Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahlia Ervin.
Tahlia, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been a chocolate lover all my life! My mother is German, so she has always indulged us, my brother and I, with European chocolates. I am pretty sure my first piece was Kinder Chocolade minibars. It was heavenly, haha! I never thought I would ever get into the chocolate business myself.
I found out much later after I was working for a chocolate company that my Grandfather wanted to be a chocolatier once and was JEALOUS that I got to work in one! I’ve been a chocolatier now for 13 years. I’m actually blown away that it’s been that long. I actually didn’t start my own business until over a year ago, after every one of my family members and friends requested that I start on my own. I am a mom of two, a six-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy. And so here I am and I love what I’m doing!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been actually a slow road, only because I let it be. I had a baby boy early last year which I had not quite decided if I wanted to start my own business at the time. So after he was born, things were going great and I needed something to fulfill my free time. That’s when I decided this is what I needed and it was the one thing I was good at. Everyone I knew LOVED my products and always asked for more.
Once I started, luckily a lot of my friends and family helped spread the word about my homemade, handmade, fresh confections and that they were TO DIE FOR! I’ve done a few wedding orders, lots of holiday chocolates, gifts and party events. There is a downside to this business and that is with the hot weather. Chocolate and heat do NOT mix well. I’m petrified of having any chocolates in my car when I’m delivering on a hot day even with the AC blasting.
Please tell us about your business.
A Touch of Chocolat is what I create using with my hands. Everything is handmade from scratch and I specialize in ganache, truffles, toffee, marshmallow, caramel, peanut butter, chocolate bars, all things nuts, and so much more! I have plastic molds for seasonal things like Easter, Christmas, valentine’s day, etc. My company does events, party favors, weddings, gifts, and wholesale. I’ve opened up to do just about everything there is. Everything is strictly chocolate related, no bakery, no cakes. The one thing I’m proud of as a company is that I love that the ideas I create or package, comes from me on how I want it, the business, to be.
There are so many amazing, talented business out there are phenomenal, and it can be overwhelming to compete with that. I’ve learned to not dwell or speculate on it because it can make me feel not worthy of. How I envisioned my company came from within and that was to be classic, rustic with a little of modern. Everything I package is open and visible so you know what you are getting. All my chocolates are used with Premium Guittard chocolates and I use the highest quality and percentage of chocolates.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t! I’ve had years of experience in chocolate making and witnessed those on how to run a business. I may be overly cautious but I know I’m in the right path and will do great things. It might be slow right now but I’m doing what’s best for myself and the business. I make time for my family and friends as well. Balance is key!
Pricing:
- 1.7 oz. PB Kisses $3
- 3 oz. Chocolate Bars $6
- 1/2 lb. English Toffee $15
Contact Info:
- Website: A Touch of Chocolat
- Phone: 9492925993
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: a_touch_of_chocolat
Image Credit:
Tahlia Ervin
A Touch of Chocolat
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