Meet the Maker: Tania from FLINT
We're consistently inspired by the incredible artisanal products New Zealand creatives put out into the world!
One of our favourite things about curating the Clarence & Co. gift range is getting to know the wonderful people and creative processes behind the art. We want you to know more about this too! So, we started the Meet the Maker blog series—introducing Tania from FLINT Chocolate.
Who are you and what do you care about?
Hello – I’m Tania, chocolate maker, business owner and mum. I have a passion for ethically sourced high-quality chocolate! I believe that thoughtfully grown and produced cacao can be good for you and the planet. It’s a part of my daily life, never a guilty pleasure.
What inspires you to design and make what you do at Flint?
I’m inspired to make chocolate that people can feel really good about. Firstly by using premium, responsibly sourced cacao – which is beneficial to the farmers, their communities, and their land. Secondly, I look to whole food ingredients to add flavour and texture to the chocolate, while also providing extra nutritional benefits where possible.
Do you have a morning ritual you can't start the day without? (Or an evening ritual you can't finish the day without). What is it?
Daily life has changed recently – my baby girl was born just before Christmas, so I’ve been spending long blissful days (and nights!) with her. I’ve always been an avid coffee drinker, however I’ve noticed that coffee now makes me feel strung out and jittery with the lack of sleep. So I’ve taken to making a daily cup of cacao instead! This is 100% whole bean cacao, which I usually spike with reishi mushrooms, cinnamon or maca for extra benefits. Cacao is extremely nourishing and gives me that gentle energy lift that I need right now.
Tell us another NZ small business or creator you're loving right now?
I’m loving The Vegan Treatory who make the most delicious cookies – honestly, forget they are even plant-based, they are the BEST. They deliver nationwide and are my go-to when I have a friend’s birthday or dinner party and I don’t have time to bake.
If you could spend the day hanging out with anyone, who would it be and why?
Sir David Attenborough – I think it would be so interesting to spend the day talking to him, he’s an absolute legend, and has helped millions of us understand and appreciate the wonders of the world around us. Plus, apparently his favourite food is chocolate, so possibly that’s something I can teach him a thing about, ha!
Love it! Thanks so much for featuring on our blog Tania.
Add FLINT chocolate to a gift box with other locally made products here.
*Photos 1, 2, 3 & 4 by Tracey Creed.