The Shave's Sweet Escape: From Corporate Cubicles to Country Honey Harvesting
In a serendipitous twist of fate, Joel and Natalie Shave swapped their corporate lives for a buzzing, honey-filled existence in the countryside. This couple's journey began with a desire for change, a yearning to break free from the confines of their desk jobs and the hustle of Brisbane. With a toddler, a baby on the way, and a shared love for adventure, they sought a new chapter in their lives.
Natalie, 39, and Joel, 37, had already traveled the world in their 20s, a testament to their adventurous spirits. Their meeting in Melbourne in 2010, with Joel arriving from Canada, set the stage for a life of exploration. Natalie's corporate job in finance and Joel's engineering career provided a stable foundation, but the itch for something more remained.
The turning point came when Natalie encountered a client's bee pollination business at work. This sparked an hour-long conversation about bees, igniting her passion for nature and aligning perfectly with Joel's hands-on approach. Natalie's curiosity led her to join a bee club, and she quickly immersed herself in the world of beekeeping, purchasing her first hive within a year.
An unexpected eviction further fueled their decision to embrace beekeeping full-time. The conversation with Joel about their future plans and the sudden call from the real estate agent to move out created a sense of destiny. They seized the opportunity, moving to Coolamon, a small town near Wagga Wagga, in late 2021, with their growing family.
Waggle & Round, their honey business, was born early the following year. The Shaves' first three years in business were a rollercoaster, but they embraced the challenges. The Riverina region, with its eucalyptus trees, nutrient-rich soil, and the Murrumbidgee River, provided an ideal environment for their bees, resulting in abundant, all-natural eucalyptus honey.
The Shaves' decision to leave corporate life behind has proven to be a sweet success. The fresh air, space, and slower pace of country life have brought a sense of fulfillment. Their daughters, Lucy and Vivien, have thrived in this environment, and the family's business, Waggle & Round, continues to grow. With plans to expand hive numbers and pollination services, the Shaves are embracing the future, grateful for the privilege of building a life together, both in business and at home.
As Natalie reflects, their journey is a testament to the power of embracing change and following one's passions. The Shaves' story inspires others to seek their own sweet escapes, proving that sometimes, the most rewarding paths lead us away from the corporate world and towards the buzzing, natural world of beekeeping.
