Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food ad beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeffray D. Gardner, CCO and Executive Chef of Marsatta Chocolate, located in Redondo Beach, CA, USA.

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

Hello, We are Marsatta Chocolate, Southern California’s premier bean-to-bar chocolate maker. Our chocolates are very special as we age our chocolate for six months before creating our bonbons and bars. The flavor is extraordinary and pairs exceptionally well with any beer, wine, or of course, even by itself. Our customers and fan base can be found in North America, South America, Europe, and everywhere in between.

Tell us about yourself

Prior to my involvement as first a chocolatier and then a chocolate maker, I was a professional hockey referee. I reached the highest level in pro hockey and then decided, through a little encouragement from a friend (now my wife), to explore (again) the wonderful world of chocolate. Once she heard what I used to do (hockey and chocolate), she said you could try chocolate once again, and in 2003 Marsatta Chocolate was born. We’ve been on an incredible journey of perseverance, hardship, health challenges, small victories, and seemingly bigger defeats, but we don’t quit even when things are bleak. From homelessness to a business that survived Covid and other business interruptions, we forged ahead. With 5 Oompa Loompas and my wife, it’s difficult not to be motivated. On the chocolate side of things, what motivates me are our customers. They deserve to have and taste extraordinary chocolate and chocolates.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is creating the first 100% cacao chocolate bar in the world that is not bitter. Although it takes us six months to make them, it’s the flavor that is worth waiting for. We call that particular chocolate bar “bold but not bitter.” My other accomplishment includes not just me but our team. Our business transformed from a sole proprietor to an LLC to just recently a corporation. It’s been an incredible ride of learning and loving what I do.

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

As a business owner, you tend to do things “your way”; however, to have any sort of success, one should involve other suggestions, thoughts, or ways of accomplishing certain business goals. For a chef and chocolate maker like myself, we are artists. We like to please through our creations. When a customer requested an item that was not on the menu, I would agree to make it for them as I was afraid to disappoint. As our company has evolved, I have since learned that to find any sort of success; one must stick to a plan. This plan includes a system that is efficient and easy to track. So for me, it is so difficult to say “no” to a customer. I’m sorry I can’t make a certain item anymore. It’s ok to be sold out of an item. I think if you are honest with the customer and they understand your process, they will respect you and your business.

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

  1. You must LOVE what you do! I was an ice hockey referee before a chocolate maker, and I absolutely loved officiating games. To this day, I watch or listen to a hockey game whenever I can. And if it’s not a game, it’s a hockey podcast I’m listening to. The same goes for chocolate. If I’m not reading something about chocolate, I’m listening to a podcast while I roast cacao beans in the kitchen. You must have PASSION for your business.
  2. You must have a product or service that people want. Right? I mean, let’s face it. You may have passion for what you do, but if you don’t have customers, you won’t have a business.
  3. You must have your finances in order. Some say to have your rent saved up to sustain for 24 months. But you also need working capital to keep your business alive. You may also need capital for marketing. How will people know about your business? I guess you can grow your business organically as we have, but sometimes patience can seem awfully long. Can I sneak in a Number 4? Make sure you have a plan. Write it down, and don’t be afraid to change or pivot that plan. It’s ok, right, because you LOVE what you do. Good luck and Best wishes!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://marsatta.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marsattachocolate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marsattachocolate/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marsatta
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsatta/

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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