Bee Joyful isn’t just the name of the new store located just off M-72 in the former Country Christmas building — it’s also a message that very much resonates with the new owners and their family.
“One thing we like to remind ourselves and our children is if you’re thankful, then you’ll be joyful,” said Bethany Joy Bower, co-owner of Bee Joyful. “Coming from a thankful heart always brings more joy to your life. We’re here living and breathing and we have the gift of life, that’s a wonderful thing to be thankful for all on its own.”
Bethany and her husband, Austin, have been operating their business out of the charming and noticeably renovated store front since November of last year, closing on the property, which also includes a house for their family, in the summer of 2023. The couple happened to come across the home online when they were looking at properties for sale in the area, and didn’t realize when they first saw photos that it was connected to Country Christmas, a store they both loved to visit for so many years. In fact, the Bowers’ first year of marriage ornament was gifted to them by former Country Christmas owners Bill and Lee Ann Smith.
