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 Hatton

Hometown: Ohio

Worked at Videri Since: Pre-Pandemic!

Position: Retail Lead

Hey there, Ivy! Why work at a chocolate factory, and specifically Videri?

Anything can be a niche, and while it sounds funny to call chocolate a niche, being that it's such a huge market, 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. There is something really special about working here.

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?

It is really unique, working here, and everything that gets made is so decadent and ingenious. Like any place of work, 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. Most endeavors, design wise, I end up sort of winging it. I guess that's how you start anything really– from scratch. Eventually, I would really like to paint a mural!

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 such a freeing feeling.

What’s your current favorite restaurant around town, and what do you love to order?

I recently went to Barcelona Wine Bar with my partner and a close friend, 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. One of my friends speaks fluent Dutch, and I think it would be a really fun language to learn. That or somewhere in the Italian or Scotland 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 are one of my favorites flavorally and texturally. I am so partial to the inherent fruitiness and floral notes.

What’s your favorite seasonal bonbon, and why?

It isn’t a current seasonal bonbon, but any of our bonbons that have raspberries are my all time favorites. 

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. ✨