From Hive to Herb Garden

A family-rooted journey inspired by nature, education, and honest wellness.

How It All Began

Kate's parents embracing and smiling together indoors.

My father kept bees, and some of my favorite childhood memories were watching him work in the hives and sitting quietly nearby listening to the hum of the bees.

He also gardened organically long before it became popular. Together we fished, hiked, hunted, foraged, and explored nature. He taught me how to identify plants, mushrooms, trees, and wildlife, often sharing knowledge rooted in his Native American ancestry.

Over the years, I began researching the additives, preservatives, dyes, and chemicals found in many foods, medications, lotions, and household products. I realized there were natural plants and herbs that could help support wellness in a gentler, more intentional way.

Today, A Gust of Sun Apiary & Herbal Products is the fulfillment of that lifelong passion.

-Kate

Kate and her husband Harry in beekeeping suits at the apiary.

A Family Dream

I live in Reeltown, Alabama with my husband Harry, my mother Elizabeth, our dogs Moose, Tippy, and Sulley, and two cats, Veronica and Archie.

With the support of my family, I am finally living out my retirement dream - building a welcoming space centered around honey bees, herbal wellness, education, and community.

Currently:

  • Herbal Product Making Certification through Alma Oasis

  • 100 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments through Alma Oasis

  • A Certified Monarch Waystation (#53795)

Future goals include:

  • Master Beekeeper Certification Program

  • Educational workshops

  • Butterfly enclosure

  • Community tours

  • The She Bee Shoppe storefront

Continuing Education & Future Goals

Harry and Kate's Beekeeping Basics Course certificates of completion.
Harry and Kate's Beekeeping Basics Course certificates of completion.
Alma Oasis certificate for 100 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments, awarded to Kate Gustafson.
Alma Oasis certificate for the Herbal Product Making Course, awarded to Kate Gustafson.

What We Bee-lieve

Harry tending the beehives at the apiary.
  • Natural wellness matters

  • Transparency matters

  • Pollinators matter

  • Education matters

  • Small businesses matter

  • Community matters

Whenever possible, ingredients are:

  • Organic

  • Non-GMO

  • Locally sourced

  • USA sourced

  • Fair Trade