Beekeepers since 1998, Tony and Alethia began with three hives in their backyard. In 2004, with 10 hives, Tony began to provide pollinating services to small farmers in the local area. Since then, the number of hives and farmers being served has continued to grow. The 2005 honey crop was the best harvest yet, with three distinct seasons of honey and four distinct colors and flavors of honey collected. Honey is sold in four sizes of bottles and a limited quantity of comb honey in pint-size jars. A gift-size 6-oz. honey bear is also available.
Since teenage, Alethia has had a personal interest in herbal remedies and personal care items made from all natural ingredients. She makes various soaps, using a cold-process lye method, much the same way that her grandmother and great-grandmother did, scented with herbs and essential oils. Alethia also makes lotions, lip balm, and solid lotion bars with natural ingredients and beeswax from her own honeybees. These products contain no dyes or petroleum-based products, making them especially appealing to those with skin problems and allergies. She also makes custom gift baskets with her products and honey.
Future plans include raising blackberries and blueberries. Anticipated harvests: 2008-Blackberries and 2009-Blueberries!