On October 3, 2008 – five years ago today – we launched Delysia Chocolatier. It seems like it was just yesterday. I knew nothing about running a business and absolutely nothing about chocolate – I can’t even eat chocolate for health reasons! But there I was, pregnant and in the kitchen making truffles as last-minute holiday gifts. Much to my surprise, my friends and family loved them!
Making chocolate was my ultimate stress-reliever, my creative way of unwinding from my busy engineering career. I found myself in the kitchen more and more. I began to feel a passion for making chocolate that I just couldn’t ignore.
I am a planner. I write lists and more lists. My desk is covered with little post-it notes with reminders and goals. Starting a chocolate company was not on my list of goals I outlined when I earned my undergrad in engineering from Texas A&M. It didn’t creep on the list when I received my graduate degree, got married, or found out I was pregnant with our first child. I was once told by my graduate professor that he could see me being a CEO one day – do you think he envisioned it being of a chocolate company?
But sometimes things just happen. And this planner has, over the years, learned to go with the flow. I had a very modest plan for Delysia: a wedding or event a month, just something to give us some extra spending money or put away in a ‘rainy day’ fund. A trip to the Texas Hill County and a stop at Becker Vineyards changed that plan when I was asked to create truffles using their wines. Our first delivery to Becker Vineyards was five years ago on October 3rd – the first time Texas wines were used to create chocolate truffles. And it sent Delysia Chocolatier down a path this engineer, with all of my plans and lists, could never have imagined.
Our Five-Year Anniversