On a chilly November 17, the warmth of community and the sweetness of chocolate were abruptly interrupted by an unforgiving blaze. The fire that engulfed Madame Coco Chocolate Emporium, along with two other beloved women-owned businesses, marked a heart-wrenching moment for all involved. What began as an ordinary evening quickly transformed into a scene of devastation that would shake the very foundation of our community.

When I first received the call at 10:58pm, I assumed it was just another false alarm. The urgency in the voice on the other end, however, made it clear that something far more serious was unfolding. I hurried down to the Emporium, my heart racing with disbelief. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight that awaited: five fire trucks, their lights flashing against the night sky, blown-out windows, and debris scattered across the street. The air was thick with smoke and despair.

Inside, I encountered the Chief Fire Marshal inspecting the scene – a stark reminder of the chaos that had just transpired. We were instructed not to take photos or discuss the fire while the investigation was ongoing. The uncertainty hung heavy in the air, fueling our distress. Whispers of arson began to circulate, casting shadows of blame over Madame Coco and our neighboring businesses. For days, we grappled with a whirlwind of emotions: sadness, anger, and a sense of helplessness. The very essence of what we had built together felt threatened, and the timing of the fire could not have been crueler. With the holiday season around the corner, Madame Coco was poised to share its handcrafted chocolates—tokens of joy meant for gifting and gathering. Instead, the shelves that should have been brimming with sweetness were now ash, their magic extinguished.

In the days that followed, Stacey, Tierra and I returned to the site, making solemn trips to sift through the remains of what we had built.

The charred wooden counters and fragments of chocolate boxes stood as silent witnesses to the tireless hours spent curating every detail. 

A scorched ribbon, ruptured bottles of non-alcoholic wine — each item we uncovered felt like a fragile relic, carrying whispers of the dreams and dedication that had poured into the shop. 

And yet, even amid the ashes and ruin, there were glimmers of hope that reminded us of the resilience within and around us.

Our community offered letters of support, kind words, and gestures reminding us that we were not alone. As we navigated the aftermath of the fire, we (Les madames) continue to find strength in each other. We refused to let this tragedy define us. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, we are determined to rebuild and emerge stronger than ever. I am overjoyed to announce that we have found a new home for Madame Coco. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite all of you to join us in our journey.

In the spirit of community, we are planning a fundraising event in January where we will showcase our creations once again. Your participation will not only help us regain our footing but also celebrate the resilience and unity that have defined our neighborhood.

Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we will rise, rebuild, and continue to spread sweetness and joy throughout our community. See you in January when we introduce The Parlour, a libations lounge with coffee by day, cocktails by night – and Madame Coco chocolate, always. 

More to come darlings! #rise 

– Meshelle