Mark Connelly (Credit: Rebecca Connelly)
Mark Connelly, founder and CEO of Edisto Gold Honey, was first introduced to beekeeping at 16, when his mother enlisted him and his younger brother to help haul heavy boxes of honey from her hives. She had inherited four hives and soon turned the family’s curiosity into a small business, enrolling her sons in after-school beekeeping classes near their North Carolina home. As a teenager, Connelly began selling their honey at local grocery stores, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion.
After high school, Connelly earned a degree in civil engineering from The Citadel but chose a different path, beginning his career in law enforcement as a sheriff’s deputy and later working in criminal investigations in North Carolina. A man of many interests, he eventually shifted to construction, building decks, garages, and home remodels—all while continuing his longtime passion for beekeeping. Over time, his hobby grew into a serious endeavor, blending his love of craftsmanship with his fascination for honey production.
That passion ultimately led Connelly to start Edisto Gold Honey in 2019. The company’s first product was its signature wildflower honey, followed by whipped honey, known for its smooth texture and delicate crystals. Today, Edisto Gold Honey offers a range of infused varieties, including lavender, blueberry, elderberry, pumpkin spice, and hot honey. The top seller is elderberry, thanks in part to the berry’s reputation for supporting wellness.
When asked which of his honeys are his favorite, Connelly laughs and says, “It depends on what I’m eating it with.” For health, he often takes a spoonful of the elderberry-infused honey. When it’s drizzled over warm biscuits, he goes for whipped or vanilla. The blueberry-infused variety is his pick for yogurt, oatmeal, or waffles, while lavender pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea. As for the hot honey? That’s his favorite for the grill. And pumpkin spice, he says, “is good with everything.”
Around the time of the pandemic, Connelly’s friend and blueberry farm owner David Anderson suggested they partner to expand the honey business. Connelly took him up on the idea, making beekeeping his full-time pursuit. Though it was a challenging period to grow a business, there was an unexpected silver lining: customers were seeking honey for its natural medicinal qualities and reputation for supporting the immune system.
Connelly has been married twice and is the proud father of five sons—two from his first marriage and three with his current wife. “They range from one in diapers to two at USC,” he says with a laugh. Even with a bustling family life, he has built a thriving business.
Today, with the help of a small crew, Edisto Gold Honey manages hundreds of hives, partners with five farms, provides pollination services, and performs bee rescues—all while caring for one of nature’s most valuable species: the honeybee.
With his business thriving, Connelly decided a few years ago to return to community service. He began volunteering with Dorchester County Fire and Rescue and eventually became a full-time firefighter. The team’s demanding work often includes battling fires and responding to car accidents on nearby interstates. Despite the long shifts, Connelly still finds time for family, beekeeping, and managing his growing company.
Distribution of Edisto Gold Honey is handled by GrowFood Carolina and Charleston Specialty Foods, two companies specializing in South Carolina products. Today, Edisto Gold Honey can be found in more than 100 Lowcountry stores as well as online.