Welcome to BelleBee Design!

I am Michelle, partner to Craig, a mum & an activities co-ordinator working in a dementia unit.

Inspired by the beauty of the land, the need to reduce waste & promote healthier eating in kindergarten/school, BelleBee Design was established in Te Anau, Fiordland. Our range started with beeswax wraps, which is still our core product today. Over time we have added other homewares to our range, with the focus on eco-friendly & reusable items. Our main materials used are NZ natural beeswax, cotton & linen. Most of our production is out of the kitchen, the smell of beeswax is divine wafting from the slowcooker, sewing from our large table looking out to our garden & in the evenings you'll find me knitting or crocheting, while watching a movie or listening to music.

Having always had a passion for fabric & yarn since a very young age, I went to study at Southland Polytechnic. Spending four years there, completing a Certificate in Craft Design & a Certificate in Proficiency of Dressmaking.

Now residing in the Victorian Heritage & Steam Punk Headquarters town of Oamaru, North Otago, our business continues to grow. It's heartwarming when someone makes a purchase from us, with some being repeat customers now. It's always lovely to chat with locals, tourists & holidaymakers at the markets.

In 2019 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, with the only option being a mastectomy, radiation & chemotherapy. Then in late 2020 my partner tragically passed away, we had so many plans for growing our business together, he was the hunter gatherer, providing for our family. I'm grateful everyday to have our business, so I can create & fulfill our dreams.