Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vanessa MacNeil & Lise Erre, founders of The Chocolate Spell, located in Roberts Creek, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are chocolatiers specializing in the finest vegan and milk chocolate truffles in all the land. Our whimsical seasonal offerings inspire magic in both adults and children alike. We have a large vegan following as well as chocolate connoisseurs and foodies that appreciate high-quality chocolate & ingredients. We have spent years developing spectacular & unique recipes that are unparalleled in the chocolate world.
Tell us about yourself
After a car accident left Lise unable to work, Vanessa took Lise into her home, and the creation of recipes began. With Lise's childhood steeped in chocolate, we had a firm base of chocolate knowledge. Through years of self-study and practice, we developed our unique artistic style, chocolate & confectionery skills.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Collaborating to develop our whimsical brand and website. Also, our amazing custom chocolate kitchen was built by Vanessa's magical husband! Pre-pandemic, we were building a network of small businesses run by local women and having regular pop-ups. It was a great way to share and support friends' businesses and help each other grow.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing all the hats, accounting, office skills, communications, marketing, cleaning, social media, studying our craft, website maintenance, photography, taxes, and MAKING CHOCOLATES.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you believe in and love what you do.
- Be prepared to do it for love for a long time before you make a profit.
- Self-care= taking breaks.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are building a farm stand that will be ready this spring to sell chocolates and ice cream from Roberts Creek on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of BC.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thechocolatespell.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechocolatespell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechocolatespell/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.