Kate McAleer
Owner & CEO Bixby & Co.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired to create change in the chocolate industry. Bixby & Co. Chocolate was born from a commitment to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact and community enhancement. We are passionate about chocolate. As candy makers and now the first bean to bar maker in our State, we seek to make clean, real and sustainable confectionery products. Our mission: We make chocolate confections that are clean and natural, with a conscience.
What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
I have faced many challenges and so many of my mentors, peers, family and WBENC support network have helped me overcome the challenges I have faced. I think it is so important to have champions one can call and sort out whatever the challenge may be at that burning moment.
What three traits define you?
Gritty, Ambitious, Passionate
What women inspire you?
Tory Burch inspires me with her foundation’s focus on supporting women entrepreneurs with the Tory Burch Fellows program and access to capital for women specifically.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
I see the movement towards natural and organic products as the most important trend in my industry. We have been one of the early producers of organic and non-GMO chocolate products so we see this an important change for all.
What are the biggest obstacles you see for young female entrepreneurs?
Access to capital and ability to break down pre-assumed stereotypes or notions about being young and a female entrepreneur. The challenge is to be taken seriously as being capable of running a business.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Work out, play golf.
What are you reading or listening to now?
How I Build This podcast.
What’s the best way to start your day?
With a really good latte.
How do you unwind after a long workday?
Listen to my Calm app.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I... discuss it with my business partner who happens to be my mother.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… to add realism to idealism.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… unconditional family support.
By this time next year, I will be… successfully completing another expansion.
The best thing that happened to me last week was… mentioned in Time Magazine by Tory Burch!
To get my creative juices flowing, I… sit with our team and conduct a brainstorming session and it’s truly amazing how the creativity flows from our company.
Bixby & Co.
Bixby & Co. was born from a commit to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact and community enhancement. A chocolate confectionery manufacturer producing certified organic, gluten free, vegan verified and non gmo innovative chocolate products, Bixby & Co. is also certified woman owned business manufacturing all products on the working waterfront of Rockland, Maine. Our mission: We make chocolate confections that are clean and natural, with a conscience.
