Exploring Life & Business with Dhara Amin of Cocoa Petite

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dhara Amin.

Dhara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started this company in 2021 after leaving a job working for a well-known chocolatier and pastry chef in Los Angeles. While I was at that job, I experienced daily verbal harassment along with several other female employees. We ultimately ended up quitting and walked out together on the same day! This experience inspired me to create a different kind of business – one that is inclusive, empowering, and woman-run.

Verbal and sexual abuse is rampant in the food and beverage industry. As a woman, I experienced both, frequently, and was told by my superiors “That’s just how it is.” These experiences led to anxiety, stress, pain, and a deep sadness that I couldn’t change the system.

I’m on a mission to empower others through the simple pleasures of chocolate and provide a taste of childhood nostalgia for everyone to enjoy. At Cocoa Petite, we believe that everyone has a creative side that should be celebrated. That’s why we’ve created a tasty treat where people can tap into their imagination and bring their dessert dreams to life. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic caramel latte, a unique ice cream creation, or a never-before-seen cocktail, we’ve got you covered.

Cocoa Petite is more than just a dessert company. We’re a community of people who are passionate about empowering each other to rediscover the joy and creativity that life has to offer.

Let your tastebuds inspire your next masterpiece!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road! Cocoa Petite is actually my third company. The first company I started failed and the second company faced some legal challenges for naming rights.

The path to Cocoa Petite has not been a straightforward one as we have evolved as a company. We started primarily as a chocolate company but realized we had to adjust to our customer base and what they like.

I originally started this company with CBD to help others feel the relief I experienced. It is an ongoing battle with compliance as the regulatory landscape is continually evolving.

Being a small company and a one-person team is tough. I’m still learning all the basics of marketing, sales, photography and product development.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Cocoa Petite is a dessert company that specializes in spreads, chocolates, and cookies. Cocoa Petite is particularly proud of and known for our spreads. The spreads come in a variety of flavors: passion fruit, blackberry, cookie butter, apple cider, and salted caramel.

Our products are derived from a place of expertise and love of the culinary arts. The recipes have taken time to develop and I take pride in the fact that I produce a high-quality product. Getting a reaction from a new customer trying our spreads for the first time is what makes this job so fulfilling.

Cocoa Petite is growing quickly and adding new products all the time. Please check us out on our website at cocoapetite.com, and our Instagram @cocoapetite. People can see the ways to enjoy our jars, whether it is eating straight out of the jar, creating a delicious dessert cocktail or pouring it onto your ice cream.

We want everyone to use their imagination and create something exciting that they love with these products. Growing up is hard and we tend to lose sight of the kid inside of us. I want to bring that back to people so they can use these jars to spark that creativity or relive a moment of their childhood.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
As a kid, I was a total bookworm. I loved nothing more than snuggling up in a corner with a good read and getting lost in the story. My mom would often have to pry me away from my books for a little break, and that’s when she’d bring me my favorite treat: a caramel frap! Caramel has always been my go-to sweet, and it still brings back fond memories of those cozy reading sessions and my mom’s loving presence. Whenever I treat myself to something caramel-y these days, I can’t help but smile and feel like a kid again!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cocoapetite.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoapetite/