As I mentioned in my first post, I didn’t really know the direction that this blog would take… I just knew that I felt that I had to express myself.

Let me tell you about my friend Nikita. I met Nikita whilst I was a teaching assistant at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus. The term was already in full swing, and I received an email from the head of department asking if I could schedule a new person joining the team of demonstrators. I must admit at first I thought it was a bit of a hassle to change things up since the term had already started and schedules were given out . But this email was not really asking if I could add the person to the roster, … the H.O.D. was telling me to do so. Like most people when you are comfortable, and a change is forced upon you… you give a little resistance. ‘Who is this new person?’ ‘Would they think because they studied abroad, they would be more of the expert than me?’ A whole lot of ridiculous questions passed through my mind, albeit, briefly.

From the second that I met Nikita, I saw her warm and humble personality shine through. All my worries and doubts disappeared. She was one of the kindest persons I had ever met… still today that holds true in fact.

Nikita came to us with a wealth of knowledge and added to our team what we didn’t know we were missing. She helped fill gaps in the knowledge base, and in the technical skills aspect. This was over 9 years ago. I’m happy to say that today, she is one of my good friends in every sense of the word, and this post is to show my gratitude.

The Ortinola Great House is nestled in Acono, Maracas, St. Joseph. A beautiful property that can boast of gorgeous views and cooler temperature and a nature lover’s or someone who just wants to escape the condensed neighbourhoods and hustle and bustles dream. When stepping into the building and observing the architecture, one can only imagine cool evenings looking out into the vast surrounding lands and hearing the sounds of insects and the rustling of leaves as it draws to dusk. A premier event venue, this place of old world charm will surely leave you feeling that you need a second visit.

Niks is the brain behind Ortinola Handmade chocolates. In 2010, after realising the potential for the business to expand, she took up the task of diversifying the Ortinola brand from being a place of hosting events, to one that produces some of the best quality chocolates in the Caribbean, and dare I say it, world, and from some of the best beans in the world grown right at the estate. She had always been interested in working for the Cocoa Research Centre located at the U.W.I. St. Augustine campus, a world renowned gene bank and research centre, and started learning all things cocoa and agriculture including chocolate making and agri-tourism and participated in various workshops hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture here in Trinidad and seminars at the Cocoa Research Centre.

If any of you have ever tried to keep a houseplant alive (I can’t be the only one)… you can imagine how challenging this task must have been, and it would not be smooth sailing. In 2012, 6000 cocoa trees were planted on over 6 acres of land, and though there were several setbacks ( including theft of some plantain that was also planted to help mitigate the costs of the cocoa trees), with a spirit of perseverance and persistence, in 2015, they were able to get some cocoa pods and started experimenting and streamlining a procedure that could be used to make their own chocolates. In 2016, they were able reap a proper harvest and now… Ortinola Handmade chocolates are handmade with love and being sold not only in the local market but in the UK.

Nikita and some of the chocolate bars.
© Mimi Chu Leung

Although we can say that Ortinola Handmade chocolates is an established local brand, Nikita has not let this lead to complacency. She has expanded the brand by adding different flavours which include coffee and cinnamon, the percentage dark chocolate is available in three different strengths 60%, 80% and 100% , and has gone on to offer cocoa tea, cocoa powder and coca nibs in addition to chocolate making workshops and tours. I cannot express how proud I am of Nikita, and inspired by her determination, hard work and humble spirit. She is a testament of what the human spirit can achieve with determination and belief.

Now… let me speak about ‘Gratitude’

Niks has been supportive throughout my journey with photography - from offering the Great House as a place for me to practise in 2013 when I was studying photography, to asking me to photograph her newborn son just a few years ago and allowing me to use their space as a place for me to experiment in fashion photography to build my portfolio… talk about gratitude… I cannot express it enough. Below are a couple of photos from that shoot that occurred in July 2019.

Models : Natalie Howe of @decolletebynataliehowe and Tsahai Benjamin representing Diane Carlton Caribbean
© Mimi Chu Leung

I highly recommend that you visit Ortinola and support this local business that pours so much heart into their products.

Nikita, thank you.

Gratitude

I Hope You Dance

Starting off with some 'Small Business Love'