What's Happening?
Viviane Gontijo, a former Harvard Portuguese instructor, has transitioned from academia to entrepreneurship by opening Vivilicious, an artisan chocolate shop in Natick Center. Gontijo, originally from Brazil and holding a Ph.D. in linguistics, spent nearly
a decade teaching at Harvard. In 2024, she decided to pursue her passion for chocolate-making, a craft she approached with the same rigor as her academic career. Vivilicious specializes in handcrafted truffles and chocolate bars, using pure chocolate and simple ingredients without preservatives or artificial colors. The shop sources cacao from small farms worldwide. Gontijo's husband, Andrew Driscoll, a former biochemist, has joined her in the business, applying a scientific approach to the recipes and production.
Why It's Important?
The opening of Vivilicious highlights a growing trend of professionals transitioning to artisanal and small business ventures, reflecting a broader shift towards entrepreneurship and local business support. This move not only diversifies the local economy but also enriches the community with unique, high-quality products. Gontijo's background in academia and her methodical approach to chocolate-making underscore the potential for cross-disciplinary skills to innovate traditional industries. The shop's commitment to sourcing cacao from small farms aligns with increasing consumer demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products, potentially influencing market trends in the chocolate industry.
