We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Sanchez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I started making chocolate by simply melting a block of Cacao, some Cacao butter, and adding other ingredients like almonds, honey, mushroom powder, maca, etc. I wanted to make myself something healthy and not too sweet with processed sugars or preservatives to enjoy and help me throughout my menstrual cycle. It was my go to treat and was helping me stay in a good mood, have more energy, and I was cramping less. I was inspired to share it with my family members during the holidays..I thought great, here’s something healthy & delicious..plus, who doesn’t love chocolate?! It was impacting my life in the best ways. After continuously studying holistic healing and herbal remedies, I started learning about adaptogens..which are a group of plants/mushrooms/herbs/roots that help combat stress. I noticed I was already mixing some into my chocolates and noticed a good difference. With so many things in the world causing stress, it does help to incorporate adaptogens into our lifestyle. It was always difficult for me to find a healthy/clean ingredient chocolate..so I wanted to offer that. I would love to see people correlate chocolate with good health because it sure does support overall wellness. One of my power animals and spirit guides is the Jaguar..with Balam being an ancient Maya word for Jaguar..I felt the name suited the chocolate. It helps me be strong, stay aware, and have good reflexes. The phrase “unleash your inner Jaguar” is like unleashing your inner Warrior and this Cacao/Chocolate helps me do that!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born in Miami, raised in Hialeah and Davie. Both of my parents are from Nicaragua. I began making Chocolate with Cacao from Nicaragua for about a year..until it got difficult for my source to get the Cacao to the states. I was recommended a Peruvian Cacao which I tested out by making myself a hot cocoa before making the chocolates & its absolutely special. I’ve been a chocolate lover since I was little..but it wasn’t until I had Cacao..the raw fruit when my life changed forever. Tears rolled down my face when I first bit into 1 pod..like all my cells were dancing and something was reawakened in my DNA..like I was meant to work with this plant. I’ve been studying holistic health for a little while and I knew Cacao had soo many benefits! I felt it working instantly. Just how the Cacao we make is hand toasted and peeled, mixed with all organic pure ingredients..that is how I live, only giving my temple the best, cleanest ingredients/food to fuel up. I prioritize my health and wellness in all aspects of my life. Balam Wellness is here to provide healthy, delicious chocolate that one can eat or drink. We have a new Limited Edition 60% dark Goji Sweetness flavor! We also sell Cacao husk tea, and we now have a couple of different Flower Hydrosols that one could use as a facial toner. We want to remind people that healthy food and treats can still taste delicious and your body, mind, and spirit deserve only the best!!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I was hesitant to make an instagram for the business at first..I knew it was going to take time and energy to create content, make posts, and grow the audience. Like all things in business and life..it doesn’t come easy. I knew I had to do it. There are so many people on social media these days..its another way to put yourself/business out there. I recommend to just go for it. Doubting doesn’t get you anywhere..you never know until you give it a go! The posts don’t have to be soo perfect, try to post a few times a week to keep people excited and looking forward to what you have to offer.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Before I started selling I made calculations on how much I would need to initially spend. I priced out my chocolates/ingredients, labels, material, tools, and while doing that I spent a lot of time comparing prices and seeing what would work best. I saved up a good amount of money, trusted and followed my heart, and decided to just go for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.balamchocolate.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balam_chocolate/profilecard/?igsh=d2k5cTV2azJxNXY2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61555762406369/