Even though Julia Lungin has always been a self-described “chocoholic,” and her travels have exposed her to some of the finest chocolates in the world, she didn’t think about making chocolate as a career until she studied Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine native to India, that includes the use of herbs to foster wellness.
“My fascination with Ayurveda began when I was pregnant with my second daughter. I was using some of the principles and practices of Ayurveda to create balance and peace in my life and was amazed at how well it worked. I decided to pursue it as a career and lifestyle and became certified as an Ayurvedic Medicine Practitioner in 2007.”
In a class on herbs, Julia was assigned to come up with a product using them. “Since herbs taste bitter and can taste funny to Americans, I decided to mix them with chocolate and make truffles. Of course, my classmates loved them!”
“At first it was mostly about getting the herbs into people’s systems in a way they would enjoy, but it evolved. I realized that chocolate energized me, and its social nature makes people happy. More and more I had fun with the chocolate.”
When she came up with the subtitle of her company, “A Higher State of Chocolate,” that cemented the concept in her mind. After having her "aha moment" about turning the idea into a business, she began taking chocolate courses with an award-winning chocolatier in Laguna, California and perfecting her recipes.
Many challenges followed, but Julia believes the adage that those who fail are the ones who give up. So she persevered. And Chocoveda is the result.
“I would like to see a variation on the cigarette break,” Julia says with a smile. “We all have the need to take a break, relax and do something just for ourselves. We actually need the experience of the break, not the nicotine. So why not make it a chocolate break instead?”
Because giving back is important to Julia, she gives a portion of her proceeds to a non-profit foundation called MY VISION, a foundation to give young women who have had to undergo treatment for breasts cancer the medical assistance to become mothers.
“Chocolate is so unlike any other food. It tastes good and has health benefits. The effect on your brain chemistry makes you feel the same as being in love. So my goal is to create this magical experience with Chocoveda. Help people enter into the experience, become balanced and aware of how special a moment can be.”
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