Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dahlia Graham, CEO of Fruition Chocolate Works, located in Shokan, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Fruition Chocolate Works is a small-batch bean-to-bar chocolate maker and confectioner in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Our customers span the globe, but locally we have a loyal following of people from all walks of life. We get both locals and weekenders alike.

Tell us about yourself

Personally, I landed in the chocolate business by way of my husband, Bryan Graham. What motivates me each day to do what I do is knowing that we are helping to move the needle in the chocolate industry toward ethical practices, quality, and preservation of fine flavor cacao.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is learning how to be resourceful and to adjust our path depending on external circumstances. We have become good at pivoting these past few years!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is forecasting when the world is so unstable. It's hard to know how to plan when you don't know what's coming next.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't do it! ;-)
  2. If you do get into a business, make sure your heart is in it, and surround yourself with good people.
  3. Be consistent with quality. Don't put out anything you aren't proud to put your brand name on.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fruitionchocolateworks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fruitionchocolate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitionchocolate/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tastefruition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fruition-chocolate-works/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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