Launching Queer Chocolatier
The last several months have been filled with ups and downs, let me tell you. In starting my dream business, I would go from fits of denial (re: Netflix binge, anyone?) to crying to sleep to waking up filled with joy about the day to come. “I’m doing this!” I would loudly proclaim to my wife. Sometimes it would come out more, “I’m doing this?!” but those were generally early days.
I unequivocally could not have launched Queer Chocolatier without my wife. She is one of many folx who have encouraged me over the years and years. I’m so unspeakably lucky to be loved.
Another special person who showed me love was my late grandma, Dorothy Madewell Roddy. My pre-launch date is 8/14/17 in her honor. She’s always been on my mind as I mused over opening a food venture. If you wonder where it is I get my sweet tooth from, rest assured it’s entirely her fault; she’d keep baking chocolate chips in a drawer and, as a toddler and prodigious catburgler, I’d sneak mouthfuls. Although, she managed to catch me every single time...
Queer Chocolatier is my dream. I will make for you indulgent truffles, and artwork for your home, all while sharing my wonky passion for food and society. Official launch date is 8/21/17!
Here I am, with you, standing on a launching pad! Let’s take off together! I’ll pack snacks!
three-word-thoughts
For this month’s Three-Word-Thoughts, I will share three words that I think describe me:
Optimistic | Passionate | Obnoxious
Tell me about yourself, using three words! I’m looking forward to getting to know y’all!
I personally think they look nothing like mushrooms. Mostly because I love chocolate and hate, hate, HATE mushrooms.
I’m sure it’s mutual.
Cocoa Q&A
Q: What are truffles?
A: Truffles are chocolate confections that, at their most basic, are made with chocolate, cream and butter, and are finished by either rolling in cocoa powder or dipping in chocolate. Using these ingredients as a canvas, rainbows of flavors are also incorporated to make each truffle a unique experience.
Q: Okay, sounds great, but why “truffles”?
A: Folx back in the day thought these confections looked a great deal similar to the highly-prized black truffle mushrooms due to the dusting of cocoa powder that resembled dirt. The name has stuck ever since.
Queer Chocolatier Survey Feedback
This summer, brave persons tested a batch of truffles and provided valuable feedback. The sociologist in me says,“Data in, data out” meaning I want to share their wisdom with you!
1. Shipping logistics was the biggest challenge identified by the testers. Rating 4.08 out of 5.00.
2. Truffles overall were well received by testers. Rating 4.50 out of 5.00.
3. Flavors were received with mixed reactions, 4.33 out of 5.00, with some items being too subtle and others being overpowering.
4. Love for QC was reported by testers! 5.00 out of 5.00 rating on recommending Queer Chocolatier to others.
PODCAST: THE SLOW MELT
The fabulous podcast called The Slow Melt explores the multiple layers of how we come to love the cherished food that is chocolate.
I cannot recommend this delightful podcast enough!
News: The Advocate
A must-read article from The Advocate about queer women and politics (hint: more of us should run for office).
News: Allure
In a recent scathing critique of transphobia, misogynoir, and toxic masculinity, Janet Mock responded to an aired radio show episode that featured casual ignorance and violence. I’ll not link to the episode, only to Mock’s response.
Podcast: Queer Public Health
Queer Public Health is a podcast featuring a wealth of wide-ranging topics that are important to the LGBTQIA community and it is definitely worth a listen, but episodes do run a bit long.
Book: Queer, There, and everywhere
A 2017 book called Queer, There, and Everywhere is on my ever-growing reading list! If anyone wants to read along with me, holler!
