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 Those joining her behind the ribbon included
Melanie’s husband David, her in-laws Tom and Mary Welch, her parents
Paul and Susan Dudra, good friend Colleen Roate, employee Sophie
Yeazle, Logan County’s Little Miss Logan County Sophia Farmer and
Junior Miss Alayna Briggs, Logan County Clerk Theresa Moor, Lincoln
City Clerk Peggy Bateman and Mayor Tracy Welch. Holding the ribbon
for the cut was Logan County Tourism Director Alice Roate and
Lincoln Daily News Director of Advertising Karen Hargis.
Other friends gathered to witness the ceremony. Because the weather
was a bit rough outside, the event was held inside. As all gathered
around, Melanie Welch was asked to say a few words. She explained
that she opened The Bee as a health and wellness business. The
original intent was to offer massage therapy, yoga and counselling
services. However, the pandemic shut down that business and left
Melanie working online only via a telehealth program.
She said that with little to do inside the building, she and her
daughter Savannah came up with the idea of a boutique. They love to
shop and enjoyed buying merchandise for the new store. They chose a
wide variety of products with many of the items they carry being
offered through small business wholesales.
Welch said that the goal was to establish a boutique style shopping
experience that offers something for everyone including clothing,
jewelry, home décor, children’s items, candles, a men’s line, and
house plants.
Welch said there were many to thank for their support during the
establishment of the business. Family had played an important role
in the development of the inventory, and the design of the interior.
Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch also spoke saying that the store proves
what one can accomplish “when you have a strong passion for
something. They did not let covid get them down, and actually grew
this during a trying time for our country. He congratulated Melanie
on her one year anniversary.
With speakers completed, Melanie and her family and friends posed
for the official picture, then the countdown was performed and she
snipped the ribbon.
Afterward, refreshments were served and guests were encouraged to
take their time looking around the small shop because it is packed
full of many beautiful items.
Right now the store is filled to the brim with items for Christmas
decorating and also gift giving.
In addition to the store, Melanie runs a pop up out of her
Volkswagen bus – “The Queen B.” The store is also operated in a
pop-up fashion, typically open two weekends per month. To find out
when the store is open visit the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/TheBee514.
The Bee also offers online sales. To view their merchandise and shop
online visit the website at
https://thebeelincoln.com/.
The shop is located at 514 Pekin Street in Lincoln in the former
Apple Dental Building.
[Nila Smith]
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