An Origin Story with Drama, Romance, and… Chocolate

Check out Liz Welch’s interview with NYC chocolatier Jacques Torres for a great example of an inspiring Origin Story. His story is also a great example of how stories provide both “inspiration and simulation” (one of my favorite quotes from Chip and Dan Heath of Made to Stick fame).

Not only does his story capture the challenge and drama of the start-up experience–and make him and his company more fascinating–it also provides useful lessons to start-up entrepreneurs, including:

1. His firm decision to NOT take outside investment money and why.

2. Taking lemons–in the form of Valentine’s Day lollipops that weren’t selling–and turning it into lemonade–by adding a quirky twist. The result: a blockbuster hit.

As you read it, notice that it doesn’t come across as a documentary, but as a drama, complete with struggle and overcoming. That’s what you want in your Origin Story.

If you’re looking for examples of how to tell your business’s Origin Story, here’s a good example to study.