About Second Story

You keep bees in the city? Yes I do! My hives stand on the second story porch of my Capitol Hill row house in Washington, DC.  What about the neighbors? Do they mind? They have been supportive of the bees from day one for which I am grateful

Being 20 feet above the sidewalk, nestled within a diverse and mature tree canopy suits the bees very well. They forage for nectar and pollen all across Capitol Hill from tulip poplars, black locust and basswood trees.  The end result is a bright, floral, sweet liquid gold.

​I got started in beekeeping in 2011 when I took a class at a local beekeeping club. I was hooked. That led to me joining the club, reading as much about bees as I could, attending multiple beekeeping workshops and learning at the elbow of a number of experienced beekeepers all before I got bees of my own.  The more I learn about bees, their biology, culture, response to external stresses, history of beekeeping, products of the hive, the more I want to learn. Second Story Honey & Candles is the next phase of my beekeeping journey. Since I launched this site in November 2017, I've expanded to keep bees in additional apiaries around the city. 

I hope you'll join me on this entrepreneurial adventure!

Jan Day
Washington, DC