In this episode of Talk with KLADZ, Kadianne welcomes Chef Andrea Young, CEO and Owner of Sweet Vegan Chocolates, to talk about how she switched careers and became an entrepreneur, what makes a successful business, and her best tips, resources, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Plus, Kadianne does a live taste test that will make you want to RUN, not walk, to order some Sweet Vegan Chocolates for yourself and all your loved ones!
After working in architectural engineering, Andrea shifted to a career in interior design. Unfortunately, the unstable economy was impacting her job security, so she started experimenting with being a part-time personal chef for celebrities in NYC. While reconnecting with her love of cooking, developing new recipes, and being inspired by the natural, healing aspects of food, Andrea founded Sweet Vegan Chocolates in 2016 and has been growing ever since.
Tune in to learn all about Andrea’s journey into entrepreneurship, what she wishes she could’ve told her younger self, and the inspiring business goals she’s working towards for the coming year.
“If you have a burning desire and you test that desire out to see if it’s really business-worthy and you know in your heart it’s the direction you should go into, you need to follow it up with education and then pursue it with your heart’s passion.” – Andrea Young
Episode Highlights:
- How she came up with the idea for Sweet Vegan Chocolates
- What type of person should pursue entrepreneurship?
- 3 key things that make a successful business
- How Andrea maintains a work/life balance as an entrepreneur living in NYC
- The benefits of owning a business
- Andrea’s #1 business goal for this year: Building collaborations
- How to be cost effective without compromising the quality of your product
- What are the health benefits of chocolate?
- Kadianne’s live taste test of Sweet Vegan Chocolates
- Giving back to your community through your business
- 3 tips for starting your own business + helpful resources and tools for entrepreneurs
- How to make money teaching virtual classes (on any topic/skill)
Check out Sweet Vegan Chocolates!
Visit their website: https://www.sweetvegan.nyc
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetvegannyc
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/sweetvegannyc
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sweetvegannyc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetvegannyc
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetvegannyc
Resources Mentioned:
Williams Sonoma: https://www.williams-sonoma.com
Kendra Scott: https://www.kendrascott.com
Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov
Rotary International: https://www.rotary.org
Find Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) near you: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc
Connect with Kadianne:
Kadianne Pinard is a Ph.D student in conflict resolution and Senior HR Professional with 15+ years’ experience.
Visit her website: https://www.kladzresources.com
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kladzresources
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLADZResources
Email: kpinard@kladzresources.com
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