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Alison Nelson, Founder, Alison Nelson's Chocolate Bar

"Success is never achieved by one person alone"

How do you typically start your workday?
I usually wake at 5am and enjoy my first cup of coffee while walking my two dogs. Once home I check emails, social media and food blogs before sending my children off to school. I take a Barre class (a workout based on ballet technique) before heading into the Chocolate Bar office/kitchen.

Describe your work in a sentence.
My work is about creating happiness and joy through food and sweets.

What is your #1 personal principle/success mantra at work?
"Nothing is impossible if you have quality ingredients, exceptional service, kindness towards others and passion for what you do." I live by these points both at work and in my personal life.

In your workday, what is the one thing you cannot do without?
Coffee. I can survive without anything else. But I drink no less than seven Americanos each day.

Most challenging project to date?
I have found no matter how many times we open a location, each new one poses its own set of unique challenges. Luckily, we have a great team here in Dubai who put their hearts and talents into each new project. In the US, we are currently working on our largest location that will incorporate art and music, housing both a gallery and a live performance space, along with an open concept chocolate making room for customers to see us producing the many chocolates we sell. It is an ambitious project, but I've learned that if we approach the challenges with an open mind we find ourselves stronger as a team and a company.

Who is your role model as the perfect professional?
This may sound odd, but I absolutely adore Katy Perry. She is involved in every aspect of her work. From the sets and costumes on tour, to the album art and songwriting. She is passionate, inclusive, and respectful towards the people she works with and to her millions of fans. I hold a firm belief that success is never achieved by one person alone - time and talents, no matter how great, are limited. Every successful person has a team of talented and loyal people working on their behalf and is not afraid to express their gratitude for their team. Katy Perry has publicly done this time and time again. And to me, this is the behaviour of a consummate professional.

Your favourite indulgence when you need a break from work?
Getting a pedicure. There is something invigourating about taking time to chat with a friend or read for an hour while getting your toes done.

What is your greatest dream, professionally?
To be honest, I am currently living my dream. But if I was to look further ahead it would be to continue expanding my chocolate bar while simultaneously using it as a catalyst to feature local fashion, art and culture. I want to incorporate all the amazing creativity I find into the work that we do.

What is the last thing you (usually) do before you go to sleep?
I say a prayer of thanks for another day, for my family and friends, for the lessons I learned. My grandmother impressed upon me the importance of saying 'thank you' before sleep as each day given to us is a gift.