A Year of Letting Go, Learning, and (Literally) Carrying the Business Forward

2025 has been the most unique and transformative year for me, both as an entrepreneur and as a mom.

As many of you know, my year looked very different: pregnancy, maternity leave (well, “leave” in air quotes!), and the wonderful, wild ride of life with a newborn.

For the first time ever, I was almost entirely removed from daily operations at The GOOD Chocolatier—except for a recent cameo in the kitchen with my daughter Malou strapped to my back for a few hours (yes, she approves of the chocolate).

What stands out most?
This was the first year that our talented team handled **all production—custom orders, special projects, and wholesale—**while I focused on family and, honestly, just keeping the business afloat.

It wasn’t easy. The global cacao crisis and price surges, supply chain headaches, and seeing many neighboring chocolate shops close their doors made every small victory feel huge.

My main goal for 2025 was simple:
“Stay alive. Keep the lights on. Support the team.”

We did it!
Revenue held steady, and we even expanded into new stores in BC and Ontario.

But this year also meant giving up control, and with it, some of the creative hands-on work I love most. It’s a unique dilemma for makers and founders—how do you let go enough to grow, while still keeping your passion alive?

I definitely missed the chocolate-making (and learned that the business is now truly a family affair—my husband and daughter are as much a part of The GOOD Chocolatier as I am).

We launched two new flavors (Ruby Berries and Cappuccino!) and rolled out a fresh look for our seasonal offerings. Some revenue streams slowed, but our wholesale and white-label partners kept us moving forward.

There were challenges (so many!), but also moments of gratitude—especially for our incredible staff, who kept the ship steady when I couldn’t be there in person.

And for my husband, who supported every late-night inventory run and last-minute delivery, often after his own workday (and yes, he gets paid in chocolate).

Looking ahead to 2026, my word is balance.
I’m excited to blend business dreams with new family rituals, be present for both my team and my family, and—maybe—find a little more time to do what I love most: making chocolate.

To all the fellow founders, makers, and parents juggling it all: you’re not alone.
Here’s to resilience, support, and a little bit of sweetness in the year ahead. 🍫✨

-Mara