Apart from being mum in the cutest family in THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, Hayley Mason is also one half of Settler Hives.
What started with two beehives in their backyard, Hayley and husband Roger don't just keep bees, they feed them with flowers, herbs and garden greens sourced from the best seed houses in the world (inside the prettiest packaging we've ever seen).
Q1: In your own words, please tell us what you do and how it came to be...
Oh hi. It started with two beehives in our backyard. Now we don’t just keep bees, we feed them! We want to create feel good products that benefit our surroundings and help shape a positive culture of getting outside. With flowers, herbs and garden greens sourced from the best seed houses in the world. Ultimately by feedings bees we are feeding ourselves.
Q2: Where are you from, and how did you come to be living life as you know it? Was Settler Hives always on the cards for you or did you have another dream growing up?
Toowoomba! Haha funny enough it’s known as the garden city.
Gosh no Roger would vaguely ask for years about getting bees and it wasn’t until we had a newborn baby that one day when he said ‘you know there is a global colony collapse’ that it just clicked and I said ‘yeah, we should get bees’
Q3: What does a day in the life of Hayley look like?
A real mix of house up keep; 24/7 Scarlett mothering and settler growth!
On week days Roger is gone by 6am for work so often Scarlett and I get slow mornings and drag out our porridge piled with berries and coffee or green tea.
Then if I can start emails and packaging orders while S is playing some imaginary game or mama patiently waits for her to decide on a Netflix show!
Q4: There’s obviously a lot of elements involved in Settler Hives. What do you find the most satisfying?
Haha I really enjoy the idea of challenging the visual preconceptions of a nerdy bee keeper. Documenting our lives on Instagram.
Q5: What are you passionate about?
Just staying true to being us. Helping show an easy way to feel good, for yourself, for others.
Q6: What are your top 3 superpowers?
I can say no to coffee in the morning.
I believe in naps (day sleeps with the blinds up are powerful) haha
I can live with untidiness and piles of washing to do for weeks.
Q7: We’ve all experienced those times in business where you just feel like throwing in the towel. What tools have you learnt to get you through these difficult times?
It’s beneficial to just stop and rest. Do something you feel like that re-inspires you! and shake off any guilt for indulging yourself!
Q8: What advice would you impart on the next generation of women?
Be careful what you watch and who you spend the majority of your time with. Your energy is important.
Q9: What does happiness look like through the eyes of Hayley?
Doing things together, in a mix of productivity and rest.
Q10: What do you do to unwind?
Kicking back on the deck with Roger at golden hour with a glass rosé.
Q11: Where is your favourite place in the world to have a vino? Where are you off to next?
We booked flights for the three of us to Tasmania last week! Flying in on my birthday in March for two weeks.
Q12: Who, or what are you listening to or reading right now?
Churchome podcast - Judah Smith
I've also picked up Steal Like An Artist (again) by Austin Kleon
Q14: One last thing... share with us a quirky fact about yourself! Something that people might not know about you?
I like staying in my Pyjamas as long as possible haha
