Our Story

About Goodfriend Honey Co.

A beekeeper's journey from hobby to passion, right here in sunny Florida

Gayle Goodfriend, beekeeper and founder of Goodfriend Honey Co.

The Beekeeper

Meet Gayle Goodfriend

I've been a beekeeper for about 10 years here in Bradenton, Florida. It started off as a hobby. My husband says I've never met a hobby I didn't love, but beekeeping is my true love... and maybe him as well!

As I became good at caring for the bees, I soon realized that they were making more honey (and beeswax) than I could give away to friends. And so, Goodfriend Honey Co. was born.

My honey is raw honey, just as the bees made it, and is only minimally processed to separate the wax from the honey. Nothing added, nothing taken away. Just pure, golden Florida sunshine in every jar.

- Gayle Goodfriend

From Hive to Jar

How Our Honey Is Made

Every jar of Goodfriend honey follows a simple, natural journey

1

Happy, Healthy Bees

Our bees forage on wildflowers and native Florida plants across the beautiful Bradenton countryside. We care for them with love and attention year-round.

2

Gentle Harvest

When the frames are full and capped, we carefully harvest the honey by hand. We always leave plenty for the bees, because their well-being comes first.

3

Minimal Processing

We only strain our honey to separate the beeswax. No heating, no ultra-filtering, no additives. Just raw honey, exactly as the bees intended.

4

Straight to You

We bring our fresh honey directly to local farmers markets across Sarasota and Manatee County. From our hive to your table, as fresh as it gets.

Come Say Hi!

2026 Market Schedule

We sell exclusively at local markets in downtown Bradenton. Here are the dates and locations where you can find us this season.

Bradenton Public Market

Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Old Main Street (400 12th St. W), Downtown Bradenton

  • Saturday, April 18
  • Saturday, April 25
  • Saturday, May 9
  • Saturday, May 23

12th Street Summer Market

Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

City Centre Shops, corner of 12th St. (Old Main St) & 3rd Ave W

  • Saturday, June 6
  • Saturday, June 20
  • Saturday, July 18
  • Saturday, August 1
  • Saturday, August 15

Follow us on social media for real-time market updates and to know exactly where to find us each week!

All-natural skincare products made with beeswax and honey

All-Natural Skincare

From the Hive to Your Skin

Our skincare line is handcrafted using beeswax and honey straight from our own hives, blended with premium natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils. Every product is made in small batches right here in Bradenton.

From solid lotion bars and body butters to lip balms, facial balms, and beard balms, our full skincare collection is designed to nourish, protect, and hydrate. No synthetic chemicals, no parabens, no compromise.

Browse Skincare