Meet The Makers Mini Interview: Viva Cacao
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Viva Cacao Mini Interview
We’re really excited to introduce you to Beth Campbell, of Viva Cacao! Based in the Slocan Valley, Beth’s approach to creating fabulous, ethical chocolate bars, barks, and drinking chocolates is to treat cacao like the superfood that it is—and combine it with more superfoods! She also uses super sustainable coconut sugar, or lucuma, as sweeteners. With keto, plant-based, and dairy free options, there’s something perfect and deeply nourishing for all dietary preferences, and her products come in incredible flavours, like Vegan Chai with Reishi, Raspberry and Camu Camu, and Coffee and Cardamom. As with so many of our awesome local makers, Beth started off in her own kitchen with some ideas, a willingness experiment, and a whole lot of determination. Read on to learn more about how her wonderful small business developed.
Share your story with us in a 150 words or less.
I was drawn into the world of small-batch artisan chocolate after getting frustrated about the lack of options on local store shelves. Although I always had a passion for cooking and baking, I had never made chocolate before. I threw caution to the wind, bought some molds and jumped right into what would become a life-changing endeavour.
I decided to combine my love of alchemy, medicinal ingredients and flavour combinations to create chocolate that’s real. I also found a way to accelerate the benefits of this magical superfood. I see cacao as the ultimate delivery vehicle of medicinal substances into the body and I celebrate it.
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
In 2019 we rebranded to Viva Cacao and wrote a proper business plan, got a business loan and purchased our first load of packaging. That was a big day when those labels arrived and it felt like a new chapter had started and we have been steadily growing ever since.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Feedback from our customers! When a customer tells me they love our products and sends me a message it makes my day and gives me the energy to keep going!
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
I have a few favourites; my favourite bar to eat is the Orange Quinoa Crisp bar which is now a limited edition bar for the holiday season. It is made with Canadian grown Quinoa and real orange essential oil. I love the crunch and hint of salt.
And I am very excited about our Almond Butter Crunch bark which is another holiday favourite. I like to describe it as a deconstructed almond butter cup.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
The lake and the community. Slocan lake is a magical place and I love to spend time exploring the area around where I live whether it's biking, skiing, hiking, paddling or camping.
I also love my community. So many folks here are all about supporting our local foodshed and almost everyone has a garden. People are active and spend lots of time outdoors all year round. Summertime is filled with volleyball, softball games and biking and winter is all about skiing powder, cross country skiing and our community skate rink.
Describe your ideal Sunday.
Definitely sleeping in, coffee in bed and a mid day brunch. Then spending the day outside going for a bike ride or a ski with friends. I can ski out my door along the river and it is magical! And to end the day I love to have friends over for dinner.
What are your personal top three tips for feeling awesome?
Take time for yourself! Little self care rituals everyday.
Exercise daily and get outside!
Take time to connect with others and be kind.
Find Viva Cacao: On Their Website | On Instagram | On Facebook