We had the good fortune of connecting with Kat Sitton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kat, what do you want people to remember about you?

Being remembered as an agent for positive change has been a driving goal most of my life. To teach people that it is the smaller things that make the most difference and while not instantaneous one person can make a positive change in so many ways seen and unseen. Becoming a beekeeper has made me understand how life works in unity with itself, we are all hurling through space on Earth together and responsible for the planet’s well-being. The legacy that I want to leave behind is one of education and for humans to understand our connections to the planet. Beekeeping has given me a gateway of greater understanding of this, and I want others to have these experiences in their own way. Also being remembered for protecting native and non-native pollinators leaving them habitats and resources. Simultaneously helping the planet’s residents and to ingrain people with ways to live sustainably for themselves at the same time protecting the planet through education and real-life practices. Where they can co-exist, connect with nature and thrive all over the planet, The  Bee Builders and Casa Mojo  foundations are dedicated to these practices, beliefs and ideas and know that I made a substantial difference in the health of the planet and all of her inhabitants.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Casa Mojo: More than a Brand- It’s a way of life

What started as a simple hobby quickly blossomed into something much more meaningful—Casa Mojo. It’s not just a business; it’s a lifestyle, a vibe, and a growing community grounded in purpose and sustainability. I am so proud of all that I have learned and accomplished over the years, even more so about the connections I am making, and the positive outcomes created in people and the planet.

Getting to this point was not always easy, there is a steep learning curve with bees. A lot of trial and error goes into beekeeping. There were times that I thought about quitting after hot, stingy days. When I started to feel this way, it was important to me to remind me of my goals and how important the bees are and how many lessons they had already taught me. One of the biggest lessons was with my attitude when I worked the hives. I found if I was in a bad mood the bees could feel that, making working with them more difficult. When I came into it with a good frame of mind, with appreciation and understanding they were far more cooperative, making the process much easier. It is also a great way to look at life. It’s a feedback loop, what you put in comes back to you creating a cause and effect. You can either dimmish your impact or enhance it. I found out that it is important to put in positive vibes and that is what will come back to you.

At Casa Mojo, we don’t seek to stand apart- we strive to bring people together. Our passion is fostering a community of individuals who embrace meaningful living and are committed to leaving a lighter footprint on the planet where people not only learn but actively contribute. We believe in sustainable living, harnessing natural resources mindfully and cutting down on waste that harms our environment.

Our company Casa Mojo Inc., includes several branches with distinct but connected missions:

Casa Mojo- the core of our character, promoting eco-conscious living and education. Visiting apiaries locally and abroad allowing us to learn firsthand about different hive management techniques, environmental conditions, and beekeeping innovations used around the world

Casa Mojo Bees & Casa Mojo Apiaries – our beekeeping arm, producing bee-friendly goods and spreading awareness of the importance of this and other amazing pollinators. Offering live bee removals & relocations, beginning through advanced beekeeping classes, bee education including organic learning experiences and live demonstrations to individuals, communities, groups and schools. All while managing colonies of honeybees, monitoring their health and population growth, harvesting honey and other valuable products.

The Bee Builders- is a not-for-profit foundation which creates native habitats for native North American bees by building naturally sourced bee habitats and planting pollinator friendly plants. Raising awareness of pollinators with community-based initiatives and programs where knowledge isn’t just absorbed but applied to real world impact

Casa Mojo Beauty, a branch of Casa Mojo Bees offers handcrafted, small-batch soaps and lotions made from natural ingredients. These skin-loving products are botanically infused with herbs and plants, offering gentle, healing alternatives without harsh chemicals.

The ultimate mission of Casa Mojo is to build a global community of passionate people who care about the Earth. Through educations, conscious living and storytelling, we aim to connect like-minded individuals who want to live happy, fulfilling lives while helping the planet thrive.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of good starting with bees and reaching every corner of the Earth.

In addition to Casa Mojo Bees, I am very proud to be a part of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove  serving as chair for the Plastics Free Initiative (PFI). A coalition that is committed to finding ways to reduce, re-use and repurpose plastics. Giving them a second life, keeping them out of landfills and the ocean. We sponsor events that bring like-minded people, foundations, government organizations to further our PFI initiatives and goals.

