Stories are, quite simply, one of our favourite things. We think stories are wonderful- they encourage, they uplift and they bring life. We love hearing about stories of when The Beehive has created space for people to thrive and has really made an impact on someone’s life.
Today we want to celebrate Filiz’s Beehive story. It make our hearts happy, and we think it will make yours happy too!
Filiz first came into The Beehive in 2018 when we became permanent in the town, at our first real home- 2 North Street.
Before hearing about The Beehive, being a carer and working full-time was overwhelming. Her mental health was at an all time low and starting a new job tipped her over the edge. The breakdown in her job; supporting her Mum who was very ill; and her own mental health deteriorating, was too much, and she was admitted into hospital. “I was in a dark place… I struggled to leave my house and getting help was very hard. It left me feeling so isolated to the point where I didn’t want to live anymore.”
“ I was in a dark place… I struggled to leave my house and getting help was very hard. It left me feeling so isolated to the point where I didn’t want to live anymore.”
“As soon as I stepped into the shop, I got goosebumps and I felt so happy and safe. The feeling I felt in my dream, I felt at the shop.”
After hearing about The Beehive through Ashford Vineyard, Filiz had a vivid dream about entering a beautiful place full of light. It was a dream unlike any she’d ever had. The next morning, she knew she needed to leave her house, and walked straight into The Beehive to ask if she could volunteer with us. “As soon as I stepped into the shop, I got goosebumps and I felt so happy and safe. The feeling I felt in my dream, I felt at the shop.”
Filiz has now been volunteering with us at The Beehive for 2 years, and is an integral part of our team. As well as being in the shop, she is a shift leader, taking responsibility for the shop floor; mentoring other team members, and welcoming our customers and clients through the door with one of the best smiles you could ever wish for.
“I have never had anyone believe in me as much as the core leaders of The Beehive have. They have taught me so much. Being amongst amazing women who not only empower each other, but help change lives and make a difference. I have made incredible friends who I consider my second family. They have helped me to slowly find my faith again after my mum was diagnosed with colon cancer. I didn’t know how I could keep going, but volunteering at the shop helped me stay strong.”
Filiz teaching coffee making skills in the shop.
“...they held my hand and helped me find my way when I felt completely lost and afraid. ”
Filiz said this, about finding The Beehive: “The Beehive ladies prayed for me, they held my hand and helped me find my way when I felt completely lost and afraid. I can’t thank them enough. It’s a magical place where lives are truly changed. Thank you Becca, Charlotte, Karen, Lorna and the rest of the incredible Beehive team for all your help, encouragement, love and support. I feel so lucky to have you all in my life.”
Filiz really does represent our heart for our volunteers. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again-
The Beehive is run BY volunteers, but it is also run FOR volunteers.
Everyone has their own story and their own reasons for landing on our doorstep. Filiz’s story is one of an incredible and brave woman, who needed love; support and people to believe in her. She needed space to find her worth, and people to encourage and uplift her while she rebuilt her confidence.
Filiz at our 2 North Street home, sporting her Thousand Hours T-shirt.
I can say this for the entire core team- Filiz really is an important part of our Beehive family. We are so ridiculously thankful that she came through our doors that day, and that she found her home with us. Filiz is the most kind and gentle person anyone could meet, and quite simply one of our favourite humans. But more than that, Filiz is so capable and has real value on the team, as a mentor; supporter; encourager and friend, as well as in all the practical ways of running a shop. She accomplishes every task she’s given with a smile, she’s the first to step in when we need help, even rolling up her sleeves and picking up a paint brush to help us get the shop ready for opening this year. It has been such a pleasure watching her build her confidence, and discovering just how much gold there is in her- She only sees a fraction of the gold we see in her, but every day, she starts to see just a little bit more, and that is glorious to watch.
The Beehive at its very core, has always been and will always be, a shop with a heart. We care so deeply and genuinely, about seeing people thrive, and being more than just a one-stop shop. We are a place where anyone and everyone can find the love and support that they need, whether paying customer, referred client or volunteer. We want our home to be your home. We want our family to be your family.
Thank you Filiz, for sharing your story with us!
Got your own story to tell? No matter how big or small, we’d love to hear it- fill in this easy form and tell us about your Beehive Story. (Even if you want us to keep it private and not share it, that’s absolutely ok. But we’d still love to know!)
Want to support all that The Beehive does in Ashford? If you’d like to give financially, just click the “Donate” button on the button in this post or pop in & visit us in the shop & enjoy our clothes or cafe.
If you’re not local, but still want in on The Beehive shopping experience, we have a range of Beehive Merch available online too.
Or if you want to support us in a free & easy way, simply follow along with our story on social media & share us far and wide.
Author: Karen Thatcher (“Creativity and Comms Guru”)
Karen is one of our Core Team at The Beehive. She has been with us since day one, and oversees all the design, comms and digital side of what we do. When she’s not volunteering her time at The Beehive, she is a Freelance Creative & Communications Consultant, and has a little Empathy Card Shop on the side too.