A Day In The Life Of A Chocolatier

Amanda McKeith

With Easter fast approaching, we couldn’t not catch up with chocolatier and founder of Winnow Chocolates, Amanda McKeith.

We thank the chocolate gods above that she decided to say farewell to corporate life in 2013 to give us the most luxurious chocolates and sweet treats. As much a feast for the eyes as the palate, her creations (peach flavoured ombre cubes anyone? Or perhaps some turkish fantasy dark chocolate?) is the perfect embodiment of her love for food, art and joyful packaging.

Enough talking, let’s hear all about her career path, living in Bronte, Winnow HQ and of course, the good stuff, that chocolate!

Image: Winnow Chocolates

Did you have a strong sense of what you wanted to do when you were at school?

No not at all. When I left school I had applied to study Psychology but after only a year of that I realized that it wasn’t for me. Around the same time of starting Psychology I also started working part time at a gourmet deli and I absolutely loved it. I realized my passion was in food but it took quite a while for me to end up with Winnow.

Can you walk us through your path to Winnow?

Following Psychology I studied some Art History and then finished a Business degree. Thinking I should make the most of my degree I worked in a couple of corporate roles for a few years but realized quickly that working in an office just wasn’t for me. I really wanted something that combined creating, design, and business. I tried my hand at wedding cake design, working for food bloggers and a small juice company, but nothing really stuck. It was during this time that I thought I might return to uni and study ceramics so I had left my full time job and was working in a chocolate shop part-time whilst working out what to do. As luck would have it, an opportunity arose for me to train as a chocolatier and I jumped at it! I had a huge number of ideas and the desire to run my own business was still there so I took the plunge and began Winnow.

What is it about being a Chocolatier that you love most?

I think the thing I love most is having the freedom to create whatever I want. Incorporating colour and flavour into the chocolate as well as packaging design is pretty much a dream come true.

Where do you work and what do you love most about your workspace?

The Winnow studio is in Crows Nest on Sydney’s North Shore. I love the lovely natural light that streams in.

Image: Winnow Chocolates

What was the last thing that deeply inspired you?

I love travel and although I have been really busy with the business over the last few years, I always yearn to head away even for a couple of days.

Favourite cafe?

Eugenes in Bronte

Favourite magazines?

Inside Out, Gourmet Traveller and any interior magazine.

Favourite book?

I can’t think of a favourite but most historical fiction I love.

So you live in Bronte – what do you value most about living there?

Being close to the water and the relaxed atmosphere. It still has a village atmosphere whilst being so close to the city and of course the lovely beaches.

What is your next challenge?

Product development is always on the go with events throughout the year. I’ll have to start thinking about Christmas soon!

When did you first realise that Winnow was going to work?

I was lucky enough to receive coverage from Broadsheet early on and that really changed my business. However I wouldn’t say that from that point I knew it was going to work. I still don’t! I think running a business is a constant work in progress.

What do you do to unwind?

I’ve just started Pilates and I also run which is great to clear my head.