Gráinne Mullins has been a wonderful ambassador for innovation in the west ever since she burst onto the scene a few years ago. Her stunning story of setting up in her parents’ shed during lockdown caught the imagination — and her drive and determination saw her bespoke chocolates stocked in some of the most iconic stores in the country.
It has been an exciting journey for the Galwaywoman, but as her operation scaled to meet the demands of her growing customer base, so too have the challenges inherent in running such an intensive business. But rather than letting it throw her off kilter, defiant Grainne has surged back with an ambitious plan to create not just a base for her business, but a chocolate factory experience that will have everyone salivating.
On Tuesday, she launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to accelerate this plan and seek backing to create the chocolate factory and visitor experience. Over 30 days, she hopes she will encourage small or not so small investors to place their faith in her ability to deliver this chocolate extravaganza.
To help realise this vision, Grá Chocolates launched the Kickstarter campaign with a fundraising target of €50,000. Supporter rewards include everything from having your name on a chocolate fountain, a year’s supply of Grá Chocolates, to truly exclusive experiences like having your very own pop-up Grá Chocolates shop or an exclusive dinner party cooked for you in your own home by Gráinne Mullins herself.
At time of going to press, just a day after she started the process, she has raised almost €28,000.
Founded during lockdown, Grá Chocolates has soared in popularity. However, rising rent costs threaten to stall their progress. “I love my business and I truly think I have the dream job,” says Ms Mullins, “but it’s hard to see the future when costs just keep rising and rising.”
“I have poured all my heart into Grá Chocolates and with constant innovation, drive and passion I have grown Grá Chocolates into the brand it is today. From a start-up with a single product offering, to a small business with over 50 different product lines in just three and a half years and I couldn’t do this without the help of Team Grá.
“Now, I have an idea and we are ready to embark on our next chapter – building our own chocolate factory – and I would love people to be a part of this exciting adventure and join me in creating a space where chocolate lovers can gather, create, and celebrate the sweet moments that make life so special,” she said.
With a strong pre-launch reception on LinkedIn and Instagram, Grá Chocolates is confident that their passionate community will support their journey to a permanent home.
“We need a permanent home to continue crafting exceptional chocolate experiences for our customers,” says Ms Mullins. “This factory gives us complete control and reduces reliance on fluctuating rent costs. It also opens exciting possibilities for the future.”
“We started out in a tiny chocolate factory built in my parent’s shed and now we have passed our two-year mark in our rental unit just outside Galway city. This is where the fabulous Team Grá pour their heart and soul into making the most beautiful chocolate in Ireland.
“We have outgrown this building and are looking at plans to relocate. We are an online-first business and don’t get to see our customers face to face very often so as part of this relocation, we want to bring you, our customers, closer to us.
“Our rent is increasing to a price that we just can’t keep up with. So, we need to take action now to continue our dreams of finding a permanent home for Grá Chocolates – our very own chocolate factory. Unfortunately, the rising cost of operating has made it impossible for us to tackle this challenge alone. So we need your support to help make this dream become a reality, but don’t worry, any contribution you give will be rewarded with our exclusive Grá Awards.
For details see https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grachocolates/chocolate-lovers-destination-in-the-west-of-ireland
