In a world where societal expectations often dictate a linear path through life, Jane Swayne’s story serves as a delightful reminder that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure. At the age of 62, a single bite of an exquisite chocolate forever altered the course of Swayne’s life, leading her to reinvent herself as a chocolatier extraordinaire.
A Fateful Encounter with Flavor
Swayne’s transformative journey began during a visit to her daughter in The Hague back in 2013. Seeking a special gift for her husband, she stumbled upon a local chocolatier who crafted an unforgettable sea salt and tarragon chocolate. That first taste was a revelation for Swayne, who had never been particularly fond of chocolate as a child.
“I ate one and realised I hadn’t tried anything like it before,” Swayne recalls. “I never liked chocolate as a child, but this was miraculous. I decided I had to try to recreate them when I got home – one box wouldn’t be enough.”
Encouraged by her husband John’s enthusiasm, Swayne set out to master the art of chocolate-making upon returning home to Somerset. Despite her love for cooking, this was uncharted territory for the former charity worker. Undeterred, she immersed herself in the labor-intensive process, relying on fresh herbs to capture the essence of that life-changing chocolate.
From Hobby to Calling
As Swayne honed her chocolate-making skills, her beloved charity work in postwar Kosovo faced a devastating blow. After a decade of operating on a shoestring budget, the summer school she founded for children with special needs lost its funding. Amidst the heartbreak, a serendipitous advertisement for a chocolate-making course caught her eye, feeling like a sign from the universe.
Under the tutelage of master chocolatier Ruth Hinks, Swayne discovered that her self-taught techniques needed refinement. Humbled but determined, she grappled with the science behind tempering chocolate and crafting perfect ganache. Hinks’ direct approach and Swayne’s unrelenting passion forged a path forward, as she returned for a second course despite initial struggles.
“When I turned up for my second course with Ruth, she was incredulous I was back,” Swayne admits. “But I had the bug by then.”
Crafting a Sweet Business
Equipped with newfound knowledge and an insatiable curiosity, Swayne transformed a corner of a disused barn into her chocolate workshop. Drawing inspiration from local flavors, she experimented with combinations from Niki Segnit’s Flavour Thesaurus before landing on a winning partnership with the Somerset Cider Brandy Company.
Infusing her chocolates with the company’s spirits, Swayne developed captivating flavor profiles like cardamom and ginger, coffee and cherry. The founder’s enthusiastic response and request to stock her creations marked the birth of Gilbert & Swayne, her entrepreneurial venture at the age of 62.
“It cost me thousands to get the business started, but I loved making people happy with my chocolates, so it was worth it,” Swayne reflects. “I also decided to donate 10% of my profits to charity, to keep connected to my old life.”
A Renaissance of Purpose
As word of Swayne’s artisanal chocolates spread, so did the demand for her expertise. By 2016, she expanded her offerings to include chocolate-making workshops, sharing her passion with eager students from all walks of life. Today, at 73, Swayne and her full-time assistant craft up to 5,000 chocolates per week during the busy holiday season, with 22 delectable flavor combinations and 160 unique moulded designs.
“It’s incredible to meet people from all walks of life on the courses and to teach them something new,” Swayne marvels. “I can’t believe this is what I do now, especially since I was never into chocolate as a child. But if one piece of chocolate can lead me to reinvent myself at 62, anyone else can find their passion, too.”
Jane Swayne’s extraordinary journey serves as a testament to the power of following one’s heart, no matter the age or circumstances. Through her chocolate creations and workshops, she continues to spread joy and inspire others to embrace life’s unexpected detours. In a world that often glorifies youth, Swayne’s story is a sweet reminder that our greatest adventures may be waiting just around the corner, ready to be unwrapped one bite at a time.
