October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the region.
Today we have an award winning natural remedy business, a multi-award winning honey maker, and a multi-award winning astrophotographer and their stargazing experiences.
Merry Little Elderberry 🖥️
Merry Little Elderberry is a proudly local business specialising in premium organic elderberry and botanical products, dedicated to promoting healthy living through natural remedies. With a deep commitment to biodynamic farming practices, we ensure that every product we offer is not only of the highest quality but also sustainable and eco-conscious.
With a focus on holistic healing and organic living, we’re not just a business, but a movement towards better health – one elderberry at a time.
Our extensive range of natural health solutions is designed to support overall wellness and complement non-pharmaceutical treatments, making them a perfect choice for those seeking alternatives to mainstream health remedies. Each product undergoes rigorous research and quality testing to ensure it’s free from harmful additives and is as nature intended – pure and effective.
Celeste Kellie, the heart and soul behind Merry Little Elderberry, is a former corporate city professional who traded the fast-paced urban life for the charm of country living. In a classic city girl meets country boy story, Celeste now calls the tiny town of Tingha home, where she and her partner maintain a small orchard of elderberries and a thriving medicinal herb garden on their 1-acre property.
Driven by her passion for natural health and sustainability, Celeste has turned her love for the land into a business that reflects her dedication to organic living and holistic wellness. At Merry Little Elderberry, what sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to purity, sustainability, and the art of organic and biodynamic farming. We don’t just produce elderberry and botanical products – we cultivate them with care, ensuring everything we offer is free from hidden nasties and true to nature’s design.
Our award-winning products are backed by rigorous research and quality testing, ensuring each remedy is as effective as it is natural. People choose us not only for our premium quality but also for our focus on customer satisfaction, transparency, and our dedication to supporting the local community. From growing our own elderberries to crafting remedies that support wellness, every step of the process is carefully considered to offer something truly special.
Melibee 🖥️
At Melibee, we’re a family-owned business led by Geoff and Jody McNally, with a passion for beekeeping that began in 2015.
What started as a hobby soon grew into a commercial beekeeping venture in 2022, supported by like-minded farmers across New England. Our bees forage on diverse flora, producing high-quality, nutrient-rich honey.
We specialise in creamed honey with a perfectly silky-smooth texture created through a careful creaming process. Infused with spices and natural flavours, our honey reflects our dedication to sustainability, premium quality, and love of honey.
Melibee is a true family-run business, with Geoff as the head beekeeper, Jody in charge of creating and selling our speciality honeys, and their daughter Jannala bringing her creative touch to the branding and marketing. Together, they combine their skills and passion to deliver unique and high-quality products.
Our business stands out in the honey industry because we’ve elevated the traditional honey experience with our innovative approach to flavour and texture.
Unlike many competitors, we specialise in flavour-infused honey and luxurious creamed honey textures, offering a premium product that goes beyond the ordinary. Our creamed honey, recognised with the Champion Creamed Honey title at the Sydney Royal National Honey Competition.
Stargazing Adventures 🖥️
Stargazing Adventures was born from our deep passion for the night sky and the joy of sharing these enchanting experiences with friends and family. We specialise in immersive night sky tours that include laser-guided explorations, captivating storytelling, and stargazing through high-quality telescopes.
In addition to our tours, we provide personalised instruction to help individuals enhance their astrophotography skills. We also offer a stunning collection of images captured during our adventures, perfect for bringing a touch of the cosmos into homes and offices, reminding people of the beauty that lies beyond their busy lives.
Stargazing Adventures is owned and run by Matt Dodds and Lachlan Wilson, two passionate amateur astronomers who have travelled across Australia to witness breathtaking astronomical events. From the 2012 Transit of Venus to the recent 2023 Total Solar Eclipse which they had the incredible opportunity to capture from a Cruise Ship with the Astronomical Society of Australia, sailing to Exmouth, WA, their journeys reflect a deep commitment to the wonders of the universe.
Matt, with a postgraduate course work in Astrophysics, has a genuine love for science and an unwavering curiosity that drives him to continually discover more about the cosmos. He excels at bringing together like-minded individuals, creating an atmosphere where the magic of stargazing can truly shine.
Lachlan, a three-time winner of the prestigious David Malin Awards and a recipient of the Bintel Astrophotographer of the Year Award, is not only a talented astrophotographer but also a respected judge in the field.
Their adventures continue to inspire and educate others about the beauty of the night sky, making Stargazing Adventures a unique experience led by true experts. At Stargazing Adventures, we stand out through our deep expertise and genuine passion for the night sky. Our engaging night sky tours offer an immersive experience that not only entertains but also educates.
What truly sets us apart are our stunning Astroprints, captured by our talented astrophotographers, Matt and Lachlan. Lachlan’s remarkable tech skills elevate our astrophotography, ensuring every image is a breathtaking masterpiece. Meanwhile, Matt’s background as a dedicated science teacher allows him to communicate complex astronomical concepts with enthusiasm, making the wonders of the universe accessible to guests of all ages.
By choosing Stargazing Adventures, you’re not just signing up for a tour; you’re embarking on an enlightening journey led by passionate experts who are committed to making your experience unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious beginner, we offer a unique blend of knowledge, artistry, and genuine excitement for the cosmos.
After all, is there anything more breathtaking than seeing the Milky Way in a dark sky?
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.