At just 10 years old, Jessica Spaulding began making chocolates. Little did she imagine - as an adult - that passion that would later inspire her to open her craft chocolate business, Harlem Chocolate Factory - which produces bars, bark and brownies inspired by the rich ethnic heritage of her native Harlem community. Jessica's goal? To make high end chocolate accessible to the average person's palette.

On this episode - Jessica takes us along her #dreamdriving journey to getting Harlem Chocolate Factory off the ground. The story centers around the steps she took to firmly solidify her entrepreneurial plan and create the life and business she knew she deserved and could successfully lead. Despite the challenges she encountered, Jessica shares how she was able to hustle strategically, build a team of business advisors in her industry, and leverage every opportunity that came her way.

WE DISCUSS:- What inspired Jessica as a child - Where Jessica's love for chocolate came from - Jessica's early entrepreneurial hustle - The difference between the goal and the plan - Launching Harlem Chocolate Factory - The impact of partnering with Samuel Adams' Brewing The American Dream program - The dangers of small business predatory loans - Jessica's plan for winning - How Jessica built a team of mentors and business advisors - How to make your pitch stand out - Go-to-market strategies - The importance of financial support, strategy support, and advisement - How to Be true to who you are - Responding to bigger opportunities after launching the Harlem Chocolate Factory storefront

Join in on the conversation on social (@dreamsindrive) and make sure to use the hashtag #dreamsindrive. Enjoy!

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