Sweet Bella Chocolate has garnered a dedicated following of dessert enthusiasts and chocolate aficionados throughout the region. Kevin Conniff’s masterful craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality have elevated Sweet Bella Chocolate to the pinnacle of Calgary’s culinary scene, setting a standard of excellence that is second to none.
As anticipation mounts for the upcoming season of the Holiday Baking Championship, Season 10, airing on the Food Network from November 6, Kevin Conniff’s name shines brightly among the list of esteemed contestants. His culinary prowess and innovative approach to dessert-making have positioned him as a formidable contender, poised to captivate audiences with his creative flair and expert techniques.
With Sweet Bella Chocolate serving as a testament to Kevin Conniff’s culinary artistry, the upcoming Holiday Baking Championship promises to showcase his exceptional talents to a national audience, solidifying his status as a maestro of all things sweet and indulgent. We had the opportunity to touch base with Kevin before his premiere on the Food Network to discuss his business further.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Sweet Bella Chocolate. Sweet Bella creates chocolate and confections that have an adventure in every bite, infusing chocolate with tea and other unique flavour combinations.
What made you want to do this work?
I have loved baking since I was a child and worked in many small bakeries growing up. I now have the privilege of teaching students to bake but I was missing the entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to show my children the small business world to help them learn about sales, expenses, hard work and determination.
What problem did you want to solve with your business?
Not necessarily a problem but I wanted an opportunity to create unique chocolate and confection flavour combinations for people to enjoy.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
People who appreciate good quality products that are handmade, local and made out of love and passion.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Wholesale products to selected stores in Calgary and selling our products at markets during the holiday season.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Pastry chefs and chocolatiers can be found in many bakeries, hotels and restaurants. Sweet Bella products can be found at local retailers in Calgary. For the complete list visit our website.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Where do you source your ingredients and how is the product made? Sweet Bella sources our ingredients from high-quality vendors. Everything is always made in small batches and by hand.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
I get to work with chocolate every day. If you make a mistake you can just eat it!
The best part is definitely the people! I have met so many inspiring Calgary entrepreneurs. The holiday market season is special as well, meeting the people who support Sweet Bella and seeing my children learn about business.
That said, it can be a very time-consuming art and take a long time to reach the final result. You have to have a lot of patience as a chocolatier.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I love to eat sweets all the time. They say opposites attract; My wife Melissa is a dietitian and she keeps me balanced.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
There are so many small businesses that we love in Calgary. The Naked Leaf in Kensington has over 100 different teas and unique teapots, mugs and accessories.
