Fiona Harrison is a Wiradjuri yinaa (woman), living and working on Wiradjuri Country in Central Western NSW. She is also the powerhouse behind Chocolate on Purpose and the story behind the business speaks to how connection to culture, endurance and traditional knowledge are essential for both personal and business success.
“During my recovery from complex PTSD, I discovered essential oils and the power of botanical essences for healing. Just as my ancestors did, I realised the traditional cultural importance of these botanicals, came to realise that flowers and leaves are our food and medicine and I embarked on a mission to find a “new” way to share the healing properties of botanicals. My business, Chocolate On Purpose, was born from this mission. I now use the Australian native plants of my ancestors and combine these botanicals with couverture chocolate to create my 'Bush Food Chocolate' range. My vision is, that through these delicious flavours and the sharing of the traditional use of these botanicals, it will deepen respect for our wisdom and culture.”
One of the most inspiring elements of Fiona’s story is how she sees her role in the community. “I am a changemaker. My business is called Chocolate On Purpose because I am 'On Purpose'. Chocolate is my vehicle to share culture through the stories of my chocolate. I use the traditional botanical ingredients of my chocolate to segue into the bigger Indigenous conversations.”