By Alicia Wanek and Candace Brock
Life is certainly thriving for Nathan Sheets, the visionary behind McKinney-based Nature Nate’s Honey. This joy stems not only from his successful business but also from his faith-driven approach to entrepreneurship. What truly distinguishes Nature Nate’s is their commitment to offering honey that is 100% pure, raw, and authentic—much like Nathan himself.
What began as a simple hobby has evolved into a life’s mission. Nearly two decades ago, Nathan started with just one bee hive in his backyard, and this year, he anticipates bottling over six million pounds of honey, which will be available nationwide in stores such as Kroger, Costco, and Whole Foods, and as far away as Saudi Arabia. Nathan feels incredibly blessed to express his Christian faith through his work, which focuses on supporting families in living healthier lives while simultaneously leading a business dedicated to quality, guided by their mission “to serve God while serving you.”
His dedication to expanding the business is fueled by a desire to increase their capacity to give back. Nature Nate’s highly values its philanthropic endeavors. Nathan states, “We actively seek partnerships with organizations that can maximize the impact of our contributions.” They are proud supporters of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), among other charities.
The mission of NBCF holds personal significance for Nathan and his family; his mother Sylvia was diagnosed with breast cancer when he was in his teenage years. Witnessing her battle instilled in him a desire to help others experiencing similar struggles. He reflects, “I want to alleviate their burdens, knowing firsthand what it’s like to see a family member fight cancer. Partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation allows me to express gratitude for the care my mother received and to assist other patients in getting the support they need.”
Douglas Feil, Vice President of Programs at NBCF, emphasizes the importance of collaborations like those with Nature Nate’s. He believes that NBCF acts as a vital “bridge” linking sponsors with those in need, highlighting that millions of women remain uninsured or underinsured and lack access to essential services like mammograms. With partnerships across 80 hospitals nationwide, NBCF strives to connect women with the care they require.
One program Nathan particularly appreciates is the patient navigator initiative, which funds personnel who help guide patients through the treatment process. Douglas notes, “They act as a concierge for patients, helping navigate any barriers to receiving care.” Camilla Payne, Vice President of Marketing, adds that, prior to the implementation of the patient navigator program at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, the average wait for follow-up after a suspicious finding was 180 days; now, it’s just 15. “This has made a profound impact,” she affirms. Nature Nate’s is proud to be part of this change.
Nathan’s journey with his mother’s illness made him realize the value of every moment, a lesson that influences how he embodies his faith through various aspects of his life. This dedication reflects in his relationships with family, the respect he shows employees, his outreach to those in need, and the way he operates his business. Those who know him well note that he is always ready to lend a hand to others.
Ultimately, Nathan hopes to be remembered not just for his successful international business recognized for its organic products, but for the meaningful contributions and values that underlie his work.
Nature Nate’s Farm offers a diverse range of quality products sourced directly from nature. Visit www.naturenates.com to discover delicious recipes, locate their products near you, or shop online. Be sure to try the flavored honeys (the Key Lime is exceptional), fruit-infused honey syrups, and the beautifully designed honey tins perfect for gift baskets. If you’re planning a family outing this weekend, stop by Nature Nate’s Farm in McKinney, where kids can learn about the bee lifecycle and see an authentic honeycomb during guided tours.
2910 Nature Nate Farms | McKinney, TX 75071
(469) 452-4429 | naturenates.com
Photography by Elle Parks | ElleParksPhotography.com
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
“The collaboration with the National Breast Cancer Foundation this October feels like a perfect match: They are a well-established organization making a significant difference for countless women nationwide by offering support and hope to those battling cancer.”
– Nathan Sheets
This October, in addition to financial contributions, Nature Nate’s will share healthy, simple recipes through their website and social media—all with a pink theme!
If you’d like to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation, please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, the foundation’s website features an online education program called “Beyond the Shock” (also available on iTunes), providing vital resources and information.
“Collaborations like ours with Nature Nate’s yield significant impact.”
– Douglas Feil, National Breast Cancer Foundation
