Nicole is a local pastry chef and small business owner here in Calgary. Her love for her family and chocolate experience led her to create a business that holds space for both. “Those Chocolates” focuses on creating a gorgeous and delicious experience for both chocolate lovers and non-chocolate lovers alike. We had a chance to connect with her to find out more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Those chocolates. We make chocolate bonbons, chocolate bars and other delicious chocolate treats.
What made you want to do this work?
It was while I was at Hotel Arts running the pastry team that I discovered my passion for chocolate work. We used to make bonbons and bars for the Yellow Door Bistro dessert menu and room amenities, it was the most artistic and creative process and I absolutely loved it! I really enjoyed seeing people’s faces when they saw the chocolates and when they tasted them. I really wanted to move away from being a Pastry Chef for someone else’s business and shift gears towards chocolate and having my own business.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
For me personally, the problem I wanted to solve was that as Pastry Chef, we work long hours and depending on where you work, your family life might struggle a bit, problem 2 was I wanted to start my own business doing something I loved, problem 3 was where would I do this?
Starting Those Chocolates solved all problems, it allowed me to start my business and have a more flexible schedule that allows for more time with my family. Thankfully I have a super-talented husband (Kevin) who also happens to be a finishing carpenter and he built me a little commercial kitchen in the basement of our home, it’s amazing!
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clientele varies, no specific age or gender just anyone who loves chocolate and can appreciate the artistic touches that go into our chocolates and how delicious they are. We have even transformed people who don’t like chocolate into chocolate lovers!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We do a fair amount of wholesale business with florists, coffee shops and hotels as well as sales from our website.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
You can find our products on our website or inside the Avenida Mercantile which is inside Fresh and Local Market and Kitchens as well as Main Street Market and more which is in Okotoks and Squiggly Pig in Airdrie.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services?
What makes Those Chocolates different from other brands in the city? First off, Calgary has a great chocolate scene, lots of talent! What makes us a bit different is when you buy Those Chocolates, it’s not just chocolate, it’s a little dessert. I get my inspiration for my flavours from desserts I used to create as a Pastry Chef, so I focus on that dessert aspect.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part about what I do is creating something that I know people will enjoy. I don’t know if there’s a worst part to this job but if I have to pick one thing, it’s doing the dishes… it’s not very creative but it’s gotta get done.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I’m a calm Pastry Chef, and my chocolate never loses its temper 🤣
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I don’t think I can just pick one, here are a few of my favourites…Customer Edge Finishing, Grains and Seeds bakery…Hi Homie 😁
