A new business is buzzing into Vandergrift.

Honeybee & Co., an online women’s and children’s specialty clothing boutique, is scheduled to open a brick-and-mortar location Sept. 15 at 301 Emerson St.

The business, co-owned by the mother-and-daughter team of Rachelle Beavers, 45, of West Leechburg and Destiney Beatty, 26, of Bethel Township, began from Beavers’ home business four years ago.

“We started with $1,000, and we didn’t take out any loans,” Beatty said. “We decided to take the leap to brick-and-mortar and expand. We’ve been growing, and we’ve outgrown my mom’s basement.”

The women noted that a lot of customers like to try on clothing in person and not everyone prefers shopping online.

Honeybee ships nationwide, and one recent customer hailed from Alaska.

The boutique sells clothing for boys and girls and women’s fashions in sizes small to XXXL.

At Honeybee, the most expensive items sold are jeans, and they are less than $70 each.

Honeybee focuses on selling American-made apparel, whenever possible.

“We try to steer clear of anything coming from overseas because it takes so long and the quality isn’t as good,” Beatty said.

With a motto of “affordable but adorable,” Honeybee strives to offer the latest clothing trends without breaking the bank.

Renovations, mostly done by Beatty’s husband, Ryan, are underway. Beatty said she hopes to open on schedule.

The honeycomb floor sealed the deal for the ladies when they were shopping around the Alle-Kiski Valley for a suitable storefront.

“I wanted to be in Leechburg, but rent was higher there,” Beatty said. “But when I saw this honeycomb floor, that was it.”

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review The honeycomb floor pattern at 301 Emerson St. in Vandergrift inspired Destiney Beatty to set up shop there.  

Beatty graduated from Leechburg Area High School in 2015.

She and Ryan have two young daughters, Brooklyn and Blaine, whom they call their little “bees” and serve as inspiration for the store name.

For Beatty, giving back is a business priority.

Honeybee & Co. recently raised more than $400 for foster care children in need. Last year, Honeybee donated more than $1,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project.

“This small business is always doing big things,” Beatty said.

Their latest fundraiser is a breast cancer awareness T-shirt sale with all proceeds benefiting the annual Leechburg Pink Day event Sept. 17 in Leechburg.

Pink Day creator and organizer Sherry Jackson Price described Honeybee’s charitable contributions as very generous.

“We love having them as vendors, and they donate auction baskets and always make a generous donation to our cause,” Price said. “Holding fundraisers, such as the breast cancer T-shirt sales they’re doing this year, is always a positive reminder of what great ladies they are. I wish them only the best with the opening of their new storefront.”

The goal of the business is to make everyone feel beautiful in their clothing, Beatty said.

The store’s design is going to be Boho-casual.

“I don’t want anyone to walk in here and think they’re underdressed. I don’t want people to walk in here and think that we’re snooty. I want it to be friendly,” Beatty said.

Honeybee hosts private parties from a mobile Honeybee trailer.

Novelty T-shirts are popular sellers, with slogans like “Raise Them Strong, Raise Them Brave, Raise Them Happy” and “Know Your Worth Babes.”

Courtesy of Honeybee & Co. Locally owned online clothing boutique Honeybee & Co. is opening a store in September in Vandergrift.  

Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini welcomed the news of another new business coming to the borough.

“That’s simply awesome,” Collini said. “Things are starting to turn around in this community.”

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