Presenting the essence of culture and innovation – Tonči Chocolates, a family-owned business that uses chocolate and coffee as instruments to foster connection in Tobago.
Tonči Chocolates is a local luxury brand that offers high-quality artisan chocolate and coffee through the Tonči Experience. The two-hour eco-culinary tour showcases a holistic approach to chocolate and coffee making that intertwines quality, sustainability and community. Celebrating the cultural significance of cocoa and coffee in the Tobago space, Tonči Chocolates was birthed from the tragic loss of the family’s beloved son Tonjay. Their deep personal experiences catalyzed their desire to create something special to honour his memory and spirit.
Carlina Jules-Taylor, Co-owner of Tonči Chocolates and mother to Tonjay, chatted with us for our Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing… HER series for International Women’s Day, where we highlight the stories and voices of some of the inspirational women of Tobago’s local tourism industry.
Join us as we explore HER story:
What motivated you to pursue a career in tourism, and how have you navigated the challenges or opportunities unique to women in the industry?
“This pivot into tourism was more circumstantial than intentional. The aim was to foster a sense of community among customers, friends, and those who have experienced loss. Through shared narratives, we created a supportive environment where individuals can connect over experiences. As a homemaker, home educator, and entrepreneur, this venture took a lot of planning and support especially from (co-owner) Randy to execute. However, it has proved to be a great opportunity for visitors to have a one-of-a-kind, memorable immersive Tobago experience.”
Can you share a story where you felt empowered as a woman in tourism and how that experience shaped your career or perspective?
“When persons visit our home and garden, they walk in as total strangers but on several occasions, persons left sharing embraces. This made me realize that people need people, no matter who they are and where they are from. We all need kindness, encouragement, and a safe space to vent. This has caused me to have a fresh perspective on how impactful these interactions can be.”
How do you believe women in the tourism industry are helping to reshape the way we view travel, cultural exchange, and tourism development?
“Women have historically contributed significantly to tourism through roles in hospitality, foods, cultural preservation, and artisan crafts. Our efforts have often been underappreciated and remain largely unrecognized in mainstream narratives. Our mothers and grandmothers have served as custodians of culture and tradition, passing down knowledge and skills related to local customs, cuisine, and crafts that enrich the tourism experience. However, we have seen a greater involvement of women in tourism planning and policy making, so there is a subtle shift to a more equitable tourism sector.”
In your opinion, what steps can be taken to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in leadership roles within tourism and hospitality?
“One area that needs to be addressed is flexibility in working hours for women who are balancing both work and family responsibilities.”
In your opinion, what are some of the untapped opportunities for women in tourism, and how can we encourage more women to explore these avenues?
“We play a critical role in preserving, transmitting and showcasing our cultural traditions. Visitors are looking for new experiences. This area of intangible cultural heritage is often overlooked. Visitors are interested in us as a people – our lifestyle, food and traditions. But we need to first value and embrace ourselves as a people, in order to better see these opportunities.”
What advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to enter the tourism industry, and how can they use their unique perspectives to drive positive change?
“Before entering the tourism industry, be a tourist first – whether here or elsewhere – and you will be surprised by what you learn about yourself, and what you have to offer as it relates to the industry. Be true to yourself. Be authentic.”
Thank you Carlina, for chatting with us. We commend the efforts you have made with Tonči Chocolates’ and its humanistic and holistic approach to chocolate and coffee production in Tobago. A true reflection of Tobago’s values, your emphasis on community and connection surely complements the high quality of service Tonči Chocolates offers, and further adds to the many beyond ordinary experiences Tobago promises.