How did you get started in the honey business? My parents have been producing honey for 30 years. They have 1200 hives and manage their own commercial extraction operation. I got my marketing degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and then decided I wanted to start my own business. I have 26 hives of my own plus 150 trees with over 30 different varieties of apples.

Tell us about some of the unique products you make from your honey. I sell creamed honey, honey mustard, honey combs, and I even make my own lip balm made with raw honey, beeswax, organic coconut oil, organic sweet almond oil, raw Shea butter, vitamin E oil, and 100% pure essential lavender or peppermint oil.

What do you like most about owning your own business? Coming to market is a tradition in our family. My parents have been going to the Madison Farmers’ Market for 15 years. I enjoy meeting people and helping my regular customers. It’s nice to set my own hours and have total control over the quality of my products. I also do the Rockford Farmers’ Market, and my sister goes to Beloit.

What do people do with the bee pollen that you’re selling? Mostly people use it as a dietary supplement to add protein, vitamins and amino acids to their diets by adding it to smoothies, cereal, etc. It provides an energy boost and increased metabolism.