Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in this business has been to create the most indulgent chocolate possible, with clean and natural ingredients. My other inspiration is my team. I love to see what they are capable of when everyone works in synch. I find inspiration in travels. In adventure. In the people I meet who strive for excellence, whether its in the culinary arts, in the sky, or as musicians and dancers. I also find inspiration in silence. I meditate. That helps me free from the noise of everyday society.

How do you stay motivated?

Staying active, particularly through paragliding is a big motivator. It helps me practice presence, confront big fears, own my weaknesses and a deep sense of vulnerability. When I feel stuck.. I know that I need to go back in the sky or sit inwards at home in silence, journal in hand. I know what its like to be a workaholic and a creative chaotic. Both lead to imbalance. So I'm learning to pause rather than constantly crack the whip. And go back inwards when I feel unmotivated.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would do a creative rebranding on some of our core products. Packaging is the weakest link in our company ecosystem, especially for Chocofellar. We now have 2 sister brands. One with very elegant packaging that helps elevate the recognition featuring the best cacao bean origins on the planet called Schoki, but the packaging and branding of Chocofellar needs a serious rethinking to match the quality of our artisan craft. I'd want to feature local landmark paintings from artist Morgan Bialowski.