GREENLAND -- It's a centuries old tradition, but with the current focus on sustainability and wellness, it seems that backyard beekeeping is actually growing in popularity.  Now an Ontonagon County couple has turned their hobby into a creative, small business.

They started with about 20 hives, thinking beekeeping would be a good outlet for their environmental passions.  But Melissa Hronkin and her husband, John Hersman, found the process inspired their other creative interests.

Last year, they purchased an historic church in Greenland with a plan to expand their operations into a small business called the Algomah Acres Honey House.

"We have honey, creamed honey, soaps, lip balms, artwork made with beeswax and our new line of clothing called 'Bee the Change,'" said Hronkin.

From honey extraction to t-shirt printing, the couple does most of the work in a processing kitchen in the church basement.  They sell their products at farmers' markets and art fairs, but they also have retail space on the main floor, which is open on special occasions.

"The upstairs has a lot of potential for being a gathering place for the community, through artist workshops, markets and history talks," Hronkin said.

The couple is happy to bring new life to the old building and is hopeful their business will have a positive impact on the local economy.

"There is so much that has left the county," said Hersman.  "I'm a firm believer that small business is the way to go.  It used to be such a large agricultural area, and we're trying to bring that back."

You can check out all of the hive products and other arts and crafts at the Honey House’s first annual Early July Artists' Market. 　The open house event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 2.