Kakao Mischa brings ceremonial cacao from the Peruvian jungle directly to you and aims to open hearts and senses with it.

Can you tell us the story of Kakao Mischa? How did the idea for the company come about?

The idea for Kakao Mischa came to me during my first trip to South America. Actually, I didn't intend to return to Europe. But there, in the middle of the Peruvian jungle, I encountered an inconspicuous but life-changing piece of cacao. This plant captivated me so much that I decided then and there to dedicate my life to cacao and to share it not only with my loved ones at home but with as many people as possible.

However, the name Kakao Mischa has its own history. Born in Ukraine, my parents have always called me "Mischa." My friends in Germany soon picked up this name, and so wordplay like "Beton Mischa" (Concrete Mischa), "Karten Mischa" (Map/Cards Mischa), and eventually "Kakao Mischa" emerged.

Who are the founders of Kakao Mischa, and what personal backgrounds or experiences do you bring with you?

Kakao Mischa was founded only by me, Mischa. My background at the time of founding was a colorful mix. By my count, I had held over 20 different jobs by then—alongside my studies as an industrial engineer. Among them were catering, military service, marketing, logistics, assembly line work, and much more.

The versatility of my previous experiences, paired with the economic knowledge from my studies and a good pinch of courage, together formed the foundation upon which Kakao Mischa grew.

What is the vision of Kakao Mischa, and what steps are you taking to realize it?

The vision of Kakao Mischa is to open the hearts of humanity. Those familiar with ceremonial cacao know its quality. We use this special plant to give as many people as possible back the sovereignty over their emotions, feelings, and, above all, their happiness.

Steps toward this include the deep appreciation embedded in our corporate structure, which is clearly felt by our customers. We also rely on the virality of our work to reach as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time with our medicine, as it is called in cacao circles.

Who is Kakao Mischa's offering aimed at, and how do you manage to meet the expectations and wishes of this target group?

Initially, our offering was aimed specifically at people who use cacao in rituals, so-called cacao ceremonies. In the meantime, our target group has expanded to include people of all ages and social classes. One group stands out here: people who now drink our cacao instead of coffee and enjoy the relaxation, clarity, and flow it provides.

Have there been any challenges you had to overcome as a company on your journey so far? How did you handle them?

Oh yes, there were many challenges, and there still are today. The biggest challenge for me was getting the ball rolling. When you market a product that nobody knows exists, and you have no money available for marketing, you are initially stuck. Just like I was back then!

But through countless text messages via Facebook and Instagram, I was fortunately able to bring cacao closer to people and build an understanding of it.

What sets Kakao Mischa apart from other providers on the market?

Kakao Mischa bases its success on an enormous demand for quality as well as a focus on the greatest possible appreciation for everyone involved in our service. From the South American soil to the end buyer, we convey a sense of gratitude and appreciation to everyone. Anyone who has ever received a package from us will know what I am talking about.

Besides, our cacao also has the most beautiful shapes and packaging. 😉

What future developments or innovations can we expect from Kakao Mischa in the coming years?

Beyond the fact that cacao will soon reach the masses, I expect Kakao Mischa to make big headlines and to let the cacao plant—which we have stamped as a sweet and sinful temptation—return to being the medicine and healing plant it was for the Maya and Inca.

How do you want to ensure the long-term sustainability of your company while keeping the customers' interests in mind?

Sustainability has been an integral part of Kakao Mischa from the beginning. From climate-neutral shipping to plastic-free packaging. Additionally, since 2024, we have been building an Impact Fund with our supplier Original Beans, which we will use to support the cultivation regions of our cacao and strengthen our collaboration with the farmers and cooperatives.

What values and principles shape the work and the product of Kakao Mischa, and how are these reflected in your everyday life?

Our work is supported by appreciation, courage, compassion, and trust.

These values are palpable above all through our communication, our service, and our approach to marketing, which is rather unusual for many.

Thinking back on your journey so far, what mistakes have you made, and what advice would you give to other founders based on that?

For the first four years of my business, I didn't keep an eye on the numbers at all. I didn't know what I was earning, how much was in stock, or what my margin was. That is dangerous, and I am glad that things are different today.

Therefore, my advice would be: Know your numbers! Even if only roughly estimated at first, numbers provide security and predictability.

What role does technology play in the growth and further development of Kakao Mischa?

At the beginning of Kakao Mischa, I did a lot by hand. Peeling, sorting, and sieving beans. I lugged sacks up and down stairs and set alarms at night to refill the cacao grinder.

All of that is long gone and is now replaced by great machines from the chocolate craft. Technology gives us the possibility of nearly seamless growth, and we are only too happy to take advantage of that.

What are three central tips you would give to young founders who want to start their journey into self-employment?

1. Do it! The only way to be sure you will fail is not to try at all.

2. Listen! Share what you have to offer with the world and listen to their response. Very quickly, it becomes clear where your product or service has potential for further development. That is then your homework.

3. Enjoy! No matter how lucrative, progressive, or respected your project is, if you can't enjoy it at least a little bit, you will burn out. Choose something that includes your interests and thus becomes a game you can play for a long time.

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