wegg® showcase: Katrina Markoff, Founder, Violet Flame Chocolate

Violet Flame was born out of chaos. I went through what I like to call “trauma drama,” a period of upheaval when I wasn’t listening to the gentle nudges urging me to change. Instead, I clung to what felt comfortable, even though I knew deep down it wasn’t serving me and was self-sabotage. Fear held me back, as it has a habit of doing. We aren’t designed to stay comfortable. We are meant to evolve, to seek, and to grow. That’s why my first collection is called The Seeker—a reminder that life is about the journey of inner discovery, not the destination.

This brand is my way of encouraging others to recognize their own power. When you trust yourself, you don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to make one decision, then the next. We’ve developed a codependent relationship with fear, but fear only limits us. Our minds are wired to look for danger, to keep us safe, but this creates a scarcity mindset. By shifting to an optimistic, risk-taking mindset, we enter a space of possibility and abundance. No more overthinking, no more complaining—just doing. That’s how you live a life that feels like an odyssey.

Personally, I’ve stopped engaging with fear-based narratives. I don’t watch the news. I don’t watch scary movies. Instead, I focus on creation, on opportunities. The universe / God rewards those who listen to their inner nudges and take action. Eventually, it will sweep in and shake you up in ways you couldn’t imagine.

Selling internationally is fraught with logistical hurdles, especially when you’re dealing with a product as sensitive as chocolate. One of the biggest challenges is understanding each country’s import regulations. Duties, taxes, and shipping requirements vary wildly, and navigating them can be overwhelming.

Chocolate poses unique challenges because it must be shipped in controlled temperatures—no warmer than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In my previous ventures, shipping fresh chocolate to places like London meant exorbitant air freight costs because the product had to arrive quickly and in perfect condition. When you’re just starting out, it’s not feasible to fill an entire plane with your product, so you have to get creative. There are sea freight options with temperature-controlled environments, but they take much longer. Balancing cost, timing, and quality is an ongoing challenge, especially for a luxury product like mine.

The key to international expansion is leveraging your network and resources. In Chicago, there are incredible organizations that can help facilitate global trade. Embassies are also invaluable—they’re designed to promote trade between their countries and the U.S. and can provide crucial insights, connections, and networking opportunities.

I also recommend reaching out to people who are already doing business internationally. Whether it’s in the Middle East, Dubai, or elsewhere, there’s always someone who has navigated the path before you. Learn from them. If you live in a big city, you’re surrounded by opportunities—you just have to be willing to ask for help.

In the end, the journey of entrepreneurship, like life itself, is about trusting yourself. Listen to the subtle cues within, honor the process, and don’t be afraid to take risks. If you do, the universe will meet you halfway, opening doors you never even knew were there.