Dashboard
Meet the Team
The passionate beekeepers and experts behind Your Bee Store.
Steve Ryle
Owner
Rhonda Ryle
Owner
I started my beekeeping journey in 2018 and instantly fell in love with the craft. What began as a hobby quickly became a passion as I expanded to managing multiple hives across several bee yards in Northern Virginia. My vision for The Bee Store is to create a one-stop destination for beekeepers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. This is a place where both novice and experienced beekeepers can find everything they need and connect with fellow enthusiasts. When I'm not tending to my bees, I work as a Network Engineer at Northrop Grumman, where I design low voltage cable plant networks.
I'm the one who sparked Steve's beekeeping adventure back in 2018 after attending a continuing education conference on the subject. Watching his passion grow has been incredible, and I'm proud to be part of The Bee Store journey as Owner. As a practicing veterinarian at Summit Veterinary in Gainesville, I bring a unique perspective to our operation. You'll also find me working at various festivals and markets, where I love connecting with customers and sharing our passion for bees.
Meet the Rest of our Hive
Cat Leivonen
Store Manager
As Store Manager, I combine my business management background with visual design studies to keep our shelves beautifully organized and fully stocked. Working here has deepened my love for bees and taught me so much about the fascinating world of beekeeping. My dream is to have a hobby farm with my own bees and other livestock.
Milo Gann
Sales Associate
I'm learning the art of beekeeping while helping customers as a Sales Associate, and I absolutely love every moment of it. In our workshop, I assist in creating products for the store, channeling my artistic nature into everything I do. You'll see my creative touch throughout the store in the signage and displays I design.
Paige Brown
Sales Associate & Beekeeper
I'm a full-time student at Penn State University where I serve as President of the Beekeepers Club, and I'm also an active beekeeper myself. During my time home, I work seasonally at The Bee Store, bringing my beekeeping knowledge and artistic skills to the team.
Nicole Myers
Soap Maker
My soapmaking journey began out of necessity when I wanted to help my son's skin condition, and I've been hooked ever since. Now I'm proud to create our Cozy Bee Beeswax Soap line for The Bee Store. As the only team member from the previous ownership who stayed on board, I bring continuity and experience to our operation.
Esteban Hernandez
Sales Associate
I'm on an exciting journey to master my own craft, developing a product line using raw honey and beeswax that I hope to introduce to The Bee Store soon. As a Sales Associate, I'm also diving deep into the world of beekeeping, learning something new every day.
Beana Olivia Kuntzman
Sales Associate
As the newest member of The Bee Store team, I'm balancing my full-time studies at George Mason University with learning the fascinating craft of beekeeping. Every day brings new discoveries, and I'm excited to grow alongside this incredible community of bee enthusiasts.
Lindsey Aebli
Product Maker
I'm the creator behind The Cozy Bee line of beeswax products you'll find at The Bee Store. From lip balms and perfume balms to lotion bars, facial scrubs, and bath bombs, I love developing new products that showcase the amazing properties of beeswax. When I'm not crafting in our workshop, I work as a licensed veterinarian.