Meet the Team: Ivy
Introducing another member of our fantastic team - Ivy! If you’ve been able to visit the factory, you have probably experienced Ivy’s infectious smile and chocolate-centric excitement. She is a crucial part of our front of house experience, and we are so thankful to have her on the team. Browse the full interview below to get to know Ivy a little better, including what she loves most about chocolate, her music recs for the perfect bike ride, and where you might see her creativity popping up around the factory now and in the future.
Meet: Ivy
Hometown: Ohio
Worked at Videri Since: Pre-Pandemic!
Position: Retail Manager
Hey there, Ivy! Why work at a chocolate factory, and specifically Videri?
Anything can be a niche and the fact that we are bean-to-bar really sets us apart. Every member of the team brings such strong skills to the factory, and it's amazing to see all the collaboration and innovation that goes into what Videri creates.
Anything you never expected about working at a chocolate factory?
I did not expect to meet so many people through Videri and Black & White Coffee. I’ve always really enjoyed working in this shared space. I’ve met a lot of people who also work in the chocolate industry, so it's very cool to be able to get excited about chocolate together.
What’s something you wish everyone knew about working at a chocolate factory?
Everything that gets made is so decadent and ingenious. It is the people that set the tone and the team here makes a really great community.
If you look closely, we can see your design touches all around the Factory. What is your favorite, so far?
I had a lot of fun making the menu board because I got to draw out the bonbons and ice creams.
You have been on the Videri team for 3 ½ years, and through COVID, too! How has the factory changed since that time?
When I started during my first period of time here, the shop had a lot less traffic. I think back on that time fondly, as it was a really relaxing and wonderful place to work at nineteen years old. I met some of my closest friends in Raleigh over at the Black & White coffee counter. With time, and coming back to work post lockdown, I feel that this place has seen me grow into an adult. The longer I’ve been here, the more I get to know everyone in production, and I’m really grateful to have trustworthy role models where I work. I suppose the factory has changed in the way that I have gotten to know the business, my coworkers, and myself better.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I’ve always really liked the idea of flying. The wind on my skin is one of the most refreshing feelings, which is why I am starting to get back into biking again. I just got a blue Schwinn and flying down hills with some folksy music (Think: Adrienne Lenker, Florist, Lomelda) on and the blooming trees overhead is so lovely.
What’s your current favorite restaurant around town, and what do you love to order?
I recently went to Barcelona Wine Bar with some loved ones, and the mussels in tomato sauce were incredible. The manager even turned on a heater for us and gave us blankets, which was a really sweet touch.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I would go anywhere with rolling green hills and a body of water to float in. I would love to spend some time in the Netherlands. That or somewhere in the Italian or Scottish countryside.
What’s your current favorite bar, and what do you love about it?
I always end up eating the 70% Cocoa Nib Crunch samples when I’m at work, because the nibs so great. I love the fruity and floral notes.
What’s your favorite seasonal bonbon, and why?
Any of our bonbons that have raspberries are high on my list.
Thank you so much for chatting with us, Ivy. We’re so grateful to have you on our team! Cheers to many more years of chocolate magic with you. ✨