Ladies Who Build Chocolate Factories with Janett Liriano; Cacao Trade, Dominican Identity, Dominican Businesses

In this episode of Ladies Who Brunch, host Julissa Contreras engages in a deep conversation with Janett Liriano, CEO of Inaru, a Dominican chocolate brand. They explore themes of cultural identity, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the complexities of race and anti-blackness within the Dominican and Black American communities. The discussion highlights the significance of ethical sourcing, community spending, and the need for holistic conversations about identity and history. Janett shares her journey of building a cacao business in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of community, perspective, and integrity in entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges faced by farmers in the cacao industry and the need for a more equitable business model that values their contributions. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding different perspectives and the power of commitment in driving change within communities.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Brunch Table01:04 Introducing Janett Liriano and Inaru01:57 The Legacy of Chocolate and Family Connections03:34 Supporting Local Businesses and Social Justice04:19 Brunch Favorites and Personal Stories05:36 Boccia Topics: Politics and Gender Dynamics06:18 The Diagnostic Tool of Brunch Conversations08:02 Growing Up and Eating Out: Cultural Reflections10:05 Cheers to Dope Brands and Community Support13:44 Shouting Out Ethical Shopping Platforms17:06 Empowering Communities Through Conscious Spending19:29 Tuta Loca: Conversations on Race and Identity25:58 The Narrative of Division28:14 Understanding Identity and Intersectionality32:49 Trauma Responses and Survival Strategies37:09 The Economic Context of Racism42:18 Building Bridges Across the Diaspora47:46 The Gift of Identity and Perspective50:33 The Importance of Perspective in Conversations53:59 Navigating Identity and Contributions55:52 Building in the Dominican Republic59:40 Unpacking the Cocoa Supply Chain01:03:04 Revolutionizing Cocoa Processing01:04:54 Building a Brand with Integrity01:07:14 The Power of Belief and Community01:12:50 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Business01:16:35 Defending Your Worth in Business01:22:20 The Value of Local Knowledge01:26:42 Integrity in Business Practices