Wow, it is a wild ride starting a business! We had a week there where we were owed for tons of orders and weren't sure we'd be able to buy the ingredients before our next production day, but thankfully the checks are arriving and so are more orders. We just got an email for an order from Skagit valley co-op in the state of Washington. Starting next week we'll be in four co-ops- RAD. So far our best seller is the Alberta Co-op in northeast Portland with about five pounds per week. Step by step. With sales like these, when we get to five co-ops, River will be employed full time by Rox Chox. When we get to ten coops, I will also be getting paid for my full time work. Self-employment is in sight!
Today I described Rox Chox as simply, 'Very rich, very dark, sweet, and a little bit salty'. Because there are the top-notch ingredients and business ethics behind it, but what really counts is what is in your mouth. One of the most rewarding moments is when I am giving away Rox samples and I see the look of surprise and delight on a first-time Rox taster's face. The taste of this chocolate... it is to LIVE for!
We have been considering moving our business with us to San Francisco in August when I start a graduate program there, but California's regulations are so strict and the kitchens so expensive that it's looking like Rox Chox will stay based in Portland for now. We might be back in two years anyways- who knows? River (and sometimes I) will be riding the train up to Portland once or twice a month to make big batches of beautiful chocolate spread onto sheet pans, boxed up, and biked or sent to you.
Delicious Chocolate. Organic, Fair Trade, Raw. Sweetened only with Birch. Vegan, Gluten-free, soy free, nut-free. *except for coconut
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