Keep It Positive, Sweetie: Episode Summary
Title: The Business of Making Money
Host: Crystal Renee Hayslett
Guest: Bea Dixon, Founder and Creator of HoneyPot
Release Date: August 3, 2025
1. Introduction to Bea Dixon and HoneyPot
Bea Dixon, the visionary behind HoneyPot Company, joins Crystal Renee Hayslett to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and the intricate business dynamics of building a successful feminine care brand. HoneyPot is celebrated for its plant-based healing products, ancestral wisdom integration, and fearless innovation, resonating deeply with consumers worldwide.
2. Bea’s Personal Health Journey and Inspiration for HoneyPot
Bea opens up about her struggle with bacterial vaginosis (BV) for nearly a year, which catalyzed her mission to create HoneyPot. She shared, “I lived on antibiotics for almost eight months... Until my grandmother gave me a piece of paper with ingredients that became a wash, and within a few days, my symptoms were gone” ([01:25], Bea Dixon).
3. Overcoming Misconceptions About BV
Bea addresses common misconceptions surrounding BV, emphasizing that it doesn't signify personal or partner cleanliness issues. She explains, “A lot of relationships can end because of it... It doesn't mean you're dirty” ([04:51], Bea Dixon). Additionally, she highlights daily habits that can disrupt vaginal health, such as using improper soaps and not maintaining hygiene post-intercourse.
4. Building HoneyPot with Family
Bea discusses the collaborative effort with her brother in establishing HoneyPot, starting from their home and eventually expanding to a loft space. Reflecting on family dynamics, she notes, “When the love is there, it’ll get back eventually” ([13:36], Bea Dixon), emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong familial bonds amidst business challenges.
5. Business Growth and Operational Strategies
Transitioning HoneyPot from a dream to a mega business involved meticulous planning and strategic operational frameworks. Bea explains, “We created rules of engagement for how we innovate products, speak to people, and sell to retailers” ([15:14], Bea Dixon). She underscores the significance of staying ahead by anticipating market trends and maintaining core company values.
6. Selling HoneyPot and Public Perception
The conversation delves into the sale of HoneyPot to a private equity fund for $380 million. Bea clarifies misconceptions around the term "selling out," asserting, “We're just doing what people in business do” ([34:01], Bea Dixon). She emphasizes the necessity of financial growth and investor partnerships to scale the business effectively.
7. Financial Literacy and Managing Wealth
Transitioning from a $50,000 salary to managing multi-million-dollar revenue presented significant learning curves for Bea. She shares strategies to handle wealth, including borrowing against investments rather than depleting personal funds. “I don't have a scarcity mindset at all. I have a very abundant mindset” ([28:51], Bea Dixon).
8. Mental Health and Self-Care Practices
Balancing immense business pressures with personal well-being, Bea outlines her self-care routines: regular exercise, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and occasional therapy. She emphasizes the importance of rest and moderation, stating, “Work hard, take care of yourself, play every now and again” ([64:36], Bea Dixon).
9. Impact of DEI Changes on HoneyPot
Bea discusses the challenges and impacts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on HoneyPot, noting a temporary decline in retail traffic but highlighting the strength of their omnichannel strategy to mitigate losses. “Having an omnichannel strategy allows us to compensate when one channel underperforms” ([67:15], Bea Dixon).
10. Legacy and Future of HoneyPot
Looking ahead, Bea envisions HoneyPot as a lasting brand within the feminine care industry. She aspires to continue serving humanity with products that promote proactive health management. “I want HoneyPot to be here into infinity... to serve humanity and make products that benefit people's lives” ([74:07], Bea Dixon).
11. New Product Launches
Bea introduces HoneyPot’s latest offerings, including long panty liners available in cooling and calming variants. She highlights the incorporation of adaptogens like ashwagandha and lavender to enhance product efficacy. “Our calming pads are infused with ashwagandha, lavender, and lemon balm, clinically proven to ease skin irritation” ([75:30], Bea Dixon).
12. Conclusion
Bea Dixon’s journey with HoneyPot exemplifies resilience, strategic business acumen, and a commitment to personal and community well-being. Her insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs aiming to build impactful and sustainable businesses.
Notable Quotes:
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Bea Dixon ([01:25]): “I had bacterial vaginosis for almost a year... my grandmother gave me a piece of paper with ingredients that became a wash, and within a few days, my symptoms were gone.”
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Bea Dixon ([04:51]): “It doesn't mean you're dirty. It just means that the pHs aren't matching up.”
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Bea Dixon ([13:36]): “When the love is there, it’ll get back eventually.”
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Bea Dixon ([15:14]): “We created rules of engagement for how we innovate products, speak to people, and sell to retailers.”
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Bea Dixon ([28:51]): “I don't have a scarcity mindset at all. I have a very abundant mindset.”
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Bea Dixon ([34:01]): “We're just doing what people in business do.”
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Bea Dixon ([64:36]): “Work hard, take care of yourself, play every now and again.”
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Bea Dixon ([67:15]): “Having an omnichannel strategy allows us to compensate when one channel underperforms.”
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Bea Dixon ([74:07]): “I want HoneyPot to be here into infinity... to serve humanity and make products that benefit people's lives.”
This episode offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges and triumphs in scaling a business grounded in personal passion and community impact. Bea Dixon’s candid reflections provide valuable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and underscore the importance of balancing business ambitions with personal well-being.
