On this week's Local Heroes Podcast, your average hosts Chris and Dan talk to the electric and entrepreneurial Steffi Smith - a true North East legend and one of the region’s most inspiring business role models.

As the founder of The Chocolate Smiths, she has built not just an iconic brand, but a blueprint for creativity, resilience, and modern entrepreneurship. Steffi opens up about discovering her ADHD later in life, how it shaped her path, and how embracing it became one of her greatest strengths.

She takes us from the early days of making chocolate bars in her kitchen with a microwave, to becoming a social media favourite, earning a viral shoutout from Joe Wicks, and navigating the overwhelming pressures that came with rapid growth.

Steffi speaks with rare honesty about burnout, self-doubt, and the moment she nearly walked away — before rebuilding her business with more clarity, courage, and conviction than ever.

From designing bespoke moulds, elevating her brand, and switching to ethically sourced Colombian chocolate, to investing deeply in her team and leading with creativity, Steffi demonstrates exactly why she’s become such an incredible entrepreneurial example for emerging founders everywhere.

Packed with laughter, spills, wild ideas, breakfast-and-brainstorm sessions, and even a call for a Greggs × Chocolate Smiths collab, this episode showcases the brilliance, passion, and heart that make Steffi a local hero in every sense.

If you love powerful founder stories, creativity, neurodiversity, or just really good chocolate — this conversation will stay with you.

Support the podcast and join out Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP