I can’t even remember the last time I did a DFD Babe Feature, but I am SO honored to my friend Candice on the blog today!
If you’re new around here, I LOVE to interview incredible women entrepreneurs and share more of their stories on here! I myself am a business owner (who works with other female-owned businesses), so it’s super important to me to collaborate and support the women I see killing it.
Today, I’m chatting with my friend Candice who founded Beauty Bar Chocolate, a treat that uses only the highest quality ingredients with zero fillers. Keep reading for more on her journey to entrepreneurship, her biggest advice and where she plans to take BeautyBar in the near future!
Tell us a little bit about Beauty Bar Chocolate! When did you start it and why?
I launched Beauty Bar Chocolate after leaving a 19 year career in the fashion world. I had major burnout, and was dealing with a host of autoimmune symptoms. I wanted to live a more inspired life and I found myself drawn into the wellness world, so I became a heath coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.
During that time, I dove deep into my healing. I was able to start reversing my symptoms with lifestyle changes, diet and mindset. I also went sugar -free, added adaptogens and collagen as part of healing from Candida and gut health issues. I then enrolled in Matthew Kenney Culinary school where I brought back my creativity and came up with the idea of BBC. I couldn’t find any clean, healthy chocolate in the market that tasted good, so I wanted to launch a product that helped people feel beautiful from the inside out. It’s my fashion-meets-wellness product.
What makes Beauty Bar different from other chocolate on the market?
There are so many things that set BBC apart from a sea of chocolates. You will most likely notice our beautiful floral box first (I was inspired by Persian soap boxes). I also don’t add many ingredients, there are no fillers or chemicals, and I use high quality brands that I believe in. It’s more than just chocolate – it’s about bringing inner peace into daily life. If we are calm on the inside, it makes if harder for disease to live, and anxiety to survive. When we are at peace our skin glows!! My tag line is: Eat For Peace, Focus & glowing skin.
Can you share more about your previous work experience and/or education before launching your own company?
I worked for close to two decades in the fashion world and have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve been in sales for most of my life, owned a women’s contemporary showroom in downtown Los Angeles where I used to sell clothing at wholesale, and helped launch many fashion brands. I knew nothing about the chocolate world before, but having these skills has helped me tremendously.
What’s your favorite part of running a business?
I love being the face of my company, networking with like-minded people and sharing my message. I also enjoy the process of producing the chocolate. I am still part of the process.
Is there something you wish more people talked about when it comes to being an entrepreneur?
I have a lot to say on this topic. To keep it short and sweet: Have some patience, and to just start somewhere. I kept wanting to hold off until my site looked correct, and my packing was not perfect when I launched. It took so much work to get my packaging the way I wanted it to look, but once it came together, I had never been more happy!!
I’ve made many mistakes in this new world of mine, but I learn through each one and get better at it. For the days I really struggle, I’ll walk away from work to clear my head. Remember to breathe and try to enjoy the journey.
What advice can you give to someone looking to pursue their passion?
I would say to first to find something that you are so passionate about or you will grow tired of it so fast. You will be living, eating, and breathing this! Also don’t pick something for the money. Pick what you love and the money will come. Not only will people feel that passion coming from you, but they’ll want to be a part of what you are selling or offering.
How do you prioritize time for yourself?
Such a great question and what my business is all about! When I find myself trying to go back to my old Type A ways, I remind myself that I once was very ill, and filled with inflammation in my body. I will never go back to that life.
I love to wake up early around 5-5:30 am before anyone so I can have some time to myself before I start the day. I use that time to workout, catch up on tv, cuddle my dogs while sipping a matcha, or practice a grounding meditation to help get my out of my head. My evening routine has also changed from my fashion days. I traded in my nightly glass of champagne for magnesium and sleepy time herbal tea. I love going into my infrared sauna and to bed early (most nights in bed by 8:30-9pm) so I can get a good 8 hours of sleep. I know I am a granny but I love it. I wake up so refreshed!
What are you excited for in the fall season & beyond?
I have so much exciting things that are happening for BBC! I just launched in all the Erewhon locations! I am in the middle of relaunching my site with more elevated pictures and upgrading everything. I am launching a holiday bar, and in the new year I will have a dream bar that helps relax you in the evening.
Okay if you’re not a) fired up about going after the life you *actually* want to live and/or b) ready for some Beauty Bar Chocolate after that, I don’t know how to help you? Candice was sweet enough to give me a discount code to share, so feel free to use the code dancingfordonuts15 at checkout!
Find Candice herself on Instagram at @awholeandhappylife and BeautyBar at @beautybarchocolate. Thanks for stopping by and if you have anyone else in mind that you’d like for me to interview, drop their name/insta below!!
xo Jordan
