DEV Community: Nadia Devita Oktarini Artonne

My Entrepreneurial Journey from Chocolate to Building Meaningful Socialization through AI

Nadia Devita Oktarini Artonne — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 21:46:09 +0000

After reading, you may say, a little obsessed.

~ HAHAHA “Okay, just go with it.” ~

This mantra reminds me of my venture with Chocola Cafe…

A few years ago, I co-founded a chocolate brand because my partners and I loved high-quality Belgian chocolate. But passion wasn’t enough. We wanted to create a brand with meaning and impact.

In the beginning, we were just three chocolate enthusiasts driven by the dream of creating a business together. Since everyone loves chocolate, and it’s an international product, why not do something around it? But how do you create a brand and innovate in a sector where everything seems to have been invented? Could the business work just because we like chocolate? Hahaha, no way. Something was missing: a strong concept. It took us 3 weeks of intense brainstorming in a vacation spot to rethink, rethink, toast hahaha and rethink our strategy. 🍫💡

~ HAHAHA Okay, just go with it ~

One of Chocola Cafe’s signature delicates

I remember the excitement when I pitched a bold idea to my partners: “Why not create a brand that is meaningful? Why not create a brand that makes an impact?” Chocola Cafe, a chocolate paradise “from diversity to unity”, spreading happiness and promoting diversity through the joy of chocolate. I was already on togetherness, which is becoming the breadcrumb trail of my life. They were hooked, and we officially launched Chocola. 🌍❤️

Passionate or obsessed, I let you decide but I will always think “Go big or stay home”. Therefore, we dreamed big and set our sights on a Grade A shopping mall in Jakarta. Initially, we lost the space to a giant competitor and were, of course, frustrated. But honestly, three kids from nowhere who were asking for a Class A mall… Were we crazy? 🤯

~ But, HAHAHA, just go with it ~

Amazingly, we finally got the space. In fact, thanks to our passion and resilience, we convinced them that our unique concept would be a winner: Our Belgian chocolate fondue you can share, combined with a powerful social mission! This was setting us apart from any typical cafés, restaurants or bakeries. 🍫🏆

Yeay, beating the big coffee brands hahaha

Great step, I thought! But, now, how to pay the exorbitant deposit they were asking for? Still… We were only kids in their 20s! 😅

Finally, after some hesitation, we realized that we had a franchisable concept, so why not get financing from angel investors? And so we did. 👼💸

~ Oh HAHAHA, just go with it ~

Chocola Cafe, located in Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya, became the world’s first premium Belgian chocolate café with a mission to unite through diversity. We had many customers — a great success! Not just chocolate lovers or random Indonesians, but lots of ethnically diverse people from all over the world, many especially to experience the unique Chocola Cafe socialization experience. It was a mixture of hard work, high sales, happy moments and, as in any business, painful decisions. In short, routine but at a hundred miles an hour! 🚀

But ~ not HAHAHA, not just go with it ~ for the first time in my life…

Like thousands of other companies, the covid-19 train passed us by and forced us to abandon the adventure in 2020… We were still babies with no reserves to survive it. 😔

You know what, I’m not bitter, even though I do enjoy the bitterness of chocolate. 🍫 hahaha Because I’m really proud of what we did, which could have exploded in our country and probably internationally, because we paid our loyal people and knew how to minimize losses while of course learning, at least for me, valuable lessons, one of which was that I was really good at marketing and sales. That’s pretty amazing for someone with a civil engineer’s background. It seems I have the DNA of a double-sided left and right brain! Thanks, Mum and Dad, for that! 🌟 I know my mum is watching over me from above, and I’m forever grateful for the creativity, benevolence, and logic she instilled in me. 💖 From my dad, I inherited the entrepreneurial spirit that drives me every day. 🙏

~ So, HAHAHA, just go with it ~

Really determined, and rich from this last lesson, in search of a job — my savings having been spent in Chocola Cafe — I threw myself into the world of marketing and advertising, convinced that creativity and technology would redefine the future of business. Not only did I achieve remarkable results and substantial revenues for my agency, but I also, in charge of the business development, had the privilege of working with some truly extraordinary clients as I was always attracting the ones with shared values. Maybe the universe is giving back what we give, I also like to believe that I am lucky 🍀🍀🍀😁 and a happy person which can be contagious… 🌟📈

