Ep 119: What It's Like To Launch A Chocolate Factory in Harlem w/Jessica Spaulding

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today in the guest chair, we have Jessica Spaulding, Founder of Harlem Chocolate Factory.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jessica grew up in a home where sugar was not on the menu in no shape or form. But putting her entrepreneurial skills to the test early on, she struck a deal with her mother: if she could make her own candy, then she would also be allowed to eat it. As a Food Network enthusiast she learned to make all types of chocolate at just 10 years old, a passion that would inspire her to eventually launch Harlem Chocolate Factory.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At Harlem Chocolate Factory, Jessica produces bars and brownies inspired by the rich ethnic heritage of her native Harlem community. Jessica emphasizes quality, handcrafting her products and responsibly sourcing her chocolate.</span><span style= "font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style= "font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Now, outsiders discouraged Jessica from starting her own business, saying that there was no money to be made. She was determined, however, and in college decided to take a shot at starting a chocolate company. While she was not successful at first, it encouraged her to take time to learn core business skills, a step that has paid off in the long run. On today’s episode, you’ll learn:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Jessica bounced back from business failure and created success from the ashes</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The resources and competitions she participated in to buy supplies and make samples</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How she connected with a mentor that helped her prepare for competitions and think through elements of her business</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How she found partners that gave her the financial stability to build her dream