Malcolm’s passion for nature began as a toddler on the U.S. Virgin Island of St Croix. He has fond memories of coral reefs, sea gulls, sandy beaches, and the wisdom of his grandmother, Eglantine Weeks, who often sat under the shade of a sea grape tree to clean fresh fish. “Respect for nature was taught very early for me on St. Croix,” says Malcolm, explaining how he once wanted to step on ants that were biting his feet. “Grandma said ‘don’t step on the ants – just move.’”

As a teenager growing up in Oakland, CA, Malcolm’s love for nature deepened when he enrolled in – and was soon hired – by Rotay Nature Center, a wilderness camp that taught survival skills including how to purify rainwater, how to identify medicinal plants and how to track and hunt animals as Native Americans have done for centuries.

As CEO of Sweet Simone, Malcolm feels he was groomed for this role his entire life. “Bees play a crucial role in the global ecosystem and pollinate eighty percent of the world’s plants. We’re on a mission to promote ecology and conservation,” he says.

In 2021, Malcolm and his dad enrolled in a yearlong beekeeping apprenticeship program in Richmond, CA called Ecovillage Farm run by Shyaam Shabaka. Malcolm, a father of four, also owns and operates his own construction company, Chuck’s Do It All. When not working, Malcolm enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, spending time with his children and being a basketball coach.