Interview with Chocolate Sommelier & Writer Estelle Tracy
We asked Estelle Tracy a few questions about her life as a chocolate sommelier (37 Chocolates) & freelance writer.
Estelle Tracy, chocolate sommelier | 37 Chocolates
Tell us about your business!
Estelle: I’m a freelance writer and chocolate sommelier based in Kennett Square. I serve two very different audiences: the French expat community in the US and the local community in the Philadelphia area.
Francophiles know me through my food survival guide for French expats in the US and cookbooks. They live all over the country, mostly in New York City and California, which means I don’t get to frequently meet with them face-to-face. I love interacting with people in real life though and that’s why I’m grateful for chocolate.
For the past three years, I’ve led chocolate tastings and pairing events in Chester County, Pennsylvania and beyond. My clients are wineries as well as private golf and country clubs. Editor’s Note: you can sign up for Estelle’s newsletter to keep up with her chocolate tasting schedule.
Having two very different activities and audiences sometimes feel like I have two personalities but I need both to thrive. Sometimes I get to combine it all when I freelance for regional and national food publications.
Editor’s Note: Estelle publishes her written work under “Estelle Tracy” and she leads tastings under “37 Chocolates.”
What accomplishment are you celebrating right now?
Estelle: This summer, I promised myself I wouldn’t do any deep work so I could enjoy my time with the kids. I still was able to generate revenue from the books and video training I sell on my Gumroad page.
What keeps you motivated?
Estelle: I love challenging people’s notions of what chocolate is. Whether at a tasting or pop-up event, there’s always a person who’ll tell me “I only eat dark chocolate”. However, after going through my chocolate selection, they’ll walk away with a small stash of white chocolate bars!
Estelle Tracy, freelance writer
What's one tip you want to share with other entrepreneurs?
Estelle: Learn to love the phase of your business you’re in.
What's your favorite app or resource of the moment?
Estelle: I started using HubSpot as a CRM and I love it!
What are you listening to lately?
Estelle: The Goal Digger podcast for business, the Well Tempered podcast for chocolate, and Transfert for French storytelling.
What are you crushing on?
Estelle: My artist friend Katee Boyle. She’s as comfortable working at a forge as at the sewing machine. She’s on Instagram as @kateeboyle.
What inspirational words resonate with you recently?
Estelle: The bigger the dream, the more time it’ll take to get there.
Where can we find you online?
Estelle: Sign up to my newsletter to keep up with my chocolate tasting schedule. You can find out more about me on my website and Instagram (@37chocolates), too!
Estelle Tracy, chocolate sommelier | 37 Chocolates
