Forum Activity for @Mimi Wheeler

How does one make a living in the chocolate business?

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Hi Brad et all,

I work about 35 hours a week and this number is much less that two years ago. The business is in my head most of the time but mostly happy thoughts. I take 3 or 4 one week ( 10 days usually to Ecuador) vacations plus about five 3 to 4 day weekends off in a year and my crew is consistently amazing and do a great job in my absence. If I was not at work most of the time I would not feel part of the team and enjoy the business the way I do. Every day I think of the magic of what we produce, the great South American chocolate, my travels here and the collaboration with so many local food producers. I do not aim to make a lot of money- My experience that money pollute many people's minds. My model of business is just another kind than the one you are describing and there is no right or wrong.

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Always happy to discuss and support others. Great website Clay. Thanks!! MImi

How does one make a living in the chocolate business?

Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Hello to all! My point of view differs a bit from what has been said. I am close to 60 and started this business 8 years ago as a second career and did not set out to make a fortune but aiming for a smaller revenue. I started with a couple of thousand dollars of my saving in investment and rented space. I use fairly simple tempering pots and keep a relatively small overhead. I employ 4-8 people and have production, retail, web sales and wholesale. I started from the principle: "if you build it they will come" and it worked for me. The mortgage was almost paid and the kids were out of college. Some would call me naive but it has been a joyful journey with consistent and manageable growth and last year a 40 % increase in sales. A very noticeble store front, great graphics and logo, passion for the work and customer contacts and a fantastic staff who love what they do and are encouraged to be creative is my success.n Always happy to support others on their "journey". Mimi

Any bulk organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance certified quality couverture chocolate available?

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Thanks. I do know their product and i met them a while back in NYC. Thanks! Mimi

Any bulk organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance certified quality couverture chocolate available?

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

I use a combo ofVintage Chocolate, NYC, Santander and El Rey. My profile is all South Amerrica and about 70 percent cocoa. best to you! mimi

Any bulk organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance certified quality couverture chocolate available?

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

HI Joe,

My posting is quite old and since then I have expanded to use chocolate from other south american countries. I am all set right no- but thanks. Unfortunately Norm and I will not be coming to Ecuador this spring- tickets became too expensive because we acted late on shopping. I might be coming down in November. I hope that you and Barbara are well! I advertise Mindo Chocolate when I can!

Warm regards, Mimi

Any bulk organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance certified quality couverture chocolate available?

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

thanks Nat. I will not even contact them with your description. Mimi

Any bulk organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance certified quality couverture chocolate available?

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

Called and talked to Grenada Chocolate. They do not sell bulk chocolatier but only bars and cocoa. Thanks anyway Mark!

Any bulk organic, fair trade or Rainforest Alliance certified quality couverture chocolate available?

Posted in: Classifieds F/S or Wanted

I have problems buying enough chocolate, working primarily with a small Rainforest Alliance certified chocolate company. This has been a problem off and on for the last 7 years. I am considering Columbian Santander, made by a company that has a statements on their website about paying farmers fair wages and work with sustainable practices. Does anyone have advice for me? Thank you Mimi
updated by @Mimi Wheeler: 06/29/23 16:49:02

cacao butter bulk sought

Posted in: News & New Product Press

thank you brad. good pricing and it's ordered. mimi

cacao butter bulk sought

Posted in: News & New Product Press

can anyone help me source cacao butter for my chocolate production? thank you!
updated by @Mimi Wheeler: 04/15/15 16:31:46

the dilemma of using color tinted cacao butter/white chocolate

Posted in: Opinion

I'd love to find these natural colors if there is something fairly bright out there. I've tried a few and the look is the light pink, light green etc. I have thought of experiencing with beet powder but I don't think that the flavor would go..thanks for responding despite my provokotive statement.

the dilemma of using color tinted cacao butter/white chocolate

Posted in: Opinion

talking about purity of cacao varieties and such - I am quite confused over the array of transfer sheets/ air brushing etc using artificial colors in the practice of many chocolatiers.
updated by @Mimi Wheeler: 04/10/15 10:29:11

Heading to Guatemala next week

Posted in: News & New Product Press

visiting Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Can I learn anything about cacao here?
updated by @Mimi Wheeler: 04/17/15 15:32:37

The high cost for farmers of organic and fair trade certifications

Posted in: Opinion

As a small chocolatier, I agree completely. The cost on my end is similar and it's very challenging if you wish to remain small and not take on debt. My little crew (including me) make a modest earning working very hard and there is simply not earnings to afford certification. Most of our ingredients are organic or grown locally without pesticides and my customers trust us and we are transparent in how we run our business.mimi at grocersdaughter.com