In this Galena Farms Beekeeper Feature, we meet Carmen Joyce, a Chattanooga-based master beekeeper, educator, and community builder who manages more than 15 hives. Inspired by her father’s beekeeping and driven by a desire to connect in a new city, Carmen has built an apiary that reflects her philosophy: truly listening to the bees. With a Master's in Beekeeping from the University of Montana’s Master Beekeeping program, she brings both knowledge and heart to her practice.
Topics covered:
- Why observation is the most powerful tool for new beekeepers
- How listening to the sounds of a hive reveals what’s happening inside
- Why beginners SHOULD get into their hives often (and what to document)
- Practical tips for recording and tracking colony health
- Her first experience with Hoover Hives and why they’ve stood the test of time
Whether you’re brand-new to beekeeping or looking to deepen your connection with your colonies, Carmen’s story offers encouragement, practical advice, and a reminder that the best way to learn from bees is to listen.