Our Story
The Founders, their love of Bees, and a Locavore Philosophy
RENE HOPKINS
Rene was born and raised in the Coachella Valley of Southern California. She spent a majority of her life there, besides a short stint in Washoe Valley, Nevada in her mid to late-20s. She has always had a deep passion for animals- in particular horses- which she turned into a career as a Veterinary technician. Rene would often describe work as her “blissful escape” which is not something you hear too often.
After working and living in Southern California all her life, she decided it was time to change scenery. Though she vowed never to live in a snowy climate again, she knew Oregon was where she belonged and simply could not pass up the opportunity to live in Sisters.
Since moving to Sisters in 2018, Rene has become very involved in various groups around the area. She has truly settled into her new home, especially since her children and grandchildren have joined them.
Rene and Jenni had a chance encounter when Rene had to search for someone to care for her horses as she still traveled to Southern California for work shortly after her move. It was during this time that she and Jenni met and realized they had so many similarities! Beside their shared passion for animals, Jenni lived in the same area Rene grew up in for four years, and just right down the street; though they never crossed paths. Since their chance meeting, the two began spending time together enjoying their hobbies with one another. It was at this point they tried their hand at soap making and thus Sister Bee Soap Company was born.
Since both women live in and absolutely love Sisters, OR; they’ve chosen to include their city in the company name. Additionally, since both women enjoy the outdoors and have a green thumb, they appreciate the importance and the role bees have in making our world go round. And the rest is history!