Bee Speak: Niki Canotas
Niki Canotas is available for speaking engagements, panels, workshops, and media appearances on topics ranging from beekeeping and local agriculture to AI in small business and women entrepreneurship.
Speaking Topics
- Bees & Local Agriculture – Why pollinators matter, what's threatening them, and what we can do about it
- From Hobbyist to Commercial Beekeeper – Building a licensed, insured honey business from scratch
- AI in Small Business – How a 63-year-old beekeeper uses artificial intelligence to run every department (as featured on NBC News)
- Women in Agriculture – Being the last farmer in Campbell, navigating a male-dominated industry, building a brand on grit
- Community Impact Business – Partnering with Hope Services and nonprofits to create meaningful employment
- Local Food & Why It Matters – The difference between real local food and grocery store marketing
About Niki
Niki Canotas is the CEO of Mike & Niki's Honey Company, President of the Santa Clara Bee Guild, and the last remaining farmer in the City of Campbell, California. She went from hobby beekeeper to commercial operation in a decade, building a company that now manages 30+ apiaries across Silicon Valley and produces 92 distinct honey varieties.
Greek and Czech heritage. Zero BS. Niki tells it like it is – with warmth, humor, and the kind of knowledge that only comes from 13 years of doing the work.
Past Appearances
- NBC News – AI & Small Business feature
- Santa Clara Bee Guild – Workshops & presentations
- Local farmers markets, festivals, and community events throughout the Bay Area
Book Niki
For speaking inquiries, panel invitations, or media appearances:
- Email: beecentral@mnhco.net
- Phone: 408-641-7440
Meet Michael Ryan and Niki Canotas, the dynamic force behind Mike & Niki's Honey Company. Nestled in Campbell, the heart of Silicon Valley's former orchard lands, they are custodians of a sweet legacy, managing the last standing farms in the echo of the Valley of Heart's Delight. With over 30 apiaries, they have transformed the San Francisco Bay Area into a haven for bees and honey lovers alike. Together, they weave their knowledge of bees with an infectious humor, embodying a partnership that is as harmonious as it is productive. Their dedication to beekeeping and sustainable practices is matched only by their commitment to the community, fostering connections and nurturing the local environment. Their journey is not merely about crafting the finest honey but about preserving the essence of collaboration, education, and environmental stewardship. For Mike and Niki, the hive is a symbol of collective effort and shared success—a testament to the belief that together, we thrive. Join them in their mission to sweeten the world, one bee at a time.
Upcoming Engagements
American Bee Federation 2024, New Orleans Convention. Jan 11, 2024, Speaker, What to know for a Beekeeping Business.
