2011 in retrospect

I guess it is completely normal at this time of year to look back on the past year, personally, professionaly or both. 2011 has been a busy year for me! Shoulder surgery, including down time and rehab seems to have taken up a big chunk of the year, and I have been playing catch up ever since!
July found me with an amazing opportunity with a friend's new business. It has been so much fun at Live•Love•Paper so far. I have met the most amazing people and have been blessed with loyal chocolate supporters!
Early December put me in NYC for a Seal Foundation event, which was amazing in and of itself (Dennis Leary as an mc....amazing). I took some time in the big city to see what the big names in chocolate are doing. I have to say, I was quite nervous. Not in the spirit of competiton or anything, i just wanted to see. I have to say, I felt so much better leaving each and every shop! I don't have a factory or an army of helpers and everything I do is completely hand crafted. So, while my cuts may not be as straight and sometimes I find a bubble or two, I kick ass for just me! I drove back to VA completely happy with every aspect of my product that I can control. Now, I did see a few geat ideas for packaging, packaging is the bane of my existenxe. Sourcing packaging as a small business (or am I a micro business) is tough, trying to have as little environmental impact makes it even tougher. Plus, people want options!!! How can I make everyone in the Hampton Roads area happy??? How do I keep my costs low and make an awesome product that looks as amazing as it tastes?? Where can I get oompa loompas?
Sorry, I think I may have gotten off track there! All in all I am so pleased with all that has happened in 2011. I am so hopeful that 2012 will be more of the same. Word of mouth is getting out slowly, I am doing more special events and corporate functions and I love just chatting with everyone about chocolate! Maybe 2012 will be the year for my tasting club and more chocolate pairing seminars with Let's Talk Wine. Who really knows what the next year will bring? I sure don't, but I am excited for it none the less.