Some of the best ideas are borne out of less-than-ideal circumstances.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the province, with its subsequent lockdown, a Corner Brook couple suddenly without work decided they needed something to do.
That’s when Hannah Lane, a Gander native, and Ryan Dawe decided they’d try their hand at producing beeswax wraps.
Using a beeswax wrap Lane had in her possession as inspiration, the pair set about discovering how to make them.
When they started they had designs to just produce a handful for themselves, some close friends and family.
“We ended up making a lot more than we needed,” said Lane.
They needed to find something to do with the excess wraps.
Turns out their miscalculations allowed them to take an entrepreneurial chance.
After a couple of weeks selling their extra wraps on social media, Lane and Dawe decided to start Hive Got You Covered. It’s an online store where people can purchase one of the three sizes of wraps they offer.
“We always try to have some on hand,” said Dawe.
So far, the response they’ve had has been great. They’ve got some good feedback, as well as positive reviews while distributing close to 1,000 wraps in five months.
They’ve sold to people across the province and even some Newfoundland and Labrador ex-pats on the mainland.
The pair have products in stores around the province, including Newfoundland Accents in Gander, Brigus Mercantile and Salt Water Bath Bombs in St. John’s.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Lane. “It’s allowed us to explore our creative sides.”
After some initial research into the manufacturing process and a bit of trial and error, they settled on what is called the double boiler technique.
They melt their Newfoundland-sourced beeswax with a jojoba oil and tree resin on the stove until they’ve reached the desired texture.
That is then painted on their fabric — also Newfoundland sourced — and then put in the oven for a short time.
The pair figure they can average 26 completed wraps an hour.
“They’re reusable, compostable and eco-friendly,” said Dawe.
The wraps have a variety of uses. Avid hikers, the pair use their products to keep snacks fresh, but they’re also handy for covering salad bowls, wrapping sandwiches and anything else you may be able to think of.
“We pretty much use them for everything,” said Lane.
The beeswax wraps are designed to be an alternative to plastic or aluminum wraps or coverings.
As they’ve gotten deeper into producing their products, Lane and Dawe have found their views shifting on the use of plastics and the effects they have on the environment.
“I think it opened up a new side when we started this,” said Dawe. “Even now, I look differently at the use of plastic.”
Nicholas Mercer is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering central Newfoundland for SaltWire Network
