HEALTH
From Health Crisis to Sweet Triumph: Meet the Doctor-Turned-Entrepreneur Behind Good Girl Chocolate
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Black Wall St. MediaContributor
Meet Tabatha Carr, the inspiring naturopathic doctor behind Good Girl Chocolate, a business that has turned her personal health struggles into sweet success.
Carr’s journey began when, at the age of 16, she was prescribed blood pressure medication due to being overweight and facing various health issues.
Determined to make positive changes, Carr embarked on a mission to transform her lifestyle.
Unfortunately, by the time she reached 30 years old, Carr’s health had deteriorated further. She was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, faced hormonal challenges, and relied on multiple blood pressure medications.
With a family history riddled with heart attacks, dialysis, and hysterectomies, Carr was faced with a crucial decision. She had to choose between undergoing surgery and increasing her medication dosage or making a significant lifestyle change.
This pivotal moment became the catalyst for Carr’s transformation.
She embarked on a health journey that led to her shedding 80 pounds and discovering her life’s purpose: helping women who faced health challenges similar to her own.
Specialising in assisting individuals struggling with anxiety, stress, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight loss, Carr became a beacon of hope for those seeking holistic wellness solutions.
Her passion for promoting health and well-being eventually culminated in the founding of Good Girl Chocolate in 2018.
The brand offers a range of delectable treats that are not only delicious but also cater to specific dietary needs.
Good Girl Chocolate products are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, preservative-free, and made with non-GMO organic plant-based sweeteners. Carr’s primary goal is to allow people to indulge in the pleasures of chocolate without guilt or compromising their health.
However, Carr’s journey as an entrepreneur hasn’t been without its challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous obstacles for small businesses worldwide, including Good Girl Chocolate.
Despite the difficulties, Carr remained determined to bring her clean and guilt-free treats to her community and beyond.
She aimed to shatter the belief that indulging in sweets or desserts should be an occasional occurrence. Carr wanted people to know that chocolate can be both delicious and healthy.
One aspect that sets Good Girl Chocolate apart is its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Carr takes pride in her “bean-to-bar” chocolate factory, where she roasts and grinds cocoa beans to create her delectable treats. She emphasizes that there are very few Black-owned chocolate factories, and her establishment goes beyond being just a chocolatier—it is a symbol of excellence in producing chocolate from scratch.
In July 2021, Good Girl Chocolate opened its factory at the Penn Square Mall. While the original plan was to launch in 2020, the pandemic forced Carr to adjust her timeline.
The economic downturn caused by COVID-19 led to the closure of over 700,000 businesses and resulted in significant job losses. Fortunately, Carr’s determination and resourcefulness allowed her to navigate these challenging times without laying off staff or shutting down her business.
Carr’s resilience and unwavering commitment to her vision caught the attention of the BeyGOOD Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund. She applied for the fund just before the deadline and was thrilled to find her chocolates featured on Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s foundation’s Instagram page a few weeks later.
The $10,000 grant Carr received from the fund proved instrumental in supporting her burgeoning business during these uncertain times.
Looking ahead, Carr remains focused on growing her business and achieving sustainable success. Her products are now available in prominent locations such as the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and the Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma. Additionally, Good Girl Chocolate had the honor of being included in the Grammy Awards gifting in both 2019 and 2023.
The next milestone for Carr is securing a place for her products on the shelves of Whole Foods stores. Starting in June 2023, Good Girl Chocolate will be available in Whole Foods locations in the southwest region before expanding to stores nationwide.
Carr’s brand was chosen to participate in Whole Foods Market’s Local and Emerging Accelerator Program, which provides valuable partnerships, mentorship, education, and the potential for financial support amounting to $25,000.
As a minority business owner, Carr understands the challenges faced by entrepreneurs with limited resources and support. She acknowledges the high failure rate of such ventures but remains confident that her unique and exceptional products position her for long-term success. Carr’s unwavering dedication, combined with her commitment to quality and clean ingredients, sets Good Girl Chocolate apart in the market.
Tabatha Carr’s remarkable journey from health struggles to entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiration to us all.
Through her brand, Good Girl Chocolate, she not only offers a delightful indulgence but also a beacon of hope for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.
As Carr continues to break barriers and expand her reach, her story serves as a reminder that with determination, passion, and a touch of sweetness, anything is possible.
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Black Wall St. MediaContributor
