Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Hunter.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name’s Jess. My pleasure and passion has been making hand made chocolates since 2022.
In early 2019 I moved with my family from London to Los Angeles. There’s a lot of things I miss about London, but one of the greatest was my Saturday afternoon ritual of stopping by my very favorite artisan chocolate shop in Islington owned by master chocolatier Paul Young.
I was obsessed with the beautiful presentation, and precise execution of these delicate little chocolate masterpieces. Coloured like jewels – little works of art. And of course they tasted incredible.
So one day, missing those treats so much, and unable to find anything all that similar in LA, I decided try myself to make something like the chocolates I missed so much, so I watched endless tutorials, read every book I could find and gradually taught myself the craft of chocolate bon-bon making.
There’s a lot to learn and chocolate is a temperamental product that needs patience and precision. I learn something new every week, and look forward to seeing my customers and the joy that chocolate brings.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Producing a product for yourself or friends and family is quite a different discipline than producing to sell. There was a lot to work out setting up the correct business, selling and food production licenses.
Then the logistics of actually producing and selling, it can feel like there’s never enough space or time! Sometimes things move faster than you are prepared for – and sometimes not as fast as you want. I hope I never loose the love of the creative process.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I always loved anything creative, in the UK I went to art college. Moving to a new country can be a strange experience and being able to connect with other artists and customers at markets and events with my chocolates has helped me greatly feel more a part of the culture here.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me attending a variety of markets and events has created opportunities. While keeping a regular attendance at one or two – my ‘home markets’ which have become like family.
Sometimes I won’t make a lot of money at an event, but it may have great value for new contacts and exposure. Every experience has some value.
I try and be helpful to others as much as I can, and stay open minded and positive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicahunterchocolates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicahunterchocolates
Image Credits
Scott Pitts @scottieimages
