Queen of Vanilla
Close your eyes for a minute, feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face (or at least pretend). What do you hear? Is it the sound of traffic from a bustling city, or the sound of crashing waves from the beach? Are you walking through crowded streets or warm sand under your toes?
While we all wish we could be on a plane going just about anywhere right now, I don’t think there’s anyone more ready than my friend, and business owner Rochelle. Through her travels, she has been given the gift of perspective to see how people throughout the world live and work to keep their families together and create a life for themselves.
This was the beginning of Tribal Vanilla, after university Rochelle knew she wanted to create a business so she could leverage her expertise while partnering with others around the world to improve their lives and advocate for them. Through a series of events, the world of vanilla was the opportunity that aligned best with Rochelle’s business goals.
The name Tribal Vanilla reflects the impact of your purchase. When you purchase vanilla, whether it’s a candle, paste, extract, or beans, you have become a part of the “tribe” you have invested into the community of farmers Tribal Vanilla supports and works with. It’s an extension of you helping improve the quality of life of small-scale farmers in developing countries while receiving an all-natural premium vanilla product.
Tribal Vanilla imports fair-trade vanilla products from three different countries, retailing them at Farmers Markets and online, wholesaling to grocery stores, and partnering with companies who use our vanilla in their artisan products ( baked goods, honey, spirits, beer, etc.) These Grade-A Fair Trade Vanilla Beans can be found in more than 200 grocery stores across North America.
Using a direct fair-trade business model means that our small-scale farmers get paid before their harvests and receive the most amount of money for their vanilla products. We supply high-quality natural vanilla products at a fair price while changing the lives of our farmers by assisting them in creating sustainable agriculture.
The Vanilla is used in home goods as well as baking, adding the perfect warm scent to any home. Tribal continues to expand its range including highly coveted vanilla bean paste, which will be available this summer!
Aside from curating the best vanilla throughout her travels, Rochelle enjoys experiencing new cultures and all they have to offer from local cuisine to wild adventures, she immerses herself in it all. However, when she’s not on a plane, she spends time outside with her Golden Retriever, reading and staying active.
Like most entrepreneurs, coffee is a life source, and while it may not be the healthiest, a rich cup of coffee with a generous pour of flavored creamer is Rochelle’s favorite way to start the day!
As for nightlife in Calgary, Rochelle love’s supporting locals and enjoys visiting Cold Garden Beverage Co. because not only do they have great craft beer, they also are dog friendly…need we say more?
Rochelle’s lives by Life is short... make every moment count, chase your dreams, be with people you love, manifest opportunities and create a passport of memories.
Where’s your next adventure taking you?
Is it a new business, skill, or travel destination? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to follow Tribal Vanilla on Instagram! @tribalvanilla
