Daniel Sklaar, Founder of FINE&RAW

In the early days of starting these Conscious Enterprises interviews, I collected “e-interviews” from a handful of my favorite small business products and brands who I felt were using high quality, high vibe ingredients, sourcing practices and intentions in their products and services. I ultimately believe that businesses are a reflection of their leadership - their founders - and the core intentions of those founders. So I sought out some of my fave goodies to get a glimpse into theses leaders and how they were expressing these core intentions through their businesses so successfully.

One of my favorite chocolate brands is FINE&RAW. They are some of the most delicious, clean and luxurious chocolates you could ever let melt into your taste buds! They are truly a celebration for your mouth that aligns with a conscious lifestyle.

Below is the e-interview with FINE&RAW founder, Daniel Sklaar. Enjoy!

When did you start your business?

2008

How many employees do you have?

14

How would you describe your corporate culture and how do you foster it?

FINE & RAW has family style culture and a culture of curiosity. Family style as it's a small size business and curiosity as we promote asking questions and experimentation.

What did you do before this business? Were you always an entrepreneur?

In reverse order: I was a chef, before that I spent one year traveling and before that I was a financial analyst. I've always been creative and had an entrepreneurial/adventurous spirit.

What inspired you to start this company?

I've always been obsessed with chocolate. Then I absolutely fell in love with chocolate when I was a chef and started playing round with chocolate in the kitchen. I knew I wanted to pursue chocolate in one way or another.

Did it originate with conscious intention or did that come later?

It was a little bit of both.

Why do you consider your business a “conscious enterprise”?

We're involved in several aspects that would be considered "conscious" for a food enterprise. From the choice of

ingredients (raw cacao is a superfood, alternative sugars and no dairy) to the way we source our ingredients

(organic and involved in direct relationships with farms) to our production methods (handmade and high quality)

Would it have benefited you in any way to have left out your commitment to a higher purpose?

No. This is part of what gives us our passion and spirit. Without, where are we?

How did you align your business goals with conscious intention?

This is done with the right relationships and the right choices. Making sure that all our decisions are in line with the company goals and ideals is key.

What is the biggest challenge in aligning your business plans and practices with conscious intention?

Generally, it takes longer and is more expensive to operate this way.

Do you have a regular ritual that keeps you aligned with your purpose?

I have a healthy yoga practice that I'd consider a ritual.

How did you attract money/funding to get your business started?

I borrowed money from friends and family.

Do you consider your business to be successful today? How did you know the moment that you became successful or how will you know when it happens?

The business is healthy and successful. That said, I have so many goals and ideas that I'd like to get into that often makes me think that we're not where we could be or where we're supposed to be.

How do you measure success?

Great question. Firstly, happiness and inspiration - do I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

Obviously you need to be financially viable too. Then after that are we working with people I admire and doing projects that have meaning.

What is the biggest monetary cost in your business and how do you substatiate it?

Our crew is the biggest cost. They are everything. The soul, the heart and then some.

What impact would you like to have in the universe if you had unlimited resources?

Well...I think this would be in line with helping people get better health and happiness in their lives...through chocolate of course.

What do you want people to know about your business?

We are a small artisanal chocolate company. Our focus is quality, flavor and love. We make chocolate from bean to bar in our open plan factory in Brooklyn. FINE & RAW is a celebration of chocolate.

What advice would you like to give to other entrepreneurs creating businesses with conscious intentions?

Keep an open mind, ask lots of questions and be patient.

Where can we follow you and buy some chocolates!?

fineandraw.com

@fineandraw (instagram)