🐝 A Mother’s Dream, A Beekeeper’s Legacy: How Mountain Ridge Farm Took Root

Carolina Licata
Aug 19
2 min read

In 2015, my baby had just turned one, and I found myself reflecting deeply on the kind of life I wanted to create—for both my family and myself. I wanted to be fully present as a mother, but I also wanted to build something of my own—something meaningful, creative, and connected to the earth. That’s when my journey into the world of handmade, honey-based products began.

🐝 Learning From a Master: Frank Licata

My father-in-law, Frank Licata, is a dedicated master beekeeper who has long cared for hundreds of hives across the Poconos and Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania. While also working a full-time job, he ran a successful honey business and sold his own line of soaps and lotions at local markets and stores.

When I was living in Central Pennsylvania, Frank generously shared his knowledge and experience with me. He taught me how to make soaps and lotions using beeswax and honey, and he entrusted me with the recipes he had perfected over the years.

Although Frank has always been the one managing the bees and honey, he gave me the tools to begin crafting natural products—and from there, something beautiful started to grow.

🌸 Building a Business While Raising Babies

Inspired and grateful, I dove into research. I improved the original formulas, upgraded ingredients, redesigned the labels, and began offering my products at craft shows and local shops. My main focus became soaps, lotions, lip balms, and candles, all made with the pure honey and beeswax from Frank’s hives.

I also helped sell Frank’s honey in Central PA, bringing his products to new communities while building a name of my own. It allowed me to create a business that worked with my life as a mother, not against it.

🏡 Coming Home & Growing Stronger

In 2020, after the pandemic, we made the decision to move closer to family in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Around that time, Frank decided to step back from the retail side of the business. In a deeply generous gesture, he passed down his long-standing store connections and customers in the Poconos and Endless Mountains.

Frank still tends the bees with the same passion and care as always, but I’ve now taken the lead in crafting all our handmade products. Every item is made with the beeswax and honey harvested from our hives—and with the same love that started this journey a decade ago.

💛 A Family Legacy, Fueled by Love

Looking back over these past 10 years, I’m filled with gratitude—for Frank, who trusted me and taught me, for my family, who supported me, and for God, who has blessed this dream every step of the way.

To our loyal customers—some of whom have been with us from the very beginning—thank you for believing in our mission and sharing in this journey. Your support means more than words can say.