You want a confidence, in fact, I am a bit introvert 😌, but…

~ HAHAHA, just go with it ~

Today, as the founder and CEO of Breezy & Co-Founder of Agoras, I channel my passion for social neuroscience, social impact, and togetherness into reducing loneliness on a global scale with our AI-powered I&365 apps suite. I’m building a global ecosystem for curated real-life socialization. My journey with Chocola has taught me that success requires both passion and resilience. 🌐💪

And let’s not forget the importance of humor along the way! Hahaha 😄

Dear angels and potential partners, if you’re interested in learning more or joining this exciting venture, please be my guest! 💰🎉

And to all of you reading, what are your ‘HAHAHA, just go with it’ moments? Feel free to share in the comments! 💃🏻🙌🏻

More to come…

Yours devotedly,

Nadia Devita Oktarini

Is Compatibility in Love Really About Shared Interests? 🤔

Nadia Devita Oktarini Artonne — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 21:30:51 +0000

We often hear that compatibility is about finding someone who shares your interests — whether it’s skiing in the Alps or enjoying classical music. But is that really what makes a relationship work? Are we talking about love or just friendship?

The reality, backed by science, is far more complex. True compatibility is less about shared likes and more about something deeper — what neuroscientists call “neural mirroring” or “brain coupling.” This phenomenon occurs when two people are so in sync that their brains respond similarly during interactions, creating a feeling of being deeply understood, even without words. 🧠💕

If you’re interested, check out this article from Princeton University that explores how our brains sync during effective communication: https://paw.princeton.edu/article/clicking-how-our-brains-are-sync.

This kind of connection isn’t just about enjoying the same activities; it’s about a deeper emotional resonance. A study by the Gottman Institute found that 69% of relationship conflicts are about perpetual issues — differences in personality or lifestyle that won’t ever go away. What makes the difference is not whether couples fight but how they manage those differences. The key is not just tolerance but acceptance, respect, and finding strength in those differences. 💬

You can read more about this research at The Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/about/research/.

Moreover, research from the University of California, Berkeley shows that couples who focus on maintaining positive emotional connections and celebrating each other’s differences tend to have longer-lasting relationships. Couples who focus on emotional connection have a 20% higher success rate in long-term relationships. 📊💑

Here’s the link to the UC Berkeley study on emotional connection: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_habits_of_highly_compassionate_people.

But here’s where many dating platforms get it wrong. Algorithms that match people based on shared interests and superficial likes often miss the mark. Why? Because they focus on rational compatibility rather than emotional compatibility. And emotional compatibility, as we’re discovering, is the foundation for a strong, durable union.

At Breezy (Rebranded to #Breezy), with the I&365 AI-powered apps suite, we’re working to drastically change this approach. Through a combination of neuroscience, psychology, and advanced AI, we’re focusing on what really matters: reducing stress (lowering cortisol) and increasing emotional bonding (boosting oxytocin). These are the keys to fostering real love that lasts. 🌟

I won’t reveal all our secrets just yet, but let’s just say that our focus is on building a platform that nurtures deep emotional connections from the very first encounter. It’s about creating a bond that’s stronger than just shared interests — it’s about emotional resonance. And for those interested in having a real impact on millions of lives, I’m open to discussing more details under an NDA. Let’s create the next unicorn together! 🦄

If you’re skeptical, just take a look at our recent poll (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nadiadevitaoktarini_loneliness-relationships-mentalhealthtech-activity-7231341855437713409-BsRu). It clearly shows that loneliness in a relationship is not about being physically alone but about feeling disconnected, not in sync with your partner.

Let’s stop perpetuating the myth that shared interests equal compatibility. It’s time to focus on what really matters — emotional connection, acceptance, and celebrating our differences.

How Far Can We Engineer Love? Can It Be Ethical?

