Ivyees “Everything Honey” Ribbon Cutting Celebrates First Black, Woman-Owned Shop in North End

Ivy Lawson is making a honey splash at 120 Salem Street with the opening of her Ivyees “Honey Everything” store. Lawson is the first black, female shop owner in Boston’s North End operating at the location on the corner of Baldwin Place in the space formerly occupied by Pasta e Pomodoro. “Everyone in the neighborhood has been so welcoming as we are getting going,” she said in the brightly lit corner store.

In addition to raw honey, Ivyees offers honey-based facial cream, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, anti-wrinkle creams and moisturizers. This is the first stand-alone store for Lawson, but Ivyees products are also offered at Whole Foods and Amazon.

Mayor Marty Walsh was on hand for the Thursday night ribbon cutting commenting, “It’s great to see new small retail shops open in the North End. Many of Boston’s new small businesses are minority-owned and that’s exciting too. I also understand the customer demand for the use of natural ingredients.”

“After working as an engineer for 19 years at IBM in corporate America, I had enough,” said Lawson. “I decided to pursue my passion for natural products and to help people understand what they are putting in and on their bodies. My products are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. I want Ivyees to bring my customers a healthier lifestyle,” she added.

“I have bees mostly in Jamaica but also some here in Massachusetts,” Lawson said. She has been bee-farming since 2008 when she moved to Jamaica and it was there that she became entranced with the honey products that she is now bringing back to Boston.