Meet Lin and Mike McKay-Shafer | Chocolate Confectioner/Pastry Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lin and Mike McKay-Shafer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lin and Mike, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We were both employed at a university working outside of our degree program. It just wasn’t satisfying to us anymore but it also afforded us the time to really investigate what would make us happy in the future. We knew we wanted to create something. We wanted to master an art or craft; something we could grow with over time. We also wanted a business model that would successful. Then we found chocolate by happenstance after a frisbee injury.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We see chocolate and confections as a medium that allows us to express our art form and for us the most important aspect of what we do. We want to take a refined recipe and make it visually striking, appealing but also lead you in the direction of the flavor components. Our desire is to create a complete experience that will be a lasting food memory. Like that dinner you had on vacation you’ll never forget.

We don’t believe owning any small business is easy. The hurdles are many and there are so many aspects that are out of your control. Our journey has been both very difficult and at the same time extremely rewarding and often recognized. Our passion and love of our craft is what has always kept us going. The day to day challenges can sometimes strip the joy of creation. Recently we have started maintaining a ‘good day’ diary. We have so many amazing and positive things happening the simple act of taking the time to recognize them and write them down goes a very long way on a day when your POS system goes down.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado and especially the Western Slope is the most fun place to host visitors! There really is no lack of interesting, beautiful and fun things to do in Colorado. From where we live in Montrose, one absolutely must visit the Black Canyon National Monument. The views from the rim of the canyon are unparalleled. For entertaining, craft cocktails at Storm King Distillery that just won Best Small Batch Whiskey in the world at an international competition is the best place for and afternoon or evening drink; cozy inside and a great patio. While you are there Sushi on the Roll from Chef Imam cannot be beat. He makes everything to order with great care and an acute attention to detail. Pomona Brewing just opened. They brew great beer. The interior is beautiful, they serve a mean chicken sandwich and they have free games like darts and shuffle board in the back. If your visitor is here for a few days, then you have to check out the surrounding area hot springs in Ridgway and Ouray, summer and winter activities in Telluride and Crested Butte. Fishing, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, film fests the list goes on and on. We really are so very lucky to live in such an amazing state!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We have been extremely fortunate to always be surrounded by people who believe in what we are doing and are willing to help. Our families have been the greatest amount of support over the years. They have helped us across the board in every aspect of our business; financially, emotionally, and physically. We certainly would not be where we are today without them. Our dear friend Chef Jenny Brulé author of Learn to Cook 25 Southern Classics, restauranteur, TV Chef really ignited our careers starting in Charlotte, NC. She wrote an article about our business, got us TV cooking spots on the local news, and connected us with clients that really helped us grow rapidly. Currently our mentor and consultant Amanda Snouffer, who was an assistant chef at the academy we attended and former production manager for luxury large scale chocolate confectioners, inspires, trains and teaches us how to be our very best. She energizes our love of production and desire to constantly hone our craft.

Website: alpenconfections.com

Instagram: @alpenconfections

Facebook: @alpenconfections