Bea Apple was raised in the Bronx after her mother’s early passing. Eventually, she found a home in Arkansas with her aunt and uncle. After graduating from John Brown University, her career path took her from nuclear submarines to a chemical plant before returning to Northwest Arkansas. In 2011, Bea opened Pressroom, a cafe in Bentonville. After reigniting her passion for art, she later co-founded Hillfolk, a craft-focused store that is launching a line of 31 craft kits which will be in 1,500 Walmart stores in fall 2024. Bea also co-founded BIKE.POC, advocating for transportation justice and inclusivity in the outdoors. Her journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and a pursuit of personal and professional growth—fueled by the power of family, community, and passion.