The last 18 years...

My story begins in 2004, when I started a chocolate business on my parent's kitchen table, aged 12. Just eight short years later and I was exporting to 17 countries worldwide. At age 13, I was, at the time, the youngest ever supplier to Waitrose, Sainsbury's at 14 and Selfridges at 15. By age 17, I was named the 'Youngest ever person to export from the UK', whilst at the tender age of 19, I became the youngest ever World Chocolate Ambassador. For the past 17 years, I've used my experiences and skills to encourage others to expand their businesses and themselves while flourishing with every step of the journey.

Where it all began

As a child, I had two passions; baking and animals. If I wasn't in the kitchen creating, I was watching documentaries to learn everything I could about all of the world's animal species. School was a struggle for me. I was diagnosed with multiple neurodiverse conditions at the age of 11, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD. Constant bullying resulted in me leaving school to be home-educated. I picked up "The Chocolate Bible" while visiting a garden centre near where I was volunteering at a falconry project. I started making chocolate cakes and tortes for family and friends, and it was this decision and the support of my loving parents that shaped my future.

The Chokolit chapter

At age 12, my chocolate empire started from my mum's kitchen table. 'Chokolit' was born, named as a tribute to my dyslexia. Overnight my whole life changed, as I was propelled into the spotlight of being, at the time, Europe's youngest-ever entrepreneur and featured in press from over 35 countries globally. At age 13, I was named the youngest ever supplier to Waitrose, aged 14 to Sainsbury's and Selfridges at age 15. Supply could not keep up with demand, so we expanded to create a chocolate factory in the heart of the Midlands. I won awards for my chocolate and created a line of bars to raise awareness for endangered species whilst donating to animal charities worldwide.

Going global

The chocolate business was growing rapidly, and we were selling to an ever-increasing number of independent retailers. We were on cloud nine just as the 2008 global recession hit, and with it, a severe loss of revenue. I knew I had to look at alternative solutions for growth. 

With the continued interest from the worldwide press came opportunities to expand globally, as I began looking at exporting firstly to Europe and then further internationally. After receiving a substantial offer to supply 14 states in the US, everything changed. By the end of 2012, we were shipping to 17 countries worldwide, with Mexico, the home of chocolate, as our largest overseas customer.

With 80-90 % of our goods sold overseas, I travelled far and wide to grow, develop and connect myself and my company with some of the worlds most highly regarded establishments, chocolatiers and retailers.

Using my knowledge

A successful business gave me a platform to share my story, vision and values with others and evolve a new passion. At the age of 11, I gave my first speech to 1100 people, and although nervous, I felt an indescribable exhilaration. Since that day, I have spoken to some of the worlds largest corporates, world governments and audiences of 4,000+. People began to ask for advice on helping them grow their companies, so at the age of 17, I began to consult and realised my enjoyment at watching others listen, apply and thrive. For me, consultancy is so much more than advising; it enables me to provide a very hands-on approach to helping, from sales to implementing consumer psychology driven branding and marketing.

Leaving chocolate behind

After more than a decade in chocolate, I felt it was time to move in a new direction. Ever-increasing raw material costs did not reflect retail prices that stayed the same, leaving me with difficult decisions to either sacrifice my beliefs in quality and sustainability or move on to new ventures. The passion that had once ignited me was fading. In 2014, I began the process of selling off private-label contracts, manufacturing sites and our equipment. By December 2015, I had left the chocolate business for good. With a thriving consultancy and speaking business, the transition was seamless. Although sad at the end of such a poignant chapter in my life, I was incredibly excited for what the future had in store for me, using my experience and knowledge to help others through my ' Chocolate box methodology.'

What I do now

For the last 17 years as a speaker and 13 years as a consultant, I have helped organisations grow revenue and impact through consumer psychology, driven methodologies and strategies. These approaches have enabled me to expand from a kitchen table to 17 countries in just eight years. The impact I deliver differs depending on the client and their needs. For me, the greatest gift I can receive is watching a person and business I am working with unlock their true potential and grow sustainably. How I work is not a separate entity but alongside my client, developing a deep understanding of what I can do for both the business and the audience.