Creating tasty treats that make people happy has always been my passion. Seeing someone bite into one of my handmade truffles and seeing their smile light up their face is the best feeling in the world. That smile is the most rewarding piece of small business ownership, and to brighten someone’s day with a tasty treat is exactly what my purpose is.

After over 13 years of running my small fudge and chocolate shop (Gunflint Mercantile) in Grand Marais, MN it was time for a reset. I was experiencing some major burnout. I was putting in some long hours and running the entire business completely on my own. I made the product, sold the product and everything in between. I was a company of one person. As things evolved and Grand Marais got busier and busier I hired more and more seasonal employees. And we grew and learned and matured every single year. During that time I let my business take control of me. I spent countless hours trying to keep my head above water in the sea of chocolate. I’ve missed out on spending time with my family because my days off were so limited and “I had to make the hay while the sun shines.” I felt as though I no longer owned a business but my business owned me. So I took the reins and pulled back, and I am regaining control over my business and my life and rebranding the business to make it my own again.

The Chocolate Dog incorporates my love and passion for all things chocolate…and also the other thing I love most on this planet…dogs! Our mission is to provide delicious and sustainable products that are made locally and consumable, not cluttering homes or ending up in a landfill somewhere someday. The Chocolate Dog is handmade treats for you and for your pup because dogs smile, too!