Queens Bees
24 AUGUST 2 0 1 9
“I was more emotional than I thought I
would be,” Hoefly said.
But now, with about 25 to 35 hives
throughout the city, Hoefly has learned to
avoid get so attached.
Or, at least, he’s trying.
“Every hive has its own little personality,”
Hoefly said. “They’re very special."
What started as a beekeeping hobby has
now turned into a full-fledged small business.
Hoefly and his wife, Ashley Hoefly,
are now the owners of Astor Apiaries, an
urban bee farm and shop located in Astoria.
Together, the Hoeflys sell honey, beekeeping
expertise and beeswax wrap, an
alternative to plastic wrap.
In 2016, Hoefly got his first hive. A somewhat
expensive hobby, the burgeoning
BY JACOB KAYE
@JACOB_KAYE
Nick Hoefly was taken
by surprise when his first
queen bee died.
Despite making it
through a cold winter,
she passed away
in the spring.
EXPLORE YOUR BORO
