Conversations with Linda Millray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Millray.

Hi Linda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been creative my whole life. I started out in music and theater and always fiddled around with some craft or another. We moved to Glendora about 25 years ago and I took some basic chocolate work lessons from a local shop. I did it for a hobby at first and then I started making little gifts for friends and family. I had a friend ask me if I could make some chocolates for an event, not knowing at the time how Grand the event was or how big the order would become. It was rather overwhelming and then I thought to myself that I wasn’t going to ever do that again, but my friend encouraged me and people from that event started placing orders. I thought that I better get serious about this and so I thought of a business name and ordered some business cards. I made little treat bags and sold them to friends and family and to my husband’s co-workers at first but then bigger orders started coming in more regularly. I was still buying all of my supplies at full retail at this point so I needed to figure out how I could go about getting wholesale prices. I did some research and made some phone calls and found out

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was smooth at first when it was just a fun hobby and I was making treats for friends and family but as the order started coming in I did not have the supplies or the equipment to do anything efficiently. I also tried to do too much and please too many people so I learned how to streamline. I was able to get wholesale suppliers by getting fully licensed and adhering to State and local regulations. I also struggled with pricing because I wanted people to order something even if it meant that I cut the price. I learned to be firm with my pricing and have different price points for different types of pieces.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I started out in fast food like most teenagers and then moved to retail. After that I was in banking for several years and then moved into accounting, which I have done for the past 40 years. I suppose I could be classified as a full charge bookkeeper, but I’ve done all sorts of accounting and office management. I’ve been doing the chocolates for about 20 years. Everyone in town knows me as the chocolate lady. I am known for doing edible images on the chocolates. My customize all of my orders and I make all the orders fresh. I do not keep any stock on hand. Every order is completely unique. My largest order is at Christmas time for a large company. I create chocolate treat boxes for their customers every year. I never spend money on advertising. All of my business is either repeat customers or word of mouth.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’m on the board of directors for our local chamber of commerce, so I have made a wonderful group of friends and business acquaintances that are always available for advice and to help with problems or questions. I am also the administrator of a local online Facebook yard sale group and business page that I run, so I have access to a wonderful Community full of very helpful people. I’m not afraid to ask questions and I’m not afraid to admit my mistakes and failures to help other people.

Pricing:

• Edible image pieces are $2.50 to $3.00, depending on packaging
• $20 for a 6 Pic gift box
• $8 for edible image sheets
• $4.50/lb for chocolate

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mychocolateangel