Nadia Devita Oktarini Artonne — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 21:19:33 +0000

Love is both a complex emotion and a biological response, influenced by countless factors — from whether we’re available (single, polyamorous, or even in a lonely marriage) to our compatibility on deeper levels. Then there are subtle triggers: the way someone’s voice sounds, how their scent resonates with us, or even the type of clothes they wear. ❤️✨ Just like in the animal kingdom, where elaborate mating rituals and displays of power are designed to attract a mate, human behavior can also condition us to be drawn to certain people. But is it love, attraction, or passion? It all depends on the parameters. Love, after all, is a feeling, an emotional state that’s determined by how our brain reacts — and yes, it can be tricked sometimes. 🧠💕

Now, can falling in love be orchestrated? In many ways, the answer is yes. Just like animals engineer attraction, humans can create environments or scenarios that increase the chances of falling in love. Technology, especially AI, can contribute by helping us find a better match, increasing the probability of being at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. 🤖💡 But here’s the catch — I don’t want a machine deciding for me. We’re not living in a ‘Black Mirror’ episode. While AI can make a positive impact, it must be done with extreme care and ethics. It’s a tool that’s becoming more powerful, and with great power comes the need for responsibility. ⚙️💡

The bigger, and perhaps more important, question is: can sustainable love be engineered? In my opinion, yes, but it’s far more complicated. Sustaining love requires constant nurturing, attention, and care — just like tending a garden. 🌱🌷 Currently, we rely on couple counselors, therapists, best friends (though this can be risky, according to statistics), and even sexual wellness devices (yes, toys!). But imagine a future where AI offers constant support without judgment, providing 365-day, around-the-clock assistance — something no counselor can do. 🕰️🤖 With small adjustments, personalized care, and guidance, love can be cultivated like a master gardener nurtures their plants, making sure the relationship stays healthy and strong over time. 🌸💖

Think of it like navigating a huge ship with massive inertia in space — it only takes small, precise impulses to change course, but if you wait too long, it becomes impossible to avoid a collision. 🚢🌌 Too often, couples only seek help when it’s too late, like the Titanic heading toward an iceberg at full speed. 😢🧊 By then, the damage is done. But with AI assisting in real-time, those little adjustments can keep the relationship on track, avoiding disaster before it happens.

Of course, pure romantics may not want to believe this. They prefer to talk about soulmates rather than brain chemistry, and that’s fine. I respect that. 🥀💭 But think about this: even if engineered love only works for 1% of the population, that’s still 70 million people experiencing transformative happiness — real, lasting love, not just the fleeting excitement of unboxing a new iPhone. 📱💖 Imagine the impact that could have. For those 70 million people, it would change their lives completely. That kind of success makes all the effort and sacrifices to build such a system worth it.

For investors, this is where the opportunity lies. Even with a less 0.1% of the population or that previously said 1% success rate, the impact would be enormous — not just in lives changed but also in financial returns. With the potential to reach anywhere from 7 to 70 million people, the revenue could range from $800M to $8B. 💰🌍 If you’re interested in a high ROI with a small initial investment, this is the moment to talk to me. Together, we can not only build a business but also create an impact that echoes through generations.

For those interested in exploring how love can be further engineered through a neurosocial science perspective, I encourage you to check out this insightful article on compatibility I wrote on LinkedIn. It delves into the idea that love isn’t solely about shared interests but is rooted in deeper neurological and social dynamics. Feel free to like or share if you find it valuable: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/compatibility-love-really-shared-interests-nadia-devita-oktarini--yvd3c/

As someone who understands how to engineer love — or, more accurately, to create environments where love and deep connections can flourish — I cannot stand idle while millions suffer in silence from the devastating effects of loneliness. Just as millions of doctors around the world take the Hippocratic Oath, vowing to serve humanity and never “do harm,” I too feel bound by a similar ethical duty. Their pledge to preserve life and alleviate suffering echoes my own commitment to fostering human connections.

Much like a physician cannot promise to cure every illness, I cannot guarantee love or friendship in every situation. However, my responsibility, like theirs, lies in doing everything within my power to help. Engineering love is not about manipulation or imposing feelings, but about creating emotional spaces where people can connect authentically, building bonds based on mutual respect and understanding.

The Hippocratic Oath emphasizes that a doctor must act when the tools are available to alleviate suffering, and I feel this applies to my work as well. If I have the tools to mitigate the loneliness epidemic and create environments that help people build meaningful relationships, then, ethically, I must act.

In this way, the ethical foundation of engineering love mirrors that of the medical profession: a commitment to enhancing well-being, respecting autonomy, and acting in good faith. My goal, like that of a doctor, is not to guarantee specific outcomes but to offer the possibility of connection, love, and emotional healing in a world that increasingly isolates us. Just as doctors serve humanity through medicine, I serve through creating opportunities for love — ensuring that no one is left behind in their emotional journey