Whipple Bee Flower Farm
In
March 2022, Carolyn Whipple Fraser [photo] came to
the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Northeast
Region seeking assistance in turning her business idea into a
reality. The Massachusetts SBDC provided comprehensive advice that
guided Carolyn from the earliest stages of launching her business
and through its continued growth over the past four years.
The Massachusetts SBDC initially worked closely with Carolyn to evaluate the appropriate business structure, ultimately helping her establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC), obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), and navigate the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth's online filing process. This advising also included opening a business banking relationship, understanding the importance of separating personal and business finances, and making an initial owner investment to fund the business.
Carolyn launched Whipple Bee Flower Farm as a tribute to her father and mother and the love they instilled in her for nature, the outdoors and gardening. Her dad, Curt, was a hobby beekeeper who produced some of the most delicious honey. During Carolyn's visits home to Pennsylvania, she often talked about going into business with her father. He would sell honey and she would help support his venture from afar. She helped her dad create labels for jars, and Whipple Bee Honey was born. Carolyn had always envisioned being mentored by him and eventually having her own beekeeping endeavor. Her dad passed away from cancer at the young age of 65. He would be 82 today.
As Whipple Bee Flower Farm became operational, a Massachusetts SBDC advisor continued to provide technical assistance on tax compliance, Schedule C reporting, sales tax obligations, recordkeeping, and evaluating business expenses and equipment purchases, enabling the client to build a strong financial foundation. As the business matured, advising shifted its focus toward helping Carolyn increase profitability and position the company for long-term success. Her advisor provided individualized financial counseling by developing cash flow projections, reviewing profit margins, analyzing sales trends, and discussing strategies to increase owner compensation.
When Carolyn determined that a business line of credit was not the right fit for her goals, the Massachusetts SBDC advisor helped identify alternative growth strategies focused on improving operational performance rather than increasing debt. Most recently, advising concentrated on strengthening the client's marketing efforts through marketing conversion strategies and sharing resources designed to improve customer engagement and sales.
Carolyn has new land in Marblehead, thanks to the generosity and kindness of land hosts Susan and Jan at Five Foot Flower Farm, and a private landowner in Beverly is generously hosting her sunflower production field. Since launching Whipple Bee Flower Farm, Carolyn has expanded her offerings to include local flowers year-round, even during the cold winter months, where she’s learned to grow tulips indoors. She’s also expanded her offerings to include potted spring flowers and potted amaryllis during the holiday season. She’s also partnering with Five Foot Flower Farm on a new heirloom flower offering.
In September, Whipple Bee Flower Farm partners with Discover Marblehead to recognize people who Bloom Kindness in the community. Carolyn’s unique sunflowers can be found at Crosby’s Marketplace and other specialty grocers like Maria’s Gourmet and Philbrook Fish and Meat Market. She also offers weekly flower subscriptions direct to customers where they receive a bouquet of unique locally grown flowers. She’s partnered with A&J King Bakery on Mother’s Day tulip sales and hosted flower pop-ups at local cafes like Mookie’s at Mugford in Marblehead. Her business model continues to evolve to take advantage of every season. Whipple Bee Flower Farm is so much more than her own personal journey. Every bouquet carries more than flowers...it carries stories, memories, and kindness. Her mission is to grow and share uniquely beautiful flowers that bloom joy, kindness, and connection in our communities.
Through ongoing one-on-one advising with the Massachusetts SBDC, Carolyn has grown Whipple Bee Flower Farm while establishing sound financial management practices and a clear strategy for future expansion. Her entrepreneurial commitment led the Massachusetts SBDC to recommend her as a candidate for an ASBDC Small Business Award nomination and a Massachusetts SBDC Success Story.
