Meet Dr. Melissa Berry | Naturopathic Physician and Chocolatier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Melissa Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Melissa, how do you think about risk?
I guess in hindsight I’ve been a big risk taker, it didn’t really seem like it at the time we started, I was just too determined and single-minded to listen to all the nay-sayers – almost the opposite! The more I was told my business would never “make it” only fueled me to work harder, especially with a small child then to take care of!

I’ve done so many jobs from driving ambulances to working as a doctor to pioneering vegan chocolates – I think a large part of being a successful risk-taker is being able to (constantly) think “outside the box” of how things are “done”, there are layers of bravery, dogged determination and stubbornness that combines to drive you out of your comfort zone and I think that’s the magic that creates a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Combined with a great product and a kind heart, and enough passion to stand out in the world, sometimes it’s just enough to “make it”!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Missionary Chocolates was begun in 2008 and was created by Love – for my mother! She’s a passionate chocolate-eater and vegan by choice, and discovered many food allergies that limited her food landscape greatly.

In my last year of naturopathic medical student (and as a single mom of a 1 year old boy) I began making dairy-free chocolate truffles that were not only safe for her to eat, but just as important ones that she actually enjoyed! This was a pretty big feat as Mom is pretty particular about her chocolate, and I have to thank for her relentless feedback over the years 🙂

We started from a tiny kitchen and made from scratch recipes, as a certified domestic kitchen, and have grown over the last 16 years to have our own retail shop & production facility with 14 employees. We’re also delighted to announce we are opening a little shop at the Portland International Airport this summer too, so we’ll be more accessible to the larger population that doesn’t always make it into Portland proper. It is truly a blessing to share what we do with you, and hope to see you for free samples soon!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a perfect day visiting Portland, we’d begin at Harlow for a freshly pressed juice and sit and people-watch while our delicious vegan & GF breakfast to go was being prepared, then we’d take a short hike over to Mount Tabor and eat overlooking the most perfect view of the town. Then we’d cross town to explore the incredible Portland Rose Garden, and play a game or two of tennis in the most fragrant courts imaginable! We’d grab award-winning pizza at Dove Vivi, then amble across the road to Missionary Chocolates, finishing a beautiful Pacific Northwest day with the fresh & inventful vegan truffle flavors they make in-house, plus getting some for gifts back home. Then down the block for a pint from Migration Brewing Company and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for some more relaxing and enjoying their craftsmanship. Portland truly is a delicious place to thrive and eat!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank Jagatjoti Singh Khalsa (jagatjoti@starwest-botanicals.com) – he and his beautiful family have been such stalwart supporters of our brand, of me as I grow as a person, and for much guidance in creating authentic, heart-centered business – I’d definitely like to thank him!

Website: https://missionary-chocolates.myshopify.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionarychocolates/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganTruffles/