The world of work can sometimes be vulnerable to shocks and global events leading to job cuts or losses. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the revenues of many companies, resulting in job cuts and dismissals.
Before the pandemic, hiring and firing was a normal occurrence in the world of work. Many adapted, nonetheless. Others found jobs elsewhere while others decided to open their own firm or become their own boss.
Such is the story of Patrick Glanville, who is very skilled in making chocolate. After years of going through the horrific experience of being dismissed, rehired and fired again, he felt he had had enough and wanted to be his own boss.
Glanville launched his own chocolate company, 3 Some chocolate, a chocolate brand that combines 3 flavors into 1, and offers it in a pack of 3. The company was created by his desire to utilize his skills as an artist and culinary artist, according to Blackbusiness.
Since he established the company in 2017 with his partner, Kristin Parker-Glanville, it has recorded more than 400,000 units sold with over 75, 000 customers dotted across the United States and beyond. It recently saw a spike in online sales, making over $130,000 in less than a month.
Born and raised in Southside Jamaica, Queens, Glanville learned the art of chocolate making from his grandmother at the age of 10. He became a certified chocolatier after studying at the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Lebbeke, Belgium alongside his partner, Kristin.
Kristin, born in Lower East Side of Manhattan, doubles as the CFO/Co-CEO of 3 Some Chocolates. She also has a background in business administration, operations and finance. Her job includes working to protect the company’s brand.
With his background in graphic design, management, and sales, Glanville created the design of the products as well as the website and recipes while being in charge of marketing.
Just like many Black startups, securing funds to expand the business is often difficult. According to the Harvard Business Review, Black founders receive less than 1 percent of venture capital. Black women founders represent less than 0.2% of companies that receive such funding. Also, 81% of venture capital fund have no Black investors while 70% of VCs are White and only 3% are Black.
To overcome funding challenges, Glanville and his partner launched a CrowdFunding campaign where many investors have come on board to join their chocolate journey. Glanville has, as of Saturday, raised $301,236 on Wefunder.
