A Sweet Mother-Daughter Partnership

With Mother’s Day rapidly approaching, I feel compelled to highlight an inspiring mother-daughter duo that I recently had the privilege to get to know. Behind the vibrant, whimsical packaging of Maeve Chocolate (formerly Seattle Chocolate) stand Jean and Ellie Thompson – a pair whose complementary strengths and mutual respect have transformed a beloved regional brand into something boldly new.

During our conversation, I learned that the edgy, whimsical rebrand wasn’t simply about a name change. It represents the perfect blend of Jean’s decades of experience and Ellie’s fresh perspective as a Gen Z marketer – a generational partnership that brings together wisdom and innovation.

Owner and CEO, Jean, who took over Seattle Chocolate in 2001 after an earthquake threatened to shutter the company, explained to me that she never thought of her company as a legacy business. So when Ellie, during her senior year of college, asked if she might someday run the firm, Jean was surprised but cautiously excited.

For Ellie, joining the family business wasn’t a foregone conclusion. Her journey began with childhood field trips to the chocolate factory and summers working various positions as an intern. This foundation-first approach was intentional – starting at the bottom and working her way up through production, retail, and marketing.

Ellie’s path to becoming Brand Manager wasn’t characterized by nepotism, but rather by deliberate progression through the ranks. Jean wisely established a career trajectory for her daughter that started at the foundation – having Ellie work in production, retail, and various departments before advancing to leadership. This strategic approach helped Ellie earn credibility, build authentic relationships with teammates, and establish her own identity beyond simply being “the owner’s daughter.”

What makes their partnership special goes beyond business strategy. At a human relationship level, both Jean and Ellie told me that they have always been unusually close. They share important similarities while possessing complementary differences – a dynamic balance that proved crucial in the evolution to Maeve. Where they align in values and vision, they differ in perspective and expertise, creating a partnership greater than the sum of its parts.

Jean brings decades of industry knowledge and operational expertise, while Ellie contributes deep insights into social media, current trends, and packaging aesthetics that appeal to younger consumers. “When we married those two together, it created something really special,” Ellie noted.

Their communication style is refreshingly direct. Jean recalls how Ellie once told her, “Let me know when you’re really ready to listen” during a moment when Jean was jumping straight to problem-solving rather than truly hearing her daughter’s concerns. This honest exchange created a foundation of trust and respect that carries through to their professional relationship.

The Maeve rebrand reflects both their values and vision – with vibrant packaging featuring fantastical characters and a continued commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. The company donates 10% of profits to support cocoa farmers and uses compostable packaging despite the challenges these choices present.  Jean told me, “if you don’t take care of the farmers, you’ve got nothing.”  She went on to say how proud she is to produce a product that the consumer can feel good about, rally behind, and support with their pocketbook because it is doing something good for the future.

Now that Maeve products are available nationally through retailers like Sprouts and World Market, this mother-daughter partnership continues to prove that family business can be both innovative and values-driven – a deliciously successful recipe and a sweet reminder of what makes mother-daughter relationships so special.

With deep appreciation and love, I want to wish my own amazing mom, Charlene Muller, a wonderful Mother’s Day.  And, to all mom’s out there, enjoy your day!

Happy Networking!

P.S. – Jean tells me the Maeve dark chocolate bonbons are something quite special… Ellie says that the “chocolate to filling ratio” of the dark and white chocolate truffle bar called the Hungry Blackberry is not to be missed.  Go check ‘em out!