The Chocolatier with an Edge

Hey Tiger, part chocolate brand part social enterprise, has been filling our bellies here at Jim & Jane with their handcrafted, out of this world sweets. We sat down with Bree Phillips of Hey Tiger to talk about ethical production in the food industry and the importance of shopping local.

Where do you call home?

Melbourne, Australia

Have you always been chocolate makers?

Yes, we have! Our bars are handmade here in Melbourne. We’re also a social enterprise and we partner with The Hunger Project to help positively impact cocoa farming communities in Ghana.

What was the last great book you read?

The Woman in the Window. It’s a thriller and I just couldn’t put it down. Another great book (which I am currently reading) is Louis Theroux’s bio, Gotta Get Theroux This: My life and strange times in television. I am a big fan of his!

What would we find on your playlist in your studio/office?

I don’t stick to one genre, I love to mix it up so you will find Ludovico Einaudi, Pete Murray and Taylor Swift on my Spotify right now. Told you… bit of an eclectic mix there ; )

If you weren’t doing Hey Tiger, what would we find you doing?

I have worked in Marketing/PR since I was 19 and I love being part of something that is helping to make a difference in the world. If I wasn’t at Hey Tiger, I’d like to think that I’d be doing a similar role in another social enterprise or for a business with purpose.

What does ethical food production mean to you?

We look at our business and production with a holistic approach. It’s essential for us to know where we are sourcing all our ingredients from, and to ensure our strict sourcing criteria are being met. Part of our mission is to create human prosperity at every stage of our supply chain, and this remains a core focus when we are creating our products.

Dream holiday destination?

Morocco and Switzerland!

If an out of towner was visiting, where would you take them?

Along the Great Ocean Road. It’s breathtakingly beautiful with lots of cute towns and a relaxed vibe. I'd also say Daylesford or Mornington Peninsula.

What are you currently coveting?

Being cosy at home. It’s winter, so I am really loving the extra time I get to spend with my partner at home, playing virtual board games with friends, reading and taking everything a bit slower.

Describe your style in 3 words.

Minimal. Neutral. Feminine.

Favourite Instagram feeds?

Good news: @goodnews_movement.

Funny news: @betootaadvocate.

Lifestyle/home inspo: @stevecordony.

Beauty/feel-good content: @zotheysay

Do you collect anything and if so what?

Not really. I live in a small two bedroom apartment, so there isn’t a lot of room for collecting things! Although I have kept every single love letter that my partner has written to me (we’ve been together since high school, over 12 years now) but not sure if that counts ; )

Summer or winter?

Winter. I love cosying up, layering winter clothes and the fresh winter air!

Favourite Restaurant/Cafe?

Three Bags Full (in Abbotsford). It was one of the first really cool cafes in Melbourne, and they still do the best avo smash and coffee in town.

What takes your breath away?

Being in nature. I live in the inner city, so it’s really nice to escape on the weekends and go for a big walk.

Favourite Australian product?

Furniture by the amazing Nick Pearce Furniture (beautiful woodwork) @nickpearce.furniture

Why shop local?

It’s all about supporting the community. Shop local to keep our economy thriving, so that your favourite grocer/florist/fruit shop can stay in business. It’s highly likely that they are also sourcing their goods from local farmers and businesses too, so it has a positive flow-on effect.

Do you have a signature scent?

Le Labo, Santal. I have worn it for years and the scent lasts forever.

Favourite Artist? Favourite Cocktail? Favourite Flower?

Local artist Nathalia Suizu aka NATSUI

Espresso Martini

Hydrangeas, Sunflowers and Peonies (can’t pick just one!)

Use one word to describe Jim & Jane.

I need two: thoughtfully curated