I’m Soledad O’Brien of “Matter of Fact” and today I’m here with Tarsha Burton, the founder of Bee Mindful LLC, an organization committed to opening up travel to those who are differently abled, providing unique living experiences, and offering climate friendly retail products and services since 2024.

(Soledad) How did you come up with the concept for Bee Mindful LLC?

(Tarsha) My family and I had scheduled a museum exploration outing and I really wanted my independent, 86 year old grandfather to come along. Even in his retirement he still goes to work five days a week despite having difficulty walking long distances or for extended periods of time.

I knew that he’d resist using a wheelchair so I had the brilliant idea that maybe we can get him a scooter to use. This way he can still keep his dignity and have a little fun riding a pseudo-motorcycle.

I never imagined the challenges I would face in securing a scooter for him. In that moment I vowed to change that, so other families wouldn’t have to face the dilemmas that we did and that is how the first of three ventures for the Bee Mindful LLC came to Bee.

(Soledad) That is a perfect segue into my next question. Your company is widely recognized by its symbolic Bee. How did you come up with the name for BML?

(Tarsha) I was looking out onto my balcony one day and noticed that I had three wasp nests and each time the nests were taken down they rebuilt, increasing the number of nests. I wanted to learn more about wasp and bees, so I began to do research.

I learned that bees are not aerodynamically designed to fly and yet they do and can carry 300 times their weight. They’re tenacious architects who respect the natural world and work as a collective to support the community. Bees are one of natures many miracles. My company is predicated on providing services for families and communities so I believe the name was fitting.

(Soledad) Why the BML?

(Tarsha) Building Black wealth and working to sever the wealth gap in this country has always been extremely important to me. The BML allows me to influence and inspire others. My duty on this earth is to be of service to others. The best way for me to accomplish this is to fulfill my purpose of building a legacy.

(Soledad) I want to congratulate you on your recent marriage and the birth of your twins. How did family impact seeing your Unique Living Spaces venture?

(Tarsha) Well, I’ve been known to invite the twins to a few meetings and they make their presence known. However, Living on the grounds of the first Unique Living Spaces community affords me the opportunity to set my schedule around family obligations.

(Soledad) How does Unique Living Spaces set itself apart?

(Tarsha) The smart use of space, utility independence, and amenities like the fruit and vegetable gardens offer a living experience unlike any other community. These amenities draw residents who are cognizant of their impact on the environment and wish to leave a legacy that will continue to thrive.

(Soledad) You’ve accomplished a lot, within the past year. How does it feel knowing that you are fostering a movement focused on sustainable and wholistic living?

(Tarsha) Daily I’m gratuitously joyful knowing that the LLC provides a healthy, comfortable environment. We have organically created a conscious community focused on being of service.

This labor of love makes me feel fulfilled and for that I am euphoric. 

My soul is content knowing I enjoy good health, am creating a legacy and living my best life. Most importantly, I have peace!