Fiona is a proud Wiradyuri woman of the Galari (Lachlan River) on the Central Tablelands of NSW. Founder and CEO of Australia’s first Indigenous Chocolate business, she’s built a unique social enterprise fusing a love for chocolate with social good. Her business model aims to address the ethical issues of the industry by sourcing sustainably grown palm-oil free chocolate, contributing to the eradication of child forced labour, raising cacao farmers above the poverty line, and building an Indigenous led and owned supply chain to increase the participation of Indigenous people in this growing industry, Chocolate On Purpose actively contributes to the recovery and reclamation of Indigenous leadership in ways that reflects inherent rights and sovereignty.
When did you start your business?
2012
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
Fiona’s business was birthed during her journey to heal from complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), during which she discovered the healing power of Australian native botanicals and embarked on a mission to share this knowledge through storytelling with chocolate.
What are you most excited about in your business?
That we are business for good. This is what lights me up. Supporting collective growth, grounding in the energy of our ancestors.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Capital. I’ve bootstrapped all the way but, as an older single woman, I’ve not yet been able to find the injection of funds required to move me from artisan to commercial. I need to increase capacity through automation to reduce my cost of goods sold and to realise my impact goals.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Don’t succumb to self-doubt. When you have a vision that is greater than yourself and your business, know you’re in the right place. So when you’re full of worry thoughts, be kind to yourself and know it’s because this is the first time you’ve been in this space and you’re figuring it out.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I truly want to do more of the good stuff I’ve already achieved, and being an AusMumpreneur Award winner presented the opportunity to put my business before an even larger audience, growing reputation and credibility, moving me closer to achieving the big picture vision of my business.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
The camaraderie, celebration, meeting so many successful women in business. The recognition.
What surprised you most about the awards?
The number of social media followers who actually see my posts. They may be silent a lot of the time but their comments about my Awards is affirmation of how they are my biggest supporters.
How did the awards help you in your business?
Social Proof
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
Be authentic and confident… you are worthy… you can do it!
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
It ignited my passion and continues to be what gets me out of bed in both the good times, and the bad. The impact I achieve for people, planet and prosperity (self-determination) is rewarding and spurs me to continue to grow my business and therefore the impact.
What’s happening next in your business?
I’m working to acquire a small production line, to take me to the first level of commercialisation and increase production & revenue X 10, enabling immediate employment of two staff, kick starting employment & mentoring programs for disadvantaged groups, in particular in my Indigenous community. Focusing on Indigenous women, empowering their reclamation of sovereignty in the native botanical space, in particular women aged 45+ because we are the fastest growing demographic of homeless. This would only be the beginning of our employment impact, where we also provide career development support to help employees transition to other paid employment.
What are your big plans for the future?
Fiona wants her actions of social entrepreneurship to grow and create an even bigger impact, and hopes that within five years she hopes to obtain funding to purchase land on Country to create a place of total immersion in the aromas, flavours, colours and ancient wisdom of Indigenous Australia – to facilitate experiential learning, healing and reconciliation. This would involve acquiring land on Country, planting a native garden, building a chocolate production space, gallery/retail shop and café. A thriving Cultural centre. Fiona believes every successful First Nations business breaks down the stereotypes of Indigenous people a little more. It makes her very happy for her business to contribute to that.
