We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Like many chefs, starting my own business has always been a goal. The only difference was that, for me, I did not have a clear vision of what that would look like. The only thing I did know was that I wanted to start something that hadn’t been done before. This takes what is already a risky career move and makes it even more risky! It’s like taking a trust fall. You somehow have to manage to be the one to take the fall, and be the one to catch yourself.

I’ve always said the most effective way to do this is to believe in yourself and your passion. Go with your gut and your vision, and be you. The industry can be somewhat homogenized – and I understand why. It can feel safer to replicate success, but the reward is so much sweeter when you do it your way. I live by this tenet.

What started as a love affair with art and chocolate has now evolved into a nationwide luxury chocolate house. As I embark on the next chapter of my career, designing an interactive dessert commissary experience (see – I’ve never even heard of anything like that!), I am taking these tenets with me. Just like the journey that preceded my current goal, there will be many obstacles, and I’m ready for all of them because at the end of the day, I believe in my uniqueness and I believe that it can make the world a little sweeter, one dessert at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think I always end up pushing myself to do things to the extreme of my own personal creativity. Thinking outside the box and endeavoring to make the impossible, possible. To get to the place that I’m in today has taken A LOT of Butter, Love and Hardwork! But in all seriousness, I have worked really hard and made plenty of small sacrifices for larger gains. There were always challenges, but even as they were occurring, I told myself these are the things that will make me who I am one day. The challenges made me stronger, both as a professional, but also as a person.

The most important lesson that I’ve learned is to never give up. Believe in yourself and dare to venture into the unknown!

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? My brand comes from one place, and one place alone. It’s all true love for what I do. And it’s a reflection of me. I like to be fun, playful and I have a huge appreciation for nostalgia. I’ve always said, if you can make someone go back to a memory through food, that is a gift.

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.
If my best friend was visiting LA – we would have to start with a hike at Runyon Canyon, with a quick stop for coffee at my favorite place, LAMILL in Silverlake. Their iced coffee is life changing – super dark with layers of delicious roasted coffee flavor. Next up would be lunch at South Beverly Grill. It is classic and you can always count on it for amazing service, consistent food and perfectly executed cocktails. The roasted chicken kale salad is a win every time! Since we’ll be in Beverly Hills, we’d have to wander Rodeo Drive for some great shopping. To end the day, we’d have dinner at my new favorite spot, Horses on Sunset. I love their innovative takes on classic steakhouse favorites. Desserts here are also incredible, the chocolate tart: perfection in one bite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
ButterLove&Hardwork would not exist without my family. Shout out to my granny for the butter, my mom who gave me the gift of hard work, and my dad, for love and creativity.

ButterLove&Hardwork would also not exist without Jackie, my ride-or-die left and right hand who inspires me every day.

I’m so grateful for my entire support system, but I owe a never-ending debt of gratitude to these very special souls.

Website: http://butterloveandhardwork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterloveandhardwork/

Image Credits
Headshot Photo Credit: Ian Spanning

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