Tracy Bartlett: A Life in Chocolate, Rooted in Culture, Guided by Wisdom
From the bustling streets of Southeast Asia to the quiet craft of chocolate making in the UK, Tracy Bartlett weaves memory, mastery, and meaning into every creation. Discover how her philosophy, shaped by heritage and humility, is redefining white chocolate one thoughtful bite at a time.
For Tracy Bartlett, co-founder of Bartlett de Choc, chocolate isn’t just a product, it’s a vessel for storytelling. A reflection of cultures experienced, lessons learned, and the quiet power of humility. From the streets of Singapore to serene corners of Japan, her life has been steeped in rich traditions and timeless values. In this exclusive interview, Tracy invites us into the philosophy behind Bartlett de Choc, where the pursuit of mastery is never ending, and inspiration comes from both within and far beyond. 
A Journey Still in Motion
Interviewer: Tracy, you've lived in some of the most culturally rich places in the world. How do those early experiences shape who you are today?
Tracy Bartlett: I feel like i carry those places with me every day. Growing up in Singapore and Hong Kong and spending time in Japan, Malaysia and throughout south east Asia. I was always surrounded by an incredible depth of traditional flavours, forms and feelings. I still remember the smell of morning incense in the temples, the sizzle of the hawker stalls in the rain, the precision of a Japanese tea ceremony and the sound of the trams rolling through the streets of Hong Kong. Those moments thought me to slow down and pay attention. I see myself as a student. There is always more to learn. The world is constantly changing, am so am I.
Wisdom Passed Down
Interviewer: Your father seems to have had a strong influence on your approach to business and leadership. Could you share some of the advice that has stuck with you?
Tracy Bartlett: My father was a great mentor. We worked together in the family travel business and I learned so much by watching how he cared for people. He taught me that the heart of any business is its people, the team, the relationships, the lives beyond the job titles. One thing he always said was: "Do not focus on being better than other companies, focus on being better than yourself yesterday." That really shaped how I view growth. We do not chase trends or compete for the sake of it. We evolve intentionally because its a part of who we are.
Learning the Art of Mastery
Interviewer: Are there any people who have inspired you and how did that influence your philosophy?
Tracy Bartlett: Yes many, one who has had a profound impact on me is the Japanese sword maker, Yoshindo Yoshihara. Yoshindo had trained for 15 years to master he craft. What struck me was not just his skill but his presence, his humility, his quiet commitment to excellence. He was not trying to be flashy. He was devoted to the discipline itself. he showed me that luxury is not about doing more, its about doing something deeply, beautifully and with care. That stayed with me. Its what we strive for at Bartlett de Choc, depth over quantity.
Flavour as Memory
Interviewer: How do those cultural roots and experiences manifest in your work at Bartlett de Choc today?
Tracy Bartlett: They really come through a part of our core values, how we operate on a day to day bases. How we interact with our team or ingredient suppliers and growers. And finally the experiences we hope our customers gain.
Creating More Than Chocolate
Interviewer: What do you hope people experience when they taste your chocolate?
Tracy Bartlett: I want people to feel cared for. To feel that what they are holding was made with intention and thought. Chocolate is such an emotional food. it can comfort, excite, connect. We try to create something meaningful, not just delicious. I want to share my story through flavour, but more importantly, i want to invite people into their own stories through it. If they leave feeling inspired or up lifted then we have done something worthwhile.
She smiles, then adds, almost playfully:
"white chocolate deserves more than the reputation its been given. I am not here to follow, I am here to reimagine, with care, creativity and a little rebellion."
From beginnings in Southeast Asia to building a luxury brand in the UK, Tracy Bartlett's journey is one of quiet strength, creative grace and a lifelong commitment to learning. Bartlett de Choc isn't just a choclate brand, it is a reflection of the people, places and philosophies that continue to shape its co-founder, one beautiful piece at a time.
