We’re looking forward to introducing you to Julie Nygard. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Julie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m in a band! I’ve been in bands off and on throughout the last 10 years, but during covid I really decided to commit to learning how to play the piano and sing at the same time (much harder than it appears). I’m the lead singer and keyboardist for Silver Lining, and we’ve been gigging once a week all summer. I absolutely LOVE music, and being on stage and performing for the love of music is simply the best. I’m also in to climbing via ferratas, and I travel to Italy every year to do that as well. But my adult kids are much happier with the musical pursuits–they don’t have to worry about me. NOW they know what it’s like to be a mom!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
The Chocolate Therapist is a combination of my loves in life–chocolate and nutrition. Perhaps that seems like an oxymoron, but I figured out a way to combine the two into a successful business. I was a gymnast and competitive skier as a kid, and we always had to eat for performance. I became very fascinated with the way foods affect the body, and started running studies on myself. I read all the diet books and tried them one by one. I took nutrition classes in college (my degree is in psychology), and later ended up getting my nutrition certification. I worked in the sporting goods industry for 12 years, but I was always studying nutrition. Finally, I decided to quit my job and write a book about nutrition. My goal was become a fitness and nutrition speaker and sell my book. But the health benefits of chocolate news right about that time, and I thought, “wow, that is WAY more fun than nutrition.” So I switched topics and wrote my first book “The Chocolate Therapist: A User’s Guide to the Extraordinary Health Benefits of Chocolate.” I started speaking about nutrition and the health benefits of chocolate, and everything took off from there. I ended up hiring a local company to produce our brand, then bought the shop 2 years later when they wanted to retire. We updated all the recipes to embrace what was important to me as a nutritionist. We make clean-ingredient products, free from dyes, preservatives, artificial ingredients, soy, or cory syrup. Our brand also has far less sugar than most brands. It was a “nutrition-meets-chocolate” moment, and it was very popular right from the start.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I recognized personal power early in life through being an athlete. I realized that we have total control over our own performance, and that the harder we work, the more successful we will be. For me it wasn’t a “defining moment, ” so to speak, but rather an awareness that effort produced results. I have taken this concept with me throughout my entire life, into everything I’ve ever done. I worked hard to get good grades in school and college. When I went into the work force, I treated my job like it was my own company. I never wasted time hanging out by the water cooler or in the coffee room, or whining about problems. I was very achievement-motivated from the start, which turned out to be great training for owning my own companies. I was always trying to figure out a way to motive my team, or save the company money, or capitalize on upcoming opportunities. I still love that focused efforts produces excellent results, and if we’re not getting what we want, we have the freedom to pivot and try other options until something succeeds.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would love, support and encourage myself more. I had such a high bar for success that if everything wasn’t perfect, I’d get down on myself. I never realized how much I did this until I saw my own kids growing up like this. I simply couldn’t understand why they didn’t believe in themselves more. Both of them were highly accomplished in their areas of interest, but they were never satisfied. Over the years, I’ve cried many times wishing I had shown them a different way. My dad was extremely hard on me, and as such, I was very hard on myself. I never treated my kids that way, but they learned by watching how hard I was on myself. To this day, I wish I had been more confident and encouraging to myself.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ve always thought I would be a philanthropist, which is a bit humorous considering I don’t have a lot of money. But I have a need to help others in a positive way, so I stay focused on that goal as I build The Chocolate Therapist and my speaking career. We are actively involved in local fundraisers and I donate regularly to water and education projects, my two favorites. I may not be doing it on a huge scale yet, but I’m not waiting until I have millions to take action. I know that the impact will grow as the revenues grow, so we’re doing what we can now. I love the idea that we can all help someone that we may never know. It just feels right.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I love the outdoors, especially skiing. I’ve skied my entire life, and I moved to Colorado for the sun and the skiing (nothing practical, I was 20!). I love hiking, climbing the via ferratas, mountain biking, camping, waterskiing, kayaking…if it’s outside and a mountain or a mountain lake is involved, I’m happy. Jackson, Wyoming is also one of my favorite placed in the world because the Tetons are epically beautiful. I literally chase around the world to visit the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, but seeing them from a car isn’t quite enough. I have to be climbing, hiking, boating, or whatever sport happens to be available in the area. The Dolomites in Italy are an annual destination. SO beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thechocolatetherapist.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thechocolate_therapist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chocolatetherapist/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ChocolateLuvr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allnaturalchocolate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChocolateTherapistTV
- Other: The Chocolate Therapist podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UtjFWvU8UouzT6vwgxajt
Image Credits
Photos of chocolate: Tom Tallant
Photo of me: Kate Schwindt Photography
