prestigious David Malin Awards, lead participants on captivating night sky tours. Their combined knowledge and enthusiasm create an engaging atmosphere that demystifies complex astronomical concepts, making them accessible to everyone. Their expertise is complemented by stunning Astroprints, showcasing breathtaking images that reflect their dedication to capturing the beauty of the universe.

Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, Stargazing Adventures promises to ignite your passion for the night sky. Their commitment to providing an enlightening journey through the cosmos sets them apart and invites participants to witness the magic of the Milky Way in a clear, dark sky.

Support Local Businesses This October

Throughout this Small Business Month, we encourage you to explore and support these incredible local enterprises. The hard work and dedication of small business owners enrich our communities and contribute to a vibrant local economy. By choosing to patronize businesses like Merry Little Elderberry, Melibee, and Stargazing Adventures, you help sustain the spirit of innovation and creativity that fuels our region.

Please share this story and spread the word to help support these fantastic local businesses. For a full list of stories celebrating Small Business Month, click here. Together, let’s uplift the businesses that enhance our lives and shape our community.

Celebrating Small Business Month not only honors entrepreneurs but also reinforces the value of community. With both passion and dedication, local businesses transform their dreams into reality—shaping our world one product, service, and experience at a time.