One Year Later

Yesterday marked the first anniversary of this blog and the Echea Chocolate journey. When I stop and reflect on this past year, I am blown away by all that has changed, the lessons learned, and the massive amount of chocolate made in just 365 days.

For those who are new here, let me take you back to the beginning. It all started with a bag of cacao beans, some sugar, an oven, and a blender. Yep, a blender. Let me set the scene for you…

It was 4 months into a global pandemic. We all had a ton of time on our hands, many of us picked up new hobbies. I found myself down a rabbit hole of research on the cacao industry and small businesses working to make a difference. That’s when I stumbled upon this video series by a fun and spunky chocolate business called Chocolate Spiel, based in Seattle, WA.

(You can read more about my blender bar adventures here.)

While I had hoped this little blog would become something more, I could not have imagined all that it is today. The family and friends who have come alongside and supported me, the incredible chocolate community I’ve gotten to connect with and learn from, the many, many tears shed over burnt beans and failed tempering… There is much to be grateful for.

Here’s to another year full of sweet adventures!

Before you go, let’s do a little then and now…