Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Madeleine Siegel, Co-Founder of Schmilk Chocolate, located in Colchester, VT, USA.

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

Schmilk Chocolate is about making the very best milkless milk chocolate we can make, and our customers are so diverse! We are thrilled to provide all dairy-avoiding milk chocolate lovers with a satisfying alternative. We serve many folks who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, many vegans and freegans, as well as many people who keep kosher or follow a plant-based diet. We also find that chocolate-loving omnivores love Schmilk too!

Tell us about yourself

I started the business nine years ago out of a desire to make it easier for myself and others to live without dairy. I am really motivated to see our food systems become truly humane while still preserving the pure joy that comes from savoring your favorite foods. For me and many others, milk chocolate is an important food category, and it's been really exciting to be part of the vegan revolution. My business partner Jake loves to help people find what they've been searching for, and that's what motivates him every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have come a long way in product development, and my business partner and I are really proud of that. No one approaches vegan milk chocolate the way that we do, and it shows in the quality of our chocolate.

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

I think that what's challenging and what's easier really depends on personality. For me, the hardest thing has been figuring our way forward in growing a business that's consistent with fair trade. Although we exist within an unjust economy, our product is about peace and love and fairness- and we want the way we do business to always be in alignment with that.

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

  1. Make sure that the mission of the business is something that will keep you motivated.
  2. Don't forget that health in business is about healthy relationships and compatible motivations.
  3. If you need funding, make sure you will be able to get it before heading off in that direction.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We always love to connect with other mission-driven entrepreneurs. Please feel free to reach out!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.schmilkchocolate.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schmilkchocolate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schmilkchocolate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-siegel-01169097/

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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