Help Annabel become a bangin' therapist

Hi! I'm Annabel, founder of Annabel's Patisserie.

After six years of throwing everything at my passion to pursue a business in chocolate making, I've been met with the final hurdle and have decided to close the business. This industry has never been sustainable for me, I've sacrificed my personal time, my physical health, and a stable income in order to make it work.

Since the global price rises in cocoa, I've struggled to be able to afford to take time off, holidays certainly haven't been an option, and I've started to look towards a more meaningful impact in the world.

I tried to create change by having an strong focus on ethically sourced ingredients, and the supporting the local economy, but this came at a cost, and I just couldn't keep giving this much of myself.

I have embarked upon a new career path in counselling, which I hope one day to merge with my chocolate skills and create something unique. I sense that I've built a loyal following through my chocolate work, who have now become interested in what I have to say when it comes to mental health, neurodivergence, eating disorders, and other such topics. I'm really hoping that with this, I can use this opportunity to make a plea and ask anyone who feels generous enough, to help me fund my training.

The money will go towards the counselling fees, as well as into a pot to fund the implementation of workshops and tastings. I am keen to find ways to give back to the community with this - whether it's educating school kids on the cocoa farming industry, or creating funded workshops for people who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford such activities.

Asking for help involves quashing my feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment as I consider how many other issues in the world need tending to. However, I hope if you've followed me thus far, you can see I am authentic in my beliefs and in my desire to do some good.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated!

See you soon! Annabel x