How many kids do you each have and what are their ages?
I have three! Two girls and one boy between one and five years old.
What are your favorite family activities in Stamford?
We came to Stamford almost two years ago and I am still fascinated about living at the beach. We spend every free minute there even during the winter. It’s my way of meditation and I love to see the kids play using their imagination. We met a lot of pirates there!
Why did you decide to move from Germany to Stamford?
My husband and I dreamed of living and working in the U.S. for years. When he got the offer to work for an AI company in New York, we didn’t hesitate and said yes. He lived in New York while I stayed in Hamburg with the kids and was looking for a house for all of us. One day he called me via Facetime video at an open house showing here in Stamford. The house was nice and so close to the beach. But we had to decide within 24 hours. Until then I had never heard about Stamford and didn’t plan to live in Connecticut. I searched on Google the whole night about Stamford and found a blog from a mum who lived here. I loved the pictures and what she was writing. So I texted my husband: “let’s do it”. I have never regretted this decision – I couldn’t imagine a better place to live.
What do you like about Stamford?
First of all, the community I came into. I have met so many wonderful women and their families who were so warmly welcoming when we came here. Furthermore, I really appreciate the proximity to nature with the woods and the beach but at the same time we are so close to NYC – a breathtaking city! I first came to New York in 2007, fell in love and I am still fascinated by the vibrance. I love going there even if many things changed.
Tell us about Little Lotta Love.
With Little Lotta Love I produce chocolate praliné hearts and personalize them with messages from my customers in chocolate letterings. I am currently operating as a Cottage Food Company and sell through word of mouth and my webpage littlelottalove.com.
I founded the Chocolaterie last year. I know it’s a bit crazy to start a food business in a pandemic but my heart said it’s right so I couldn’t resist. My family is in this business for over five decades and chocolate is one of my biggest passions.
Why did you decide to start your business?
At first, creating the chocolate hearts was just a way to make a special gift to friends and neighbors. I got wonderful feedback and some of my best friends kept encouraging me to develop a business out of this passion. When the first people came and asked if they could buy my products this was a fantastic affirmation and I decided to start a small company – so, to start I am working from home exploring the market and my target group and hopefully grow from here.
What do you love about your business?
My mission is to make people feel loved. This is why I call my products “Happy Hearts”. I love that I can use my imagination and know-how about working and writing with chocolate to spark a smile.
How did you get started making chocolate hearts?
I was in the chocolate business my whole life but the key product of my family’s business are chocolate truffles which I would also love to add to my portfolio in the future. The chocolate hearts are perfect to get a little more creative. If you cut a chocolate heart in little pieces it’s the same like a whole box of chocolates but you can transfer a message with chocolate letterings so every product is totally unique.
Do your kids like to create with you?
Oh, they love it! We are all very creative and craft and bake together a lot. I don’t care if the house is a bit messy at the end of the day as long as everyone has fun.
How do you juggle your business and mommyhood?
Being a mum and an entrepreneur means finding a balance. I want to be a happy mum and I see motherhood as a journey of constant learning. Actually, I learn how to focus on what is really important and not to do too many things at a time even if I have so many ideas I would love to put into practice! I am very focused when I work and I work hard with very little sleep to build this little company. But I can also totally focus on our family life. And when I’m with the kids I would rarely use my phone to get some work done. I hope Little Lotta Love can be a wonderful part of my and my family’s life but at the same time I always know: my kids come first.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Don’t feel guilty.