07/13/2025
A long-lost friend reached out recently, asking me to bake her wedding cake, and it made me realize how much I haven't shared about what's been going on with Posh Ganache. It's been a journey of self-reflection, pivoting, and unexpected growth.
Two years ago, almost to the day (July 2023), my life changed. After years of manageable back pain, I suddenly experienced numbness, weakness, and eventually, a loss of sensation from the waist down while working on a large cupcake order. I knew something was terribly wrong.
At the ER, I learned I had a massively herniated L4-L5 disc, cutting off my spinal cord. Emergency surgery was my only option to avoid permanent paralysis. I was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome. My neurosurgeon said he'd never seen a disc so herniated and that re-injury was likely.
The next few months were a struggle. I was on bed rest for three months, relearning basic movements. My doctors were amazed I could even walk, but the physical demands of Posh Ganache felt impossible. Standing for 10 minutes to make eggs was exhausting, a far cry from 12-hour shifts. I had to reluctantly step back from the business I loved.
I've been taking very small, occasional orders, but had to return to corporate work. Thanks to my incredible boyfriend, Cody, I've built a new life. And then Ellen's wedding cake request came. It brought tears to my eyes—she insisted on me, saying I was terrific at what I do. It made me feel seen after a long time, and gave me the push I needed to rethink Posh Ganache.
For the past two years, I've been slowly rebuilding my stamina. Posh Ganache might look a little different moving forward, but I'm too stubborn to give up!
To all my fellow "powering through the pain" people: please listen to your body. Don't brush off pain or exhaustion. It can mean so much more. Take care of yourselves, never give up on your dreams, and be kind to each other!
Stay Sweet 🧁
Chef Chelsie Exner
