Meet Kemi Pavlocak | Beekeeper & Owner of SAVAGE BEE-CHES | San Diego Gourmet Honey

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kemi Pavlocak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kemi, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
One habit that has significantly contributed to my success is my knack for cultivating friendships and mentorships, even though I’m naturally reserved. I’ve somehow managed to assemble an incredible group of friends and ‘aunties’ who are always there to support and guide me. Friendship, for me, is about mutual care without burden, and I cherish the strength and wisdom I gain from these relationships. These bonds are especially powerful with those who have faced their own struggles and share invaluable advice to help me avoid similar pitfalls. Their guidance and occasional tough love have been essential in steering me towards personal growth and keeping my actions aligned with my values. I am immensely grateful for every extraordinary person who has entered my life, enriching it beyond measure.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At face value, SAVAGE BEE-CHES is a San Diego-based gourmet honey brand—but it’s so much more than that. It’s a personality, a movement, and a tribe centered around being unapologetically fierce for all the right reasons. Like a hive, it’s about supporting and protecting what matters most.

The name itself, SAVAGE BEE-CHES, is a playful yet meaningful nod to the awe-inspiring way bees operate. From the industriousness of honeybees to the delicate, specialized role of native bees, there’s so much to learn and appreciate about these creatures. That understanding is what sets us apart. We’re not about catchy phrases or gimmicks like “save the bees, so buy my honey.” Instead, we focus on educating people about the intricate process behind honey production, the environmental factors that influence it, and the ecosystems that sustain it all.

I started SAVAGE BEE-CHES from a love of nature and a passion for doing what’s right. It began as a hobby—planting trees and working open land for conservation—and evolved into something much bigger. Starting with a broad perspective gave me a unique understanding of how interconnected systems in nature and agriculture truly are. That perspective has shaped everything we do.

The journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve made mistakes and faced detours, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Those struggles added depth and meaning to the work we do. Through the support of friends, strangers, and an incredible community, I’ve learned that creating something of substance requires resilience, adaptability, and a little bit of grit.

At SAVAGE BEE-CHES, sustainability, community, and delivering exquisite honey are our priorities. These values require long-term investment, constant learning, and tweaking along the way. We don’t force nature to meet our schedule; instead, we follow what it chooses to provide. Some honey varieties might not be available every year, but that’s part of honoring the process and paying it forward.

Everything becomes sweeter when we take the time to look deeper, to understand the connections between ourselves, each other, and the natural world. That’s the heart of SAVAGE BEE-CHES, and it’s what we’re proud to share with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Explore Presidio Plaza in Old Town San Diego

Start at Lost Cities Beads, one of San Diego’s oldest bead shops. Their collection is stunning, and you’ll leave with either a fascinating story or a laugh from the quirky folks there.
Next, pop into SAVAGE BEE-CHES, my boutique. Stock up on gourmet honey (obviously) and indulge in treats from the Hey Sugar! Dessert Kiosk. Don’t skip the lemon bars or cookie butter cheesecake! Feeling fancy? Book a private honey tasting session—25+ varieties of honey paired with delightful accompaniments.
Head upstairs for some self-care:
Visit Spiritual Blacksmith for a reiki session and energy reset.
Recharge at Pure Alchemy Wellness IV Lounge. Their energy or fat-burning shots are a must (because, trust me, resisting Hey Sugar! is hard).
Wrap up with a visit to The Soap Factory at Logan Heights. They host unique events like line dancing, salsa classes, and even rope gymnastics! There’s a bar on-site with pizza and tacos—perfect for a fun night out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing group of people who’ve been pivotal in my journey. Foremost, I have to shine a spotlight on my spouse and business partner, Michael Pavlocak. Our contrasting strengths make us an unbeatable team, driving the success of SAVAGE BEE-CHES. I’m equally grateful for my friends, who have supported us steadfastly from our humble beginnings in the rural high desert of San Diego County to our current storefront in Old Town San Diego and beyond. Their unwavering cheer and encouragement have been a cornerstone of our growth and resilience. It’s a collective effort, and each of my amazing friends and mentors plays an irreplaceable role in our story.

Website: https://www.savagebee-ches.boutique

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagebee.ches

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/savage-bee-ches%C2%AE/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savagebee.ches

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqvLhsiSU9NpB0ZVjnkjWKw

Image Credits
All owned by SAVAGE BEE-CHES