Meet Rudi Heshmatazad | Founder & Alchemist of Joy
We had the good fortune of connecting with Rudi Heshmatazad and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rudi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It began with a question: What could I possibly offer to someone I love who is going through the unthinkable? Back in 2018, a dear friend of mine was in the middle of a courageous battle with cancer. I wanted to give her something that could offer a moment of comfort — something that felt good, tasted beautiful, and supported her body rather than burdened it. So I started experimenting in my kitchen, thinking about how to combine nourishment with joy.
That’s how the first RAIRE truffles came to life — made with all-natural, wholesome ingredients, and crafted with the deepest care. She told me that on the day of chemotherapy, those truffles helped her feel stronger. That they gave her enough energy to hold her baby and enjoy her time with the family. After she passed, those memories stayed with me. What started as a quiet act of love and genuine care, became something more — it was a special calling. I realized these truffles weren’t just a treat. They were a way to connect, to comfort, to care.
RAIRE was born from that place — a tribute to her and to anyone seeking comfort, strength, or a moment joy in its purest form.
What should our readers know about your business?
RAIRE was born from a deeply personal journey—one rooted in love, healing and the belief that indulgence and wellness should never be at odds. I created RAIRE to offer something I couldn’t find: a truly clean and pure chocolate experience, crafted not only with high-quality ingredients, but also with intention, passion, and joy.
What sets us apart is the harmony between purity and pleasure. RAIRE is made without added sugar, artificial dyes, preservatives or fillers—only with what’s real, nourishing, and thoughtfully chosen. But it’s not just about what’s inside; it’s about how it makes you feel. The shape, the texture, the way each flavor unfolds, the balance of every ingredient, and the clean, elegant packaging—all reflect the care, intention, and love poured into every truffle. This isn’t a bar you break off and forget. It’s a gift. A moment. A pause in the day that offers joy without compromise. A special experience – either to be shared or as a moment for yourself. s.
Getting to this point wasn’t easy, but I didn’t arrive here by accident. My background in chemistry and product formulation gave me the foundation, but it was my years immersed in consumer-driven innovation that gave me the insight to create something that could truly make a difference. I wasn’t interested in developing just another chocolate brand—I wanted to create something that would support people’s well-being and spark joy into their everyday lives.
Along the way, I had the privilege of learning from remarkable leaders and mentors—people who taught me how to lead with both courage and compassion. Their guidance helped shape not just my professional path, but the way I see the world and the responsibility I carry when creating something for others. Every part of RAIRE was born from deep compassion and genuine desire to make something real, something beautiful and something deeply thoughtful. Something that could nourish the body, satisfy the soul, and remind people that joy and wellness can coexist.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that intention matters. Staying true to your values—even when it’s the harder path—leads to something far more lasting and meaningful. I’ve also learned that joy can be crafted—sometimes in the tiniest ways. In the way something feels in your hand, the fragrances when you open the box and the way it looks when you first peek inside. It is the way someone lights up when they take a bite and pause—just for a second—because it tastes like someone cared.
When something is made with real love and genuine care, people feel it. It reaches them. It comforts them. It reminds them they matter and that they’re worthy of something made just for them. And that kind of joy—the kind that’s thoughtful, quiet, and true—has a way of staying with us long after the moment has passed. RAIRE is more than a chocolate brand. It’s an invitation to slow down, to savor and to celebrate what’s real.
I want the world to know that indulgence can be beautiful, purposeful, and nourishing all at once. With RAIRE, you can experience chocolate as it was meant to be—pure joy, crafted with love.
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 for the week, I’d want to show them the kind of beauty, flavor and energy that makes this area so special. We’d start at the Getty Villa, one of my favorite places to slow down and take in something timeless. The gardens, the ocean views, the sense of peace—it’s the perfect way to begin a visit.
From there, we’d cruise through Rodeo Drive—one of my favorite spots for immerse in beauty and fashion. We’d absolutely stop by Bijan’s boutique. I’ve always admired Bijan—his boldness, his elegance, his unapologetic love of color. In fact, the signature yellow on RAIRE’s packaging is a tribute to him. That iconic Bijan yellow always stayed with me, and I wanted to carry that same feeling of refined joy into my own brand.
After that, we’d head into Downtown LA for dinner at Bavel, where the flavors are truly unforgettable. I’d order the Kibbeh Nayyeh, the Slow Roasted Lamb Neck Shawarma, and the Pomegranate Glazed Oxtail—each one rich, layered, and comforting in its own way. And of course, we’d finish with the Cashew Ice Cream, because ending on a sweet note is practically a love language. After dinner, we’d take a stroll through the Arts District or down Abbot Kinney, letting the conversation flow as we explore—no rush, just enjoying the moment.
To end the day? A show at The Laugh Factory, of course. Because honestly, few things feel better than laughing until your cheeks hurt—especially with someone you love by your side.The rest of the week would be a blend of all my favorite kinds of moments—kayaking through the Back Bay in Newport, hiking to the Top of the World in Laguna Beach, and catching sunset views in Corona del Mar. We’d sprinkle in cozy cafés, spontaneous detours, soulful conversations and always—always—a little chocolate. Because joy deserves to be savored.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m here because of so many people who showed up for me in quiet, powerful ways. But if I had to dedicate this shoutout, it would be to my dear friend, Evanghela H. — the soul behind RAIRE.
Through her battle with cancer, she carried herself with such strength, grace, and vulnerability. Being beside her during that time changed me. She showed me that sometimes the simplest thing in life — like a piece of chocolate — can bring comfort, connection, and meaning when they’re made and given with love. RAIRE exists because of her – and for her.
Website: https://rairechocolate.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rairechocolate/
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
