Exploring Life & Business with Katherine Duncan of Katherine Anne Confections

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Duncan.  

Hi Katherine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up on a 200-acre farm in Wisconsin, where we used cream from our cows to make truffles and caramels every holiday. When I moved to Chicago at 18, I continued making confections for friends and family. In 2006 at age 22, I started Katherine Anne Confections. In 2012 we opened our first retail location and are expanding to a larger second location, slated to open spring 2023! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Heck no. Starting a business at 22 has its challenges, from learning how to run a business, to how to manage people, to what’s truly important in life. Finding that path and transitioning to a values-based business has been a bumpy road, but so very worth it. And that came on top of figuring out how to do financials, insurance, work with the FDA, and all of that jazz. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Katherine Anne Confections?
I started my company in 2006 with about $5000 and an excel spreadsheet to track costs. We’ve come so far! We are an artisan chocolate company, making truffles/caramels/marshmallows/drinking chocolate to national acclaim. We focus on local, seasonal, and ridiculously delicious. Everything is made with a lot of love – from our drinking chocolate topped with torched house-made marshmallows to our truffles, made with local cream and hand-dipped to perfection. 

We offer custom flavors to our corporate and hotel clients and love creating exclusive amenities! In addition, we offer hot chocolate bars, s’mores toastings, and truffle rollings. Action stations are our happy place. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It never hurts to ask. I’m still looking for a mentor! 

Contact Info:

• Website: katherine-anne.com
• Instagram: katherineanneconfections
• Facebook: katherineanneconfections

Image Credits
Credit Katherine
Anne Confections