Spotlight: Mickelberry Gardens
Mickelberry Gardens is a women-owned certified B Corporation founded by herbalist Madelyn and beekeeper Matt. The business offers a line of herbal wellness products made with honey and locally grown herbs and beeswax. All products are made in Northeast Portland. Below, Madelyn shares with Yvonne Smoker, Prosper Portland’s Food & Beverage Manufacturing Liaison, about her business.
What made you interested in starting your business?
Madelyn: What began as a backyard beekeeping hobby and a passion for herbalism grew into a mission: to make vibrant, nourishing products that support people's health and the health of our regional ecosystem. We launched at Portland farmers markets, and the response we received encouraged us to keep going.
How does Portland shape your business?
Madelyn: We've definitely been influenced by the maker culture here, as well as the community’s commitment to celebrating locally produced products and agriculture. Our city's emphasis on sustainability, craftsmanship, and community impact shows up in all of our products. It's the perfect home for a company rooted in honey, herbs, and the belief that small-batch production can still scale while staying true to its values.
What do you enjoy most about owning a small business?
Madelyn: It's exciting to see something you started grow and expand, to improve processes, and to be constantly learning and committed to getting better.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Madelyn: Launching our products into two of the biggest natural retail chains in the country—Natural Grocers and Sprouts—over the last year has been a really exciting achievement, and it helped validate what our loyal customers have known for years: that honey-based wellness products, when made with care, regional sourcing, and real herbal expertise, deserve a place on shelves across America!
What advice would you give to other people who are thinking about starting a small business?
Madelyn: Start small, stay focused, and build something real before you try to scale it. Know your numbers, stay true to your values, and surround yourself with people who believe in what you're building. And consistency beats perfection—keep showing up.
