On the occasion of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, we approach Xocolalla, a family business located in Santa Olalla (Toledo), with more than 170 years of history in the world of artisanal chocolate.
Although the current founder is José Antonio Ruiz Blanco, Carmen Minaya also appears as a partner, who could be an excellent candidate for the interview as a woman entrepreneur
Today we talk to Carmen Minaya, a partner in the company, to find out about her experience as a woman entrepreneur, her passion for chocolate and how she combines tradition and innovation in a sector that is as sweet as it is demanding.
Suggested Questions
Personal and professional career
- How did you get into the world of confectionery and chocolate? I have a degree in Law and my professional career has always been linked to the financial world, but chocolate has always been part of my life. My husband belongs to a family with a very long confectionery tradition in Toledo, and over the years I have experienced that passion and respect for the trade up close. Joining Xocolalla was a way of returning to the family origins and keeping alive a story that began in 1850.
- What motivated you to be part of Xocolalla? After many years in the banking sector, the need arose to get involved in a more personal and purposeful project; To support my husband to unite tradition and modernity, and to continue building on the family values that inspire us: effort, quality and authenticity.
About Xocolalla
- What does Xocolalla represent for you, beyond being a company? For me, Xocolalla is a legacy. It represents roots, effort, love for a job well done and respect for tradition. It is also a symbol of continuity: the union of generations that share the same passion. But, above all, it is a project that seeks to excite through flavor, to convey that behind each tablet or chocolate there is history, people and values.
- How do you combine family tradition with innovation in your products? At Xocolalla we respect traditional recipes, but we are committed to creativity and constant innovation. We look for new combinations, textures and formats without losing the artisanal essence. We incorporate technology into production processes, and we are committed to quality. Innovating is not about breaking with the past, but about making it evolve coherently.
Female entrepreneurship
- What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur in the food sector? And The biggest challenge has been to make my way in a traditionally male environment, but it also happened to me in my previous professional field. Credibility is earned by demonstrating knowledge, work, and commitment. It has also been a personal lesson: entrepreneurship forces you to get out of your comfort zone, to make decisions with courage and to trust in your abilities, even when the path becomes uncertain.
- What advice would you give to other women who want to become entrepreneurs? I would tell them to believe in themselves and not to wait for the perfect moment to start, because it doesn’t exist. That they surround themselves with people who inspire and support them, and that they are consistent with their purpose. Entrepreneurship is an act of faith in oneself, and passion is the engine that makes it possible.
Sustainability and future
How can organizations contribute to a more equitable and environmentally friendly world?
Sustainability, together with social inclusion, is one of the pillars of Xocolalla. We understand that taking care of the planet is inseparable from taking care of the product and people. We are committed to renewable energies and female inclusion.
- What projects or dreams do you have for the future of Xocolalla? We want to continue growing without losing the essence. I am excited to consolidate Xocolalla as a benchmark brand in high-quality artisanal chocolate, recognized for its authenticity and commitment to tradition. We would also like to open new product lines and continue to strengthen our presence.
Closing
- What does it mean to you to celebrate Women Entrepreneurs Day? It is an opportunity to make visible the talent, determination and transformative capacity of women. But, above all, to remember that every step we take contributes to opening the way for the next generations. Entrepreneurship is also inspiring
- How would you like your contribution to the world of chocolate to be remembered? I would like her to be remembered as someone who helped keep a family tradition alive, providing a modern, sustainable look with a feminine soul.
