Jane Donahue shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jane, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Pinterest!
I have 115 different boards of interest currently. Every single one is a fantastic rabbit hold of creativity, ideas, information, and learning. I love to get lost in any or all areas of direction that this platform leads me. Since my attention is multi directional the potential of working on many ideas at once keeps me very stimulated and inspired.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi!
I’m Jane!
A creative, hard working, always busy, doesn’t sit still, woman that enjoys challenges and projects. I am a health minded foodie and enjoy creating delicious food and treats that are more than satisfying, and make people smile.
Honey has always been a sweetener I enjoy. So removing granular sugars from my creations and replacing them with honey is a natural and easy choice for me. So when I decided that it would be fun to have my own small business back in 2015 the amazing confectionary venture began. Lots of extra time in the kitchen resulted in the making of my own Honey Caramels recipe.
My commitment to quality is evident in every bite of handcrafted caramel. Following traditional French techniques and adding Fleur de Sel on top I meticulously crafted each caramel using raw honey and the finest locally sourced, responsibly produced ingredients. This standard elevates the flavor of our Fleur de Sel Honey Caramels. To further enhance the decadence of the caramels, they have no corn syrup or preservatives. This gives a made-from-scratch goodness to every artisanal bite. BeeKissed Caramels celebrates 10 years this year 2025 which I am very proud to say all the hard work and commitment to keep producing, promoting and participating in many events, farmers markets, and special occasions has been very rewarding. So many people have enjoyed what I do and that makes it all worth it!
We just moved from Nashville to the Chattanooga area and we are very excited to have property and space to start beekeeping. Our property will be cleared and ready by spring 2026 to introduce a queen bee to our first hive and focus on our own honey. We plan on setting up our first on site “BeeKissed” stand open Spring to Fall as well. The excitement and fun continues as we plan new things to showcase and share into the eleventh year of this small business!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I have a sister and we are one year apart. My sister and I should have been close in our childhood learning experiences. Unfortunately she contacted spinal meningitis as well as epilepsy before she was two years old which left her with brain damage. What could have been a childhood of similar levels of learning and growth was the opposite. Her personality was evident early because she had a very strong desire to be like me. Doctors said she would never walk and many other challenges. She accomplished walking and from there she kept going. We did not attend the same schools but I was her motivation to learn and become capable of whatever she saw me doing. She was famous for saying “I can do anything you can do!” Intellectually she faced various mental challenges, but her determination as we were growing up became more obvious. To have a sister that required me to help, guide, guard, defend and enjoy was a gift that made my childhood more powerful! I was aware of our life and surroundings more than I would otherwise experienced. It was not easy, the challenges were daily the care free childhood wasn’t for the most part. But the journey was my destiny.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I was born in Niagara Falls Ontario Canada and all my family and extended family are in that province. The life and memories of my early years were very grounded with that way of life. My parents decided they wanted to move to California and that’s where the big change occurred. My formal education was in California and our family went back to Canada on vacations. When my sister and I were old enough 12 & 13 we would spend the whole summer at our grandparents house. The memories of the influences and family times were very special and important to me. If I could go anywhere in the world I would always say Ontario Canada !
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
This is a powerful question that is savage to explore. I couldn’t resist giving my best to the break down of identity, perception and authenticity. I can go back as far as childhood to say I have always felt a very strong sense of self. Knowing who I am and spending time with me, and what I like to do. It took awhile before I was ready to be verbal about it. But as I slowing allowed my private self to be curated for public context I shaped it to reflect the aspects I was ready for. Privately I’m unfiltered and that can be more revealing emotionally. I have never been shy (at times quiet) about expressing my opinion and wanting to understand someone else’s. I am not a people pleaser. I am direct both in private and public. I dress for the day with self pride so I’m prepared to engage with others or work alone. I value thoughtful conversations and good vocabulary. There are so many ways of showing respect with good communication that I have no use for swearing. My ability to be silly and actively play with my grandson comes easy since I like physical activity. My strong work ethic is what brings me joy. I am motivated everyday to accomplish things not just something. I do not succumb to moods of unproductive thoughts and feelings and will always push myself through even a headache or worse. There have been very few times I was laid up. My mantra is “drag your broken leg!” This has worked for me in my life to get everything I’ve cared about accomplished. I value a commitment and will always see it through. I do not have patience for others who have no motivation therefore I work alone a lot.
Because I feel myself so intensely my public self is quieter and more observant, good appearances are important.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
When you believe in yourself and have a strong work ethic you don’t need validation. Your desire to accomplish what you have created, no matter the time it takes, diligently progressing all the details required to know confidently your idea is complete and you are proud to present it. Your presentation shows off your due diligence which is an honor to yourself. Your enthusiasm is the stage on which you stand. Own every moment of opportunity to share your inspiration. Your willingness to work hard influences how you accept the responsibilities of professional success and your reputation. The motivation is taking your own initiative and self-drive to have a proactive attitude and achieve goals. When you take pride in your work it shows and contributes to long term focus and consistency. The end when it comes will evolve in personal fulfillment and a strong character. Yes I believe that when you follow your heart and do your best that is an inner strength that will propel you through life deeper than the surface that is seen.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @beekissedcaramels
- Linkedin: Jane Donahue
- Facebook: Honey Caramels
