Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Victoire Finaz, I am a Chocologist. I created my consulting and training company 15 years ago, after my psychology thesis on chocolate expertise and sensory analysis. I lead chocology workshops, similar to oenology, to introduce the aromatic complexity of chocolate, from the bar to chocolate recipes. I created my chocolate brand in 2009 and specialize in creating personalized chocolates for corporate gifts.
Since publishing my first book in 2008, SUPER CHOCOLAT (ed. mango), I have increasingly turned to individuals to whom I offer introductions to chocology and with whom I share my pastry recipes on Instagram @lachocologue.
How would you define yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, creative, gourmet.
What makes you feel like a woman?
My sensitivity and my empathy.
What does a day in your life look like?
To a sensory journey, punctuated by tastings and wonderful encounters. I need to taste every day, sometimes to perfect my palate, if not for the pleasure of discovery. I attach great importance to the encounters and people who surround me on a daily basis. First of all, my team, whom I had the luxury of choosing and with whom I love working. Then, the encounters. In the world of gastronomy, I am lucky to only meet passionate people. All of this boosts my energy!
An anecdote from your life that helped you move forward?
After 10 years of entrepreneurship, I felt like I was stagnating in the development of my company. I was asking myself a lot of questions about the meaning of my job. One of my mentors asked me the following question:
"Victoire, what are your dreams?"
"If you don't have dreams, how do you know which direction to go in?"
I then read a book that made me think about this question: The Miracle Factory by James Doty. I wrote my dreams down on paper, and they came true within a year. I was amazed. And I understood the importance of having dreams to fulfill.
What is your relationship with your body and mind?
The body is the expression of the mind. It often says much more than words or thoughts. It must be taken care of. For me, this means quality food, exercise, and my passion for chocolate, which allows me to escape.
What boosts you on a daily basis when you don't feel well?
Chocolate and my daughters' laughter.
What are the beauty and wellness rituals that you couldn't live without or that you practice every day?
Moisturize my skin morning and night to give it radiance. Systematically remove my makeup every night and in the morning when I wake up, before my shower. And then, dental hygiene is important to me. I find that a smile is the most important aspect of beauty.
If you had to keep just one beauty product in your vanity case?
A good moisturizer!
Your favorite Aime product and why?
Cacao Glow : because it allows me to nourish my skin from the inside out thanks to the spice I love most in the world!
Do you have any reading recommendations?
Yes, lots – and covering a lot of topics!
Inspiring to take control of your life, I mentioned it previously because it really touched me: The Miracle Factory by James Doty. Inspiring to give meaning to our thoughts and our relationships: The Andean Prophecy by James Redfield. Inspiring to live better as a couple: Man, Woman, user guide, better understand each other to love each other better. Inspiring to give meaning to your life: Transmit, written by a conference (Céline Alvarez, Frédéric Lenoir, Matthieu Ricard, Frédéric Lopez, etc.)
Any food/sports/lifestyle addresses?
I share food addresses every day on my Instagram account @lachocologue. My latest favorite restaurant: Rooster by Frédéric Ducas, Mediterranean cuisine, gourmet and tasty. I do a lot of yoga, I particularly recommend Tigre Yoga for meditation or practicing yoga in all its forms. I love massages too, my favorite: the Guerlain spa on the Champs Élysées, the smells, the cozy mattress, the music, everything is perfect. I recently rediscovered the NOSE concept store where I found my new perfume.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I don't eat anything with guilt, but sometimes I happily say to myself: what a treat! And it has to be a delicious chocolate dessert.
What is your Proust madeleine?
My grandmother’s hot chocolate, those comforting aromas still lull me…
How would you define your vision of the world today?
Today's world is moving very fast; everything is accelerating with digitalization and social media. Society requires us to think, invent, anticipate, and organize. Our senses are often neglected in our daily lives, and I am convinced that this creates an imbalance in our well-being.
My job as a Chocologist allows me to offer a sensory break, to focus on tasting and to stimulate all my senses for the benefit of pleasure. I notice how much my chocology workshops nourish calm and reconnect with oneself, through the senses. I wanted to have a job that had meaning, because it fulfills me a lot.
What would you say to yourself from 20 years ago?
Believe in yourself and develop your talents! It's up to you to create your path; you'll get there through hard work and perseverance. Your passion will guide you!
What is your mantra?
Always talk about your projects around you, it's the best way to allow others to help you, because we never move forward alone in life!
Your plans for the future?
Currently, I'm co-writing a book on chocolate with nutritionist Hafid Halhol, highlighting the benefits of cocoa and chocolate. It's scheduled for release in March 2022. I'm also developing box sets of chocolate bars with a wine-related and educational approach, to introduce people to great chocolate vintages and travel around the world's equatorial belt!
