Feature Friday: First Date Confections
You won't find a sweeter lady. Seriously. Tatiana is the amazing woman behind First Date Confections, a line of healthy, delicious chocolates. I first met Tatiana at a networking event, and as most of these Feature Friday meet-cutes go, we followed each other on Instagram. I have been drooling ever since.
Read on and I promise you are going to want to put in an order or two of these babies.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your work. Where are you from? What do you do?
It is such a pleasure to be this week’s Feature Friday! My name is Tatiana and I am the artist/creative mind behind First Date Confections! First Dates are healthy chocolates made from scratch and handcrafted with love. They are filled with wholesome ingredients and gently sweetened with Medjool dates. They are also created WITHOUT nuts, gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, and refined sugar.
First Date Confections are carried at the Clothing Bar Boutique in Marda Loop and will soon be popping up in a few more locations around the city! They can also be ordered online at www.firstdateconfectionary.com and we cater for any kind of special event!
What inspires you to do what you do? How did you start doing this work?
When life suddenly put my plans and dreams on hold, I found a place of healing in my kitchen. The kitchen has always been a sanctuary for me, a place to slow down while the outside world continues to move along its ever-faster pace. Colours, textures, and tastes…whisked together with imagination…. the possibilities are endless. Whether I am mixing ingredients or tasting (which happens a little too often), each stir or taste brings me into the present moment.
Each ingredient I use is mindfully chosen to blend, balance and harmonize. These days many people have allergies and sensitivities and it can be challenging to find delicious healthy treats that everyone can enjoy together. I truly believe that food should be enjoyed and nourish all our senses.
It brings me joy to be in the kitchen each day making something that brings a smile to each persons’ face who tastes a First Date.
What inspires you most about your community?
I feel very fortunate to call Calgary my home. I have never before encountered such a welcoming community of people, supporting and helping one another grow. Calgary has a growing number of small businesses and entrepreneurs of all ages who are incredibly passionate and inspiring. It is also a beautiful place to live; the nearby mountains and surrounding nature inspires a flow of creativity but also provide a peaceful setting to relax and clear your mind.
If you could give anyone who is starting out in your field one piece of advice, what would it be?
Follow your heart. You will know when it feels right and whatever you do will be filled with more passion and creative energy.
Trust the process and let life unfold. Learn to accept and embrace the uncertainty, each day opens new doors and brings unique opportunities and challenges.
Celebrate ‘mistakes’, they are a necessary part of the process, we discover a lot about ourselves and we often learn more from them than we do from our successes.
Tell me three fun facts about yourself or your organization.
- Harmony follows me in all aspects of my life, be it the kitchen or music. I play the guitar, autoharp, and an Indian instrument called the ‘Shruti’.
- I am endlessly curious.
- I was born in Germany and am part German, part Japanese, and part Dutch.
How can people get in touch?
Website: www.firstdateconfectionary.com
Instagram: @firstdateconfectionsyyc
P.S. We love hearing from you! If you have enjoyed your First Date, please write us a love note!
Do you know of a person, business, non-profit or other organization doing amazing work in Calgary? Tell me about it! Visit the Feature Friday page for more information!
