Honeymoon Chocolates crafts ethical and refined sugar-free chocolate sweetened with local honey. This provides the market with an ethical and natural option to traditional cane sugar chocolate.
The Honeymoon Chocolates team includes Cam Loyet (MBA ’21), Haley Loyet, Lauren Dierking, and Flynn Edgerton. Cam told us the story of Honeymoon, and explained how experiences during his MBA program sparked the confidence he needed to be successful.
Website: www.hmchocolates.com
Tell us your startup story – What is the problem you’re solving?
We craft chocolate sweetened with raw honey for those looking for a natural chocolate bar. Honeymoon started in a dorm room back in 2016 when founders Cam and Haley first decided to make chocolate sweetened with honey. We have grown to be sold in 150+ retail locations in the country including Whole Foods, Erewhon, and Fresh Thyme.
What is your solution to that problem?
Our single origin chocolate bars have three ingredients – organic cacao, organic cacao butter, and raw honey. We use only the best ingredients in an effort to make award winning chocolate.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
The largest lesson I have learned as an entrepreneur is always have three outcomes planned for each new step in your venture. Establish a low, mid, and high tier of outcomes – then execute. This allows you to de-risk your venture for your employees, investors, and your own future.
What do you love about entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is the rare instance where your passion collides with marketing and selling a product while leading a team. Being able to grow and foster a brand with teammates has been such a fulfilling and motivating role!
What advice would you give to someone considering creating a startup or entering an entrepreneurship competition?
Go all in! Nothing is more rewarding than doing what you love full-time.
What activities, student groups, professors, or classes had the biggest impact on you during your time at WashU?
Pitching Honeymoon to our MBA class during a communications course had the most impact on my startup. I was able to gain a lot of confidence in my idea while establishing accountability with my peers as I began to grow my brand.
The winner of the Spring 2023 GIA will be announced at The Washington University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards Presented by the Skandalaris Center on April 20. All are welcome to attend the awards ceremony to see which team(s) will win non-dilutive funding for their venture.