By Tara – Founder of Guinea Gourmet Treats
Between juggling the business, managing the chaos of family life, and keeping on top of my own mental health, it’s easy to forget to stop and just breathe. Some days, I catch myself running on autopilot — giving, supporting, fixing — before I realise I’ve completely drained my own cup. Again.
But then I look at Guinea Gourmet Treats and remind myself… I built this.
Not just a shop, not just a business — something with meaning. Something that continues to grow even when I feel like I’m standing still.
This past week, I had a few lovely moments that reminded me why I started it all.
One woman messaged during our flash sale, asking if I could delay her order so it arrives later — of course I could. Another reached out asking if I could help sex her guinea pigs. I’ve sexed hundreds over the years through my rescue work, and I’ll always say yes to that kind of help. Just because I’m not running the rescue hands-on anymore doesn’t mean I’ve let go of my knowledge or passion for behaviour and bonding. It’s still woven into every forage mix, every answer I give, every part of GGT.
Truthfully though, home life has been tough.
My partner’s lack of emotional regulation ripples into the whole household. I absorb a lot of it to protect the kids, but that takes its toll. Lately, even food’s become a battleground. The kids — who’ve eaten the same things for ages — are suddenly refusing what’s in front of them. Meanwhile, I’m counting every last pound, stretching it across electric, food, and forage for our own animals. It’s relentless.
But here’s what I keep telling myself:
The reason there is food on the table? Because of me.
The reason there’s stability, warmth, and effort in this house — is me.
I show up. Even when I’m exhausted. Even when I don’t feel like it.
Not perfectly. Not always joyfully. But I do it anyway.
I’ve not been manifesting as strongly lately — I’ve been too drained. But the vision hasn’t gone. I still see the future I want for me and the kids. I still believe in the peace, the independence, the strength that’s waiting just up ahead. I’m tired. But I’m not done.
So if you’re reading this — whether you’re a GGT customer, a follower, or someone who just stumbled across this blog — thank you.
Behind every order packed with care, behind every message replied to, there’s a woman navigating the messy middle of rebuilding her life. One order, one forage mix, one breath at a time.
Thanks for being here — for supporting the piggies, and for supporting me.
With love (and a little grit),
Tara x
www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk
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