Meet Hive & Co.: A Family, A Brand, A Mission

Meet Hive & Co.: A Family, A Brand, A Mission

At Hive & Co., we’re more than just a business—we’re a family. And when we say “family,” we truly mean it. Our team is the heart of everything we do, and our family is the soul behind the brand. We’re passionate about building a legacy that’s grounded in sustainability, respect for tradition, and a commitment to exceptional service. And whether it’s curating one-of-a-kind weddings, capturing special moments with photography, mixing up custom cocktails, or crafting natural apothecary goods, we pour our hearts into everything we create.

But the story of Hive & Co. doesn’t just start with a brand—it starts with us: Margee, Dustin, and our two kids, Killian and Veda.

These photos were taken by our friend Jana Brook at Sugar leaf photo co.

The Hive Family: Margee, Dustin, Killian, and Veda

• Margee: The heart and mind behind Hive & Co., Margee is the owner and creator of the Hive brand. She has a deep love for all things old—whether it’s a vintage piece of furniture or a time-honored tradition. Margee’s always on the lookout for ways to save a buck (because who doesn’t love a good bargain?), but more importantly, she’s always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. From the moment you meet her, you’ll know that her passion for this business—and for creating something truly meaningful—is contagious.
• Dustin: As the owner of Hive Bartending, Dustin brings over a decade of bartending experience to the table. He’s a well-known custom cocktail bartender in Genesee County, MI, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting one of his creations, you know he’s a master at what he does. His passion for mixology is matched only by his commitment to using locally sourced, eco-friendly ingredients. When you see him behind the bar, it’s not just about serving drinks—it’s about creating an experience.
• Killian and Veda: Though they’re just kids, Killian and Veda play an important role in everything we do. They work alongside the team at most of our events, bringing their energy, enthusiasm, and infectious smiles. You’ll often see their adorable faces plastered all over our blog and website—and honestly, they are the heart of the Hive.

Killian, with his big heart of gold, started a charity at just 5 years old called Cans 4 a Cause, which collects cans and donates the funds back to the local community. His dedication to making a difference is inspiring—and now, little sister Veda is right there with him, helping him collect cans and raise money for a cause that’s bigger than themselves. Killian’s dream is to officially rebrand his charity as Cans 4 Kids, expanding its focus to help children in the area, and he’s working hard to make that vision a reality.

Their passion for giving back is at the core of why we do what we do. They remind us every day that a small act of kindness can ripple out into something bigger.

A Piece of Flint’s History: The Aitken Estate

We are incredibly proud to share that our family has recently purchased a piece of history right here in Flint, MI. The property is an old farmhouse built in the mid-1800s by a Scottish gentleman named Robert P. Aitken, when the state of Michigan was just 6 years old.

As we begin this exciting new chapter, we’re honoring Robert Aitken’s hard work and vision by restoring this estate to its former glory—and beyond. We’ve decided to call the property The Aitken Estate, a tribute to the man who built it and the legacy of craftsmanship and perseverance he left behind.

Our plans for the estate are ambitious but rooted in our values of sustainability, respect for history, and community. We’re committed to fully restoring the house, maintaining its historic charm while making it a place where new memories can be made. We also envision adding a large greenhouse on the property, where we’ll host smaller events and weddings, creating a beautiful space for clients who want to celebrate in a truly historic setting. Every event at The Aitken Estate will be a chance to create something unforgettable, surrounded by the timeless beauty of a property that has stood for nearly 200 years.

What We Do: Four Businesses, One Purpose

While Hive & Co. consists of four unique businesses, the spirit of collaboration and sustainability is woven through everything we do. Whether we’re designing custom weddings, capturing memories through photography, crafting cocktails, or creating handmade apothecary goods, our mission remains the same: to provide exceptional service while staying true to our core values.

• Hive Weddings: Every couple deserves a wedding that reflects who they are and what they value. We create personalized, sustainable weddings that are as unique as you are—from the first consultation to the final toast. And because we value the environment, 95% of our decor inventory is second-hand or vintage, giving new life to timeless pieces that make your event truly one-of-a-kind.
• Hive Photography: We don’t just take pictures—we tell stories. Whether it’s your wedding day, a family gathering, or a special event, we capture moments that will last a lifetime while keeping sustainability at the forefront. We’re also very proud to say that all of our photography equipment and props are purchased second-hand, giving new life to quality gear while reducing waste. It’s our way of ensuring that every shot we take is not just memorable, but also mindful of the planet.
• Hive Bartending: Behind the bar, we believe in crafting cocktails that aren’t just delicious, but made with care and sustainability in mind. Dustin’s cocktails are a blend of creativity and eco-consciousness, perfect for any event. We strive to source as much of our ingredients locally as possible, supporting local farmers and businesses. And in keeping with our mission, all of our glassware is second-hand, with some vintage pieces that add a unique charm to each event. It’s our way of mixing sustainability with style, one drink at a time.
• Hive Apothecary/Home: Once our historic house is restored and running smoothly, we’re excited to shift our focus towards opening a brick-and-mortar Apothecary store. In this new space, we will offer locally sourced products that are not only good for the environment but also for our customers’ well-being. Alongside natural skincare and home goods, we’ll feature furniture we’ve lovingly refinished, giving new life to cherished pieces. We’re also introducing a soap refill station to help reduce plastic waste within our community, encouraging sustainable practices that benefit both the planet and our neighbors. This store will be more than just a business—it will be a way for us to give back, providing affordable, eco-friendly options for families in tight financial positions.

Why Sustainability Matters to Us (And Why It Should Matter to You)

For us, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. We’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint in every possible way, from the products we use to the vendors we work with. We believe that small, conscious choices can add up to something big, and we’re always looking for ways to improve.

But sustainability is also about people. That’s why we pay our team a livable wage, listen to their feedback, and support each other as a team. It’s why we carefully select our partners and vendors, ensuring they share the same commitment to sustainable practices. And it’s why we work with clients who value the same things we do—people who care about the planet and who understand that great service and thoughtful design are what truly make an event special.

Our Promise to You: A Commitment to Values, People, and the Planet

At Hive & Co., we promise to stay true to our mission. We’ll continue to be transparent about our practices, seek out new ways to reduce our impact on the Earth, and support our local community through initiatives like Killian’s charity. We’ll continue to provide exceptional service, honor tradition, and treat everyone we work with like family—because, to us, you are.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you’re here for a wedding, a photo session, a custom cocktail, or something else entirely, we can’t wait to work with you and help create something beautiful, meaningful, and sustainable.

With gratitude,
Hive & Co. Team