06/02/2026
Who says love can’t be found online? That’s how our honey vendors, Jim and Penny Dolozeal, met — since then, things have taken quite a *sweet* turn. 🐝 🍯
“We shared so many interests,” recounts Jim. “But one was over unique animals.” Back in Tama, Jim owned a variety of animals like an elk and mini donkeys, which he would take on the road to petting zoos.
And of course, he was fascinated by bees, so he had those, too! Once Jim and Penny settled down together, the two were thinking about starting a bee-related business. Originally, they held off after speaking with several beekeepers, since they exactly have the best first impression of the industry.
But they finally decided it was time. “This was something we wanted to do in 20 years,” says Jim. “We said if we don’t do it now, we won’t do it for another 20 years.”
Penny, who is originally from Gladbrook, Iowa, moved to Tama to be with Jim. Together, they take care of their bees all year round and harvest honey in August and September. “Bees have an enzyme in their stomachs to turn the nectar and pollen they collect into honey,” explains Penny. “Then, they take it back to their cells, also known as a honeycomb.”
Now, they sell their honey at the Grinnell Farmers Market! When harvesting, the Dolozeals collect honey from the bees’ honeycomb with an extractor — then, they run it through a strainer. “We don’t put heat in our honey, and it either stays as honey or becomes wax,” says Penny.
They also offer some flavored honey — still natural, but they add a punch of artificial flavor to give it that extra kick. Their honey is also pretty versatile and can become a variety of different products, including lip balms and body soaps. Penny’s favorites are coconut and lemongrass. And Jim? Bubblegum.
“We still live in Tama, and so meeting different people in Grinnell is my favorite thing at the market,” says Jim.
One hidden gem of the Dolozeal’s market stand? Their freeze pops! With summer blazing over Grinnell, make your way over to the Grinnell Farmers Market for a quick refresher! Open Thursdays 3-6 PM and Saturdays 9:30 AM-12PM.
This Meet the Vendor post is presented by Grinnell Mutual. Savor the season! 🌱
