Récit de changement
From hairdresser to beekeeper: Valérie’s new path
May 29, 2026As I take off my latex gloves, I look at my hands, covered in stings—hands that, just yesterday, were busy braiding, styling, and washing hair for birthdays, weddings, and other occasional events. Today, I’m using them for something completely different—and yet, something that requires just as much dexterity and delicacy: handling the fragile bees that inhabit my honey-filled hives.
My name is Valérie Mayaba, and I worked as a hairdresser for years in my village of Papatia, in Benin. I never would have thought that at age 44 I’d end up switching careers to beekeeping. To me, it was a man’s job, completely out of reach—even though my husband is a beekeeper himself! However, over the years, I realized that my clientele wasn’t consistent enough to provide me with a sufficient income to be self-sufficient. I was constantly dependent on my husband for even the smallest expense… just like a child would be.
The day my life changed
My life changed the day the API RENOVA project, funded and supported by CECI, came to our village. The initiative offered us training on how to build, install, and maintain beehives. So I thought to myself, “Why not?” I decided to take the plunge and give it a try!
I started by setting up four small beehives on my husband’s beekeeping site. Within a few months, my hardworking little bees had already produced 43 liters of honey! By selling my harvest, I earned 150,000 CFA francs. That was far more than what I made as a hairdresser during the same period. “Today, I realize that beekeeping is a truly profitable business. Before, with hairdressing, I barely made enough to cover some expenses. Now, I can contribute to the household expenses without waiting for my husband to come home.”
A work of admiration
Over the months, I never grew tired of watching my little workers diligently go about their tasks. I watched them buzz busily around the wooden hives, so full of pride! Ever since then, I’ve done everything I can to make their work easier. I am their guardian and devoted friend.
As the first participant in the project to harvest honey, I feel truly privileged to have paved the way for other women in Papatia. A CECI volunteer, Martinienne Awori, who supported me throughout the process, even produced a video documenting my journey. I never thought I’d have the chance to experience something like this!
Over time and with experience, my income has continued to grow, which has allowed me to open a small shop selling merchandise in my neighborhood. I can now provide for myself and my children completely on my own, without my husband necessarily having to step in. My relationship with him is also much healthier. We now talk as equals about our future and that of our children. I feel more respected and valued in my home...and that’s worth all the gold in the world!
But if you knew me, you’d know I don’t plan on stopping there! I’d like to become a major entrepreneur—completely independent and well-known in the honey industry. One step at a time, I know it’s possible.