Finally, my work with Radio Lollipop is something that I am very grateful for in my life. Visiting the children in the hospital gives me a variety of perspectives on life and makes me appreciate the day-to-day of life. To live in the moment and to be of service to something bigger than myself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Living in Miami for over 30 years I have learned that the city and surrounding area are a unique blend of cultures, styles, personalities, events and people. The first adventure for my friends would be a ride on the Metro-Rail. I would start the trip at Dadeland South, the first train station for a 25-mile-long system. Riding the rail from start to finish showcases so much of Miami. Passing by the University of Miami, Coconut Grove, Vizcaya, Brickell, the Main Library, Downtown Miami, Historic Lyric Theater, our retractable roof stadium (Marlins’ Park aka Loan Depot Park. At the Northern end of the line, you can visit Historic Brownsville, Hialeah Park, Historic Hampton House and Martin Luthur King Park. Connections to other modes of travel like the Tri-Rail or Brightline trains, local city trolleys including the Wynwood art district. You can even go directly to Miami International Airport on the train’s Orange Line. Metro-Rail represents the cities vibrant, historic and many cultured vibes. The downtown stop is a favorite of mine. When you exit the train you can visit the main library, immerse yourself in art, walk around downtown or ride the Metro Mover to areas like Brickell, Bayside, Audrienne Arsht Center, Perez and Frost Museums. A stop at Bayside marketplace is a must. With a bay view it is the perfect spot for people watching and to catch cruise ships leaving. The rail/bus combo day pass is just over $5, allowing you to travel the entire line and to take buses and get off where things are of interest to you. Heading home at night offers a spectacular view of the Miami skyline, especially with a full moon. I would recommend taking the line from beginning to end and back again.

I would be remiss not to take my friends to South Point Park near the tip of South Beach by the jetty at night. Park and walk to the beach. Many times, I have seen groups of people gathering for a variety of events from full moon drum circles, dancing or headphone concerts. (Where everyone sits on the beach with headphones on and listens to the same thing). So many different types of people of all ages and nationalities are there as well. Many times, rocket launches can be seen. The beach at night offers a completely different feeling. To be experienced. Maybe catch a late-night bite at a restaurant close by as there are many to choose from. The broad walk along the beach offers a convenient way to make your way to 5th street where there are many art deco style buildings, shops and restaurants and a busy late-night nightlife. The drive back over the bridge to Miami from South Beach is also a great part of the trip. Getting a spectacular view of the water, passing the port of Miami and a not-to-be-missed view of downtown to see one of the reasons Miami is known as the Magic City.

To round out the week’s adventure I would take a day trip to the west coast of Florida to Koreshan State Park in Estero. The now state park was once a settlement to early pioneers from Chicago called the Koreshan Unity. Established in 1893 the settlement showcases still standing buildings from the original settlers. The trip there offers a beautiful drive through the Florida Everglades either via Highway 41 or Alligator Ally. Wildlife is in abundance as well as a slice of Florida landscape that many do not get to see. Once at the site we can explore 11 restored buildings, a botanical garden and the planetary court which housed the seven-woman governing council. Ahead of their time the settlement boasted electricity which was generated via 1925 Fairbanks-Morse 80 horsepower engine powering a Westinghouse generator that supplied the dining hall, laundry and homesteads with more electricity than they could use. Planning the trip in January or February’s full moons will give you the opportunity to see the engine in action as it is starting during the Ghost tours during that time. There are also re-enactment actors portraying the settlers and explaining what it was like to live there. This is a hidden gem of Florida as it offers a way to see it as it was, the beautiful landscape both on the drive their and of the area as well as a great history lesson.

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Definite shout outs go to Radio Lollipop, The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove and the Tropical Beekeepers Association.

Radio Lollipop has been a constant in my life since 1999. Recently we started the program at Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL. Radio Lollipop is an international children’s program in 5 countries and 35 hospitals that has been around since 1979. It hosts an on-site radio station where that the kids can interact with along with participating in activities and crafts. They have shown me the experience of the power of play. Visiting the children in the hospital has given me the opportunity to give a child some joy while in the hospital. They are an amazing program that has brought solace and care to both children, their parents and hospital staff for many years. So proud to be a part of that.

The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove is a must shout out. We are a historic society of women that have been around since 1891. Many women have passed through the clubhouse’s doors. Two years ago, I became a member, and, in that time, I have been welcomed by so many interesting ladies who shared many memories and stories with me. So powerful to hear history firsthand. Through the club I have been given a platform to help impact the planet via our Plastic’s Free Initiate (PFI). Being able to make an impact on a larger scale through the group is powerful. It is my honor to be the Co-Chair of the Environmental Community as well as be a part of the many other impactful groups that are also part of the club. Huge shout out for being an amazing support system.

I would be remiss in to not give a shout out to the Tropical Beekeepers Association who helped me on my beekeeping journey which started about 6 years ago. Via the club I have met many like-minded people. I have learned from them as well as given the opportunity to share my knowledge. Many of my first bee experiences begin with them. From my first live removal to the growth of the bees, the business and apiary as well as giving me supplies so I would have what I needed. They have always been there for me during the ups and the downs, helping me a better person by learning about the care of bees.

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Image Credits
all photo credits Kat Sitton

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.