It's not a secret that this summer was really difficult for Queer Chocolatier and its owner... me.
But it isn't widely-known, either, it would seem based on the number of caring conversations I have had with folks at the farmers markets over the last few weeks.
I'm hoping to provide The Definitive Update here now.
In this, The Definitive Update, I'll recap what's gone on with the business and what is to come, at least in the near future.
Please drop me a line with questions, comments, words of encouragement, and anything else you wish to share with me after reading this!
Downtown didn't work out
I made an effort to relocate my business from The Village to Downtown Muncie and the effort did not work out. I ground myself into emotional dust with trying to make it work but it didn't and I had to break the lease and lose that lovely location. I was heartbroken and I have grieved and I did not treat myself very well during that time.
I'm so grateful I had friends help step up and move me out of the space.
I'm fortunate to have had other friends arrange for me to resume production out of a certified kitchen in lieu of the space I'd hoped to transform into a micro-factory.
But it all was very difficult for me to manage emotionally and I'm still a little tenderhearted about it.
I wrote a piece earlier in the summer asking for a business partner and it was soon after that things just seemed to quickly unravel for me.
I have had kind and talented people reach out for offers of support but nothing to the level of taking on a business partnership, which I can understand.
And, honestly, as much as I know I need help to stabilize and grow my business, I don't actually want a partner. I just know I need to learn more and rely on good professionals and experts as needed in order to shore up my operations.
After all that happened, though, things began to shift again. I've found some market and sales outlets in Indianapolis. Recently, I found a job in our state capital as well. I've made new friends and built new relationships and also took a trip "back home" so to speak by resuming Queer Chocolatier's farmers market vending again.
Just a couple days ago, I low-key celebrated my business's 5 year anniversary.
That celebration was at the end of my first week returning to the workforce, which will make running the business challenging timing-wise but also allow for a bit of cash flow to come in as an investment.
So, basically, it's messy but it's always been messy. It's hard but it's always been hard.
I love it but I've always loved it.
How to find and support Queer Chocolatier
I'm not going to have my own space for a long time but I do want to tell you how you can find me so that you can support Queer Chocolatier!
Every farmers market session for Minnetrista (Saturdays 8a- noon) for the rest of the outdoor season, which will be the end of October.
The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista will have a curated selection of my locally-crafted chocolate bars on their shelves and we look to partner for events in the future.
Smoking Goose Meatery in Indianapolis has my bars and truffles on their shelves.
I will be at a couple special events, including:
a Queer Business Expo (8/28 noon-5pm in Downtown Muncie at Open Door),
Muncie Pride (9/3 5pm-8pm in Downtown Muncie at Canon Commons),
Meet the Maker Event at the Smoking Goose Meatery (9/10 4pm-8pm in Downtown Indianapolis at 411 Dorman St).
In nearly a month or so, I hope to resume nationwide shipping! For those who have Kickstarter rewards remaining, I haven't forgotten you and your support. I'll get in touch with you to make sure you are taken care of!
And I hope to resume some version of Guided Chocolate Tasting Events, either in person or virtually, depending on how things continue to unfold in the world.
Things aren't perfect, but they never were. I'm just hoping to keep things going so long as I'm able so that when the right doors open at the right time, I can step through and allow Queer Chocolatier to shine brightly once more for all of you to see.
Long live Queer Chocolatier! 🏳️🌈🍫💪💞
