Honeymoon Chocolates specializes in bean-to-bar craft chocolate sweetened solely with raw honey. They are chocolate makers in solidarity with their cacao farmers through pledging to pay a premium for all cacao purchased. Many cacao farmers are not afforded internet, electricity, or even running water before craft chocolate companies such as Honeymoon offer them a chance for a better living wage. These hard-working families are their purpose- keeping the tradition of growing cacao alive. Founder, Cam Loyet (MBA ’21), answered our questions for this blog.

Website: www.hmchocolates.com

Tell us your startup story – What is the problem you’re solving?

Honeymoon Chocolates officially began in a dorm room kitchen when Co-Founders Cam Loyet and Haley Loyet first began making bean-to-bar craft chocolate. Honeymoon specializes in bean-to-bar craft chocolate sweetened solely with raw honey. We hope to address honeybee decline and support impoverished cacao farmers.

What is your solution to that problem?

Our solution is to directly publish and transmit our farmgate pricing for cacao purchased. We are chocolate makers in solidarity with our cacao farmers through pledging to pay a premium for all cacao purchased. We also donate a portion of our proceeds to support honeybee research and outreach via The Pollinator Partnership.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?

A founder’s role doesn’t always lend itself to self-care. I have found that my performance as a founder is heightened when self-care is a priority.

What do you love about entrepreneurship?

I love the ability to strategize and innovate in tandem.

What advice would you give to someone considering creating a startup or entering an entrepreneurship competition?

Prioritize traction early on.

What activities, student groups, professors, or classes had the biggest impact on you during your time at WashU?

Summer of 2018 found Honeymoon broke and without traction. In the fall of 2019, Professor Dunkin’s course required each of us to muster up enough confidence and passion to speak on camera. I remedied my anxiety by: 1. Reviving Honeymoon. 2. Crafting more chocolate. 3. Pitching Honeymoon. That same year I met with Professor Villhard who reframed my version of success for Honeymoon. The advice given was to come back with sales and traction- and we did. We are now in 100+ stores internationally.

The winner of the Spring 2022 GIA will be announced at The Washington University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards Presented by the Skandalaris Center on April 14. All are welcome to attend the awards ceremony to see which teams will win non-dilutive funding for their venture.