Meet Rae Queen

We recently connected with Rae Queen and have shared our conversation below.

Rae, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose in making dairy-free chocolates and confections more accessible to the local community and beyond through my deep passion for creating positive change in the world. My journey began with a growing awareness of the impact that traditional dairy production has on the environment, animal welfare and my health. I wanted to be part of the solution—offering delicious, high-quality treats that align with my values of sustainability, compassion, and inclusivity.
For me, chocolate is more than just a sweet treat—it’s an experience. I want to give everyone, whether they normally eat dairy or not, the opportunity to discover and appreciate the rich flavors and textures of high-quality chocolate. Many people have never explored chocolate beyond conventional milk-based varieties, and I love introducing them to the depth and purity of dairy-free options. By focusing on quality ingredients and careful craftsmanship, I aim to create chocolates that anyone can enjoy, while also opening the door to a greater understanding of what makes chocolate truly special.
My mission is not just about making great confections but also about inspiring a shift toward more mindful consumption. Every bite of dairy-free chocolate is a small step towards a kinder, more sustainable world, and that drives me every day to continue innovating, educating, and sharing my passion with my community and beyond.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I specialize in crafting dairy-free, artisan chocolate truffles and fudge using minimal, clean ingredients. My goal is to make high-quality, dairy-free chocolates more accessible to everyone, and to give everyone a chance to explore fine chocolate in a new way. By removing dairy, I allow the true flavors of chocolate to shine, giving people a chance to experience its richness and complexity.
With our first storefront opening in February 2025, we’re creating more than just a place to buy chocolate—we’re building an inviting space where people can immerse themselves in a new chocolate-tasting experience. We want to shift perspectives and show that dairy-free chocolate isn’t just an alternative—it’s a delicious, high-quality choice in its own right. Through tastings, education, and thoughtfully crafted confections, we hope to inspire curiosity and appreciation for chocolate in its purest form.
We’re also working toward making our chocolates even more accessible by launching shipping this spring, so more people can experience our handcrafted treats no matter where they are. Whether in our store or from a distance, we’re excited to share a chocolate experience that is both indulgent and intentionally crafted for everyone to enjoy.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are faith, persistence, and passion. These have guided me through challenges, helped me grow, and ultimately led me to where I am today.
First, faith has been the foundation of everything. Faith in my purpose, faith in the process, and faith that even in moments of uncertainty, I am on the right path. Entrepreneurship is full of unknowns, but believing in the bigger vision has given me the strength to keep going, even when things didn’t unfold the way I expected.
Second, persistence has been essential. Building something meaningful doesn’t happen overnight, and there are always obstacles along the way. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but I learned that success isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about pushing through them. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every small step forward brings you closer to your goals.
Lastly, passion is what fuels everything I do. Without passion, it’s easy to lose motivation when things get tough. But when you truly love what you’re building, that passion keeps you moving forward, inspiring creativity, resilience, and the drive to make a difference.
For anyone starting or growing in their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is to trust in your vision, stay persistent even when things get difficult, and let your passion guide you. There will be challenges, but if you stay true to your purpose and keep moving forward, success will come in ways you never imagined.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

A challenge I continuously face is the fear of whether I can keep up with the demands of my business and persist through the challenges ahead. As my business grows, I sometimes worry about whether I’ll be able to handle everything—managing production, meeting customer expectations, and sustaining the energy needed to keep pushing forward. There are moments when the pressure feels overwhelming, and intrusive thoughts creep in, telling me, Maybe I should just work a regular job and use my free time to just relax, travel, or pick up a new hobby.
But what keeps me going is the deep understanding that this is about more than just me. My purpose isn’t just to run a business—it’s to make a positive impact, to create something meaningful that brings people together, and to change the way people experience chocolate. Even when doubt sets in, I remind myself that this journey is worth it. No matter how difficult it gets, I’m committed to pushing forward—not just for myself, but for the bigger vision that drives me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: Under construction
• Instagram: cloudcityconfections_co
• Facebook: Cloud City Confections- https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570016757386&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user