A conversation with the founder of BeeBee Sweets, Behshid Namiranian
Behshid Namiranian, founder of the confectionery business, BeeBee Sweets, understands the importance of lifelong love of family. That’s why she describes BeeBee Sweets as a labor of love, born from her family, memories and the belief that simple, honest ingredients in food spark joy. Inspired by her father’s love of sweets and her Persian heritage, she’s built a brand that’s both personal and community minded—one jar at a time. In a dialogue with Gina Mullins-Cohen of Edible Orange County, Namiranian opens up about the flavors that inspire her, the stories behind her jams and syrups and the heartwarming moments that fuel her passion for creating something deeply meaningful and delicious.
EOC: Can you share your story behind the name “BeeBee Sweets” and what it means to you personally?
Behshid: Absolutely! BeeBee Sweets is really close to my heart. I started it in honor of my dad, who passed away from cancer. He had a big sweet tooth and loved homemade treats, so making jams with real, wholesome ingredients felt like the perfect way to keep his memory alive. I’ve always been super mindful about what I put in my body, and I wanted to create something free of harmful ingredients, made with real ones coming from nature, but that still tastes amazing. Each jar is made with love and intention, and it’s my way of sharing both meaningful and delicious.
EOC: Does your cultural heritage influence the flavor profiles and ingredients of your jams and syrups? Were there specific family recipes or traditional preserves that inspired your product line?
Behshid: Definitely. My Persian heritage truly inspires how I think about flavor. I was inspired by the way my family used real, natural ingredients. I grew up around bold, fragrant ingredients like saffron, rosewater and cardamom, so I naturally gravitate toward flavors that feel warm, nostalgic and a little unexpected.
Although I haven’t fully incorporated traditional spices yet, I definitely plan to incorporate them into my jams in the future, which will reflect where I come from.
EOC: How has the local response shaped how you’ve grown your offerings or expanded your reach?
Behshid: The local response has honestly meant everything. Seeing people connect with my jams at markets or message me saying it reminds them of something homemade has been encouraging. I’ve had a family tell me they go through a jar in a week and eat it by spoonful, or I overheard someone at a store asking about my jam because it was sold out, and I just stood there quietly smiling. Moments like these are heartwarming and have pushed me to keep going, try new seasonal flavors, and think about ways to reach more people, not just in Orange County, but hopefully beyond.
EOC: What’s one flavor that’s become a customer favorite, and what inspired that particular jam or syrup?
Behshid: One flavor that’s become a customer favorite is definitely the Strawberry Honey Jam. It’s simple, but people tell me they eat it straight from the jar! I was inspired to create it because I love taking nostalgic flavors and giving them a fresh, more mindful twist. It’s simple, comforting, and makes people happy, and that’s exactly what I hoped for.
EOC: How do you see BeeBee Sweets contributing to your local food scene or its culinary identity?
Behshid: I see BeeBee Sweets as a way to bring something intentional and heartfelt to the local food scene, something that’s rooted in quality, simplicity and real ingredients. Orange County has a vibrant culinary community, and I think people here care about what they’re putting into their bodies. I want BeeBee Sweets to be part of that movement, offering something that’s both delicious and clean, bringing a little more warmth and connection to everyday food moments.
EOC: What gave you the courage to turn a cherished culinary tradition into a business?
Behshid: Honestly, it took a lot of soul-searching, but what really gave me the courage was how much joy it brought me and others. I started making jam because it made me feel close to my dad. Then, when I started sharing it, the response was incredibly warm and genuine. People would light up when they tried it, and that gave me the push I needed. I realized this wasn’t just something I loved doing; it was something worth building into a real business.
EOC: What do you hope people feel or remember when they open one of your jars or drizzle your syrups?
Behshid: I hope they feel a little moment of joy, like they’re treating themselves to something special, even if it’s just toast in the morning. I want it to feel comforting, real and made with love. Whether it reminds them of something homemade from their childhood or makes their day a little sweeter, I hope it leaves them with a feeling of warmth and intention.
EOC: What legacy would you love BeeBee Sweets to leave behind in your community and culinary lineage?
Behshid: I’d love Beebee Sweets to continue growing as something that brings joy, love and connection into people’s everyday lives. I hope it becomes a part of the local food culture, family moments and something people trust for its quality and heart. Maybe it even inspires others to create with purpose and care. For me, it’s about building something lasting that adds meaning to the way we eat and share food.
