Q&A with Barefoot & Chocolate's Sasha Lewis

Sasha and Trent Lewis, the team behind Barefoot & Chocolate, are obsessed with two of our favorite things: fair trade and chocolate! They create delicious chocolate spreads made with honest, fair trade ingredients so that customers can feel good about what they're eating. Their philosophy is "Good Karma + Best Ingredients = Spread Goodness." 

Here, Sasha tells us what makes Barefoot & Chocolate so special and how we can further the Fair Trade mission.

What is the inspiration behind Barefoot & Chocolate? 

The inspiration behind Barefoot & Chocolate was to create a chocolate spread that was honest and delicious. It really was that simple. We could not find a chocolate spread that we loved - it either had questionable ingredients or completely missed the mark tasting mostly like sugar and oil. We felt that something this beloved and enjoyed world over, can be made better - with honest ingredients that were sourced responsibly. So we pulled out our blenders and went to work.

Why should college students buy Fair Trade products?

All people should be buy Fair Trade products, not just college students. Each of us, have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that products we purchase are being not made at the expense of those that are lowest in the chain - usually the farmers and workers. Having a profitable business does not have to mean no conscience. We need to create a new economy where profits are more equally distributed. Ensuring farmers are paid fair wages for their crops is such a simple act, but when everyone commits to performing this simple act is when we can truly hope to effect meaningful change. It creates true change to the farmers and their families, giving them the opportunity for a better life, the opportunity to educate their children. The cycle of poverty ends and one of economic empowerment begins. The consumer gets a superior quality product and the producer has access to a better quality life. Win Win for all.

What advice do you have for students who want to start their own Fair Trade business?

Partner with a Fair Trade certifying organization that can help you promote your product as well as legitimize your Fair Trade claim by formal verification. A logo applied to your label from a Fair Trade certifying organization is more widely recognized by the consumer. Learn about the different Fair Trade products, research and understand where the products that you are selling come from. The more knowledge you have the better you will be at spreading the message of Fair Trade.

How You Can Help
Currently, Barefoot & Chocolate spreads come in 3 yummy flavors: Hazelnut Chocolate, Almond Coconut Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate Almond with Sea Salt. These spreads can be bought at the Amani cart, online or in select locations across the US. You can also support their mission by visiting their Kickstarter page here!