In this Galena Farms Beekeeper Feature, we meet Jordi Magdalene, a Florida-based beekeeper and homesteader behind the brand Homesteadish, whose journey into beekeeping began long before her first hive ever arrived. From apartment living and worm composting mishaps to building an off-grid, 10-acre homestead in northeast Florida, Jordi’s story is rooted in curiosity, resilience, and learning by doing.

For Jordi, the heart of beekeeping success lies in hands-on experience. While she admits to being an avid researcher and buying all the books, taking the courses, and joining multiple bee clubs, she emphasizes that nothing replaces actually opening a hive, handling frames, and seeing the bees up close. Education mattered, but touching and feeling the hive is what built her confidence.

Now managing her first colonies through Florida’s unique climate, Jordi shares how mentorship, community involvement, and simply starting before feeling “ready” helped her move forward—even when things didn’t go perfectly.

Topics covered:

  • How hands-on experience accelerates learning in beekeeping

  • Transitioning from apartment life to an off-grid homestead

  • Why joining local bee clubs and finding mentors is essential

  • The benefits of beginning with two hives as a new beekeeper

  • Choosing durable, weather-ready hive equipment for Florida conditions

  • Navigating early losses and learning through real-world challenges

  • Why documenting your beekeeping journey matters

Whether you’re looking at buying your first hive, feeling overwhelmed by research, or waiting for the “right time” to begin, Jordi’s journey is a reminder that beekeeping is learned in the doing. Confidence comes not from perfection, but from showing up, opening the hive, and growing alongside your bees.