About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
At Black Lab Farms LLC we have a few big goals:
1) Nurture the land we own through diversification including fresh flowers and seasonal produce.
2) Spark joy with hand made seasonal market goods.
3) Enrich the lives of those around us whether it's a custom desk, a cute holiday gnome or a delicious sweet treat.
Our Story
We farm in Ely and Solon, Iowa and after years of supporting our row crop operation (in addition to working full-time) I decided I wanted to diversify what we grow from the farm and give back to our community. It started as a bit of a joke with flower farming (most houseplants don't survive) and quickly evolved into my passions for making furniture, cookies and seasonal market goods. Suddenly the things I enjoyed most were taking center stage and it only seemed fitting to name my little company after another love in my life --- my fur babies. With that Black Lab Farms was born.
Meet The Team
Jessica Tomash
Founder & Owner - Making peoples lives better is what fuels Jessica. After several years in corporate roles and helping with row crop farming she decided to go all in on building this company. The goal is to build beautiful things that enrich others lives and live as thoughtfully as possible as a steward of the land.
Midnight (Minnie)
Branding & Dog Treat Tester - Minnie is the most perfect black lab. She came to us on Christmas and was the gift we needed after Bear and Shadow had passed. She loves to snuggle, play in the snow, chase balls and follow mom wherever she goes. You'll see her across our social media but she's not allowed in the kitchen. Midnight earned her nickname while staying with her Aunt Ninny (she wasn't allowed at the rental house while the family was building) and it stuck. Now she gets to go on vacations (her favorite is Gulf Shores as she loves to swim), run about our 70 acre farm (digging for non-existent creatures is the best) and helping mom in the flower garden (mostly just watching and sun bathing). Minnie's birthday is 11/12/18
Lily
Intern/Apprentice.
Lily and her litter were removed from a neglected home. She was moved into a local shelter that was overflowing and she was quickly moved into a foster home. We adopted Lily on 1/8/26! Lily loves to destroy toys, howl in frustration if kenneled for any reason, snuggle during bedtime and have the freedom to roam the farm (mostly finding 'treasures' in the wooded areas). Lily loves to play tug-o-war with Minnie and has quickly become a perfect addition to our pack. Lily's been given the birthday of 8/1/26
Shadow
Brand Inspo - Shadow was our second lab and was full sass. We were so worried about getting a girl after having Bear but turns out she was the alpha. She lived in 3 different homes with us including in town, suburbs and out in the country. She developed diabetes so had to endure insulin shots and special food to extend her life for 6 more years. She's the namesake for our Salt & Shadow cookie...it's a classic you can count on to bring that sweet and salty flavor. Shadow left us in 2018.
Bear (Bubba)
Brand Inspo - My first baby. Bear was 135 pounds of pure lab, just an absolute monster sized dog. He was a naughty puppy (ask us to tell you a story like how he ate a guests entire leather jacket). After the 2 year puppy stage he mellowed out and the picture you see is mostly how he was as an adult dog. He lived in 3 homes with us but loved the farm best where he would dig and dig for things under ground. He was a very sweet big boy which is why our take on a monster cookie is sweetly named The Bear after him. Bear left us in 2018.
Mittens
Covert Operator - Mittens is a tuxedo cat and although he wasn't a part of the branding he is a part of our pack. Mittens joined the family after we lost Bear and Shadow. Jessica was having a hard time considering another pet after their loss but this sweet farm kitten was in need of a home. With that he joined the family and acts more like a dog than cat on most occasions. He loves cat naps on the game table and then roaming around the farm at night. Mittens birthday is 11/12/18.