Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Nierman.
Hi Leah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had an intense craving for chocolate around “that time of the month”. I would go to my local Whole Foods store in search of the perfect clean and functional chocolate bar that would kick my craving and support my PMS symptoms. I couldn’t find anything on the market, so I decided to create my own limited ingredient chocolate. After what felt like a thousand batches, my mom and I came up with a base recipe containing only three ingredients: organic cacao, organic cacao butter, and coconut sugar. We added magnesium and vitamin B6 to support cramps and elevate mood. Our family and friends kept requesting more chocolate and Moodygirl was born.
We went ahead and certified our chocolate as Vegan and Gluten-Free because we felt strongly about creating superfood chocolate that everyone can enjoy regardless of their dietary restrictions. We have expanded our chocolate lineup to include other powerful adaptogen-infused chocolate to support women through each phase of their cycle. Turns out there is more to the story than PMS. Each chocolate bar uses specific vitamins and adaptogens to support the individual phase.
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?
I launched Moodygirl on April 15th, 2020 a month into the COVID19 shutdown. All of my retail plans went out the door and as a company, we had to pivot and focus on becoming an e-commerce based brand. Being an entrepreneur is already tough and adding the extra covid19 uncertainty made this a challenging time to start a business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have my master’s in education with a credential in special education and general education from the University of San Diego. I am also a certified health coach through IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition). My goal is to use moodygirl as a platform to be able to educate girls and women about “life lessons” that surpass what we are taught in school. Some of these topics include sex education, relationships, grit, confidence, self-esteem, financial wellness, nutrition, etc… My diverse background and skills allow me to see the world from a unique perspective and hopefully make a positive difference one chocolate bar at a time.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have connected with other like-minded individuals in the entrepreneur space through Facebook, Instagram, and linked-in. People are genuine and like to give advice and support start-up companies especially if they have already walked the path. My advice is to never be afraid to reach out to anyone. You have to be bold and ask for what you need in life. The worst someone can see is no or not respond.
Contact Info:
- Email: leah@moodygirlchocolate.com
- Website: https://moody-girl.com/
- Instagram: moodygirlchocolate
- Facebook: moodygirlchocolate
- Youtube: moodygirl chocolate
Image Credits
All photos are by Alex Clark a local San Diego Photographer
