Episode #26

Mary Griffith

Episode Title:
From Side Hustle to Sweet Success: The 30-Year Journey of Virginia’s Finest Chocolates

Episode Description:
In this deliciously inspiring episode, host April Kemp sits down with Mary Griffith, founder of Virginia’s Finest Chocolates. What started as a high school hobby turned into a decades-long dream—now a thriving business built on chocolate, creativity, and courage. Mary shares how she grew her company from student projects to corporate gifting power player, while also mentoring young dreamers, navigating COVID pivots, and never missing a chance to deliver sweetness in person.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if they can build a business from scratch, follow a passion long-term, or turn a love for chocolate into a legacy.

Key Discussion Points:

  • [01:41] How a high school chocolate-making class sparked a business idea

  • [03:03] The link between sales, Girl Scouts, and personal empowerment

  • [04:22] Why chocolate is more than candy—it's a celebration

  • [06:26] Milestones: Self-funded beginnings, college mentors, and Rhodes Scholar teaching

  • [10:10] Building hustle from being the oldest sibling with big responsibilities

  • [13:05] The moment a professor called her “the face of her business”

  • [15:02] COVID as a business shutdown—and how care packages saved the day

  • [17:54] Self-talk for perfectionists: “Just do it.”

  • [20:00] Taking the leap to full-time entrepreneurship when laid off

  • [26:00] Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: explore, research, shadow, and pivot

  • [30:00] Thinking outside the box: Subscription chocolate, tastings, and educational pairings

Notable Quotes:

  • “If you’re not open as an entrepreneur, you’re not going to get very far.”

  • “You’re going to be selling yourself if nothing else.”

  • “You have to play your winners on the hard days.”

  • “Risks don’t always have to be something you’re pushed into.”

  • “Chocolate is my way of delivering joy—and showing up for people.”

Takeaways:

  • You don’t need a loan to start a business—you need hustle and self-trust.

  • Being an introvert doesn’t stop you from leading, mentoring, and growing boldly.

  • Pivots, like care packages and subscription boxes, can be lifelines during crises.

  • Investing in mentorship and continued learning fuels lasting success.

  • Delivering happiness (literally) can be the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship.

Connect with Guest:
• Website: https://www.chocolategifts.com/
• Instagram: @vachocolates

Connect with Us:
• Follow April Kemp on Instagram: @fanaticaldreamher
• Stay updated on new episodes of Fanatical DreamHer: https://www.fanaticaldreamher.com/
• Email April: april@fanaticaldreamher.com

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