Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina Lauro.
Dina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was 38, I decided to enroll in a healthy culinary school in Manhattan called the natural gourmet institute. After 20 plus years of not knowing my purpose in life, I made the jump into an industry I loved, healthy food. From there, I went on to learn more and became a health educator from Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach. I realized I was finally going in the right direction because the universe was opening its doors for me. I was doing something I loved, and I felt true “joy.”
Having a sweet tooth and not finding a healthy delicious alternative, I made a cookie out of ingredients I respected, and Chunkie Dunkies was born. Tested my demand at a local green market and realized I had created something others wanted as well. Within two months we were selling in stores. Now… 7 years later, we sell in over 150 locations and online. We are adding to our animal-friendly line and launching a new vegan deli & desserts location in Riviera Beach where we will offer comfort food all around.
Has it been a smooth road?
I was fortunate to have struggled my whole life with not knowing my direction. When I finally realized what it was, I had such enthusiasm to learn and push forward that my challenges were exciting. It certainly was not a smooth road, but I had the right attitude. Anything was better then what I was doing before.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chunkie Dunkies – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We create raw vegan desserts that aim to satisfy no matter what diet someone is on. Made from whole nuts and sprouted buckwheat groats making them very nutrient dense. Chunkie Dunkies are dehydrated for up to 15 hours on low temps creating unusual textures and just enough moisture.
Our best sellers are the chocolate chunk fudge brownies (made from walnuts), chocolate chip cookies and carrot cake cookies.
I am very proud of my passion to create food using healthy ingredients while having a balance of flavors to make them taste really good. Our customers tell us that they love our desserts because the ingredients are fresh, healthy and they are satisfied on every level.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The weather is great. Being outside in nature is so important, and we get to be outside playing whenever we want. We have a large variety of people from all over making it a neat place to establish friendships.
The city of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach is perfect for us. It’s not big for a city but enough to make us feel like we’re out and about.
Pricing:
- Our desserts range from $2 to $8
Contact Info:
- Address: 1880 W 10th Street, Bldg. 107 Riviera Beach FL 33404
- Website: WWW.CHUNKIEDUNKIES.COM
- Phone: 561-623-8643
- Email: INFO@CHUNKIEDUNKIES.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunkiedunkies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chunkiedunkies/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chunkiedunkies
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chunkie-dunkies-riviera-beach
- Other: vegandnd.com
Image Credit:
Brian Hiltebeitel
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