Contrary to popular belief, I am all about the "slow and steady" growth path. There's a huge benefit to organic, steady growth versus boom boom kachoo explosion of massive success all in one shot. 

Do you ever think to yourself, you can't wait to be successful? Follow-up question: Are you prepared for that success?

Sharing my personal experience with this topic as well as what I've seen working for another chef who dealt with a massive growth business-wise that his business wasn't prepared to handle, and the consequences of it.

That is the tea in today's "I Heart Chocolate Podcast."

Have you ever heard the expression, "You're not a real chef til you've cried in the walk-in?" Ugh. When I polled on Instagram about this topic, there were many of you who resonated. I wanted to dive deeper into why this happens and how it is so NOT okay. 

But by going through this myself, it has helped shape what I intend to do with my company and for chocolatiers all around.

You read that title right, my friend. We are all scared. Can't escape it. It's part of life. BUT we all also have a choice on how to deal with that. We all have an opportunity to better ourselves...to grow wiser, to get stronger, to become more confident. The chocolate journey can be sooooo beautiful....so if you're feeling freaked out, listen to this episode. It is a good one!

Hey chocolate friends, it finally happened. We received our very first unpleasant customer experience message, and honestly, it sucked. BUT in true Codinha fashion, we took this as a learning lesson and I wanted to share how we were able to rectify the situation and make amends with our customer so we avoided the worst outcome possible---negative reviews, public bashing, etc.

It's impromptu, and pardon the tone (also under the weather), but it's real. We're talking how I dealt with our first unhappy customer in today's I Heart Chocolate Podcast. 

Hey chocolate friends, this is a very special podcast episode with my good friend and former mentee, Camilla Groen of Groen & Co. Chocolates. She and I discuss the reality of being a small business and how we went about figuring out our packaging, as well as share some of the lessons we've learned through our mistakes.

If you're new to choc biz, packaging and fulfillment is essential especially as an e-commerce store. Lots of good info in this one. Hope you enjoy :)

Camilla's IG: @groenandcochocolates

"How much?" Have you ever been asked this through the DM, at a Pop-up, in person? No conversation, no "how are you", nada...just a straight up price-ask? 

The cold harsh truth is that not every single person out there is going to be YOUR customer. Not every single person is going to understand how amazing your product is. BUT there are some ways to prevent this and to deal with it when it happens.

I discuss that in today's I Heart Chocolate Podcast.

PS if you have been enjoying the content, please leave me a review! It means the world to help spread the chocolate happiness :)

With everything going on in the world right now, just wanted to come on real quick and 1) send love to everyone listening to this podcast, especially to the people in the Ukraine and Russia who stand on the opposite end of all the violence happening right now. 

I never intended to use this platform to discuss politics, but the news is so tragic. The last couple years have been especially rough. Take a moment to count your blessings, especially the simple beauty of being able to do what you love and hold your loved ones close. 

Hey chocolatiers, in today's "I Heart Chocolate" Podcast, just a gentle reminder that it is okay to be exactly as you are. In fact, it opens doors. Doors that may benefit you in chocolate. Doors that may lead to something else huge. Doors that let you shine your light exactly as you are.

It's so easy to get caught up in the hype of appearances or to people-please to keep the peace. I argue that owning your truth is the kindest thing you can do for yourself, not just as a chocolatier, but as a person. 

It's a deep one today but it's a much needed reminder :)

Are you shy, chocolate friend? Do you know that you need to show up more for your business but you lack the know-how? Or you lack the time? 

I hope this podcast helps you move your rear end up outta your chair and start showing face more. I hope it gives you the confidence to show the world what an amazing, passionate chocolatier you are. 

I hope you start showing up more today! Btw, friendly reminder that if you enjoyed this podcast and write a review on the podcast platform (send a screenshot or share to your stories) and send it over to us @codinhachocolate on Instagram or [email protected] for a chance to win a 2:1 FREE consultation call with Bruno and I. 

We want you to start making moves and changing the game for yourself. Good luck!

Hey chocolate friends, have you ever noticed that after you start making some progress and you're on your chocolate high, there's always something or someone to bring you down? And you hate that this happens but you can't understand completely why? Those are triggers.

On the road to becoming your most successful self, you're going to be tested. It's why I always emphasize the mind being strong because if you master your mind and how you identify and respond to these triggers, you'll win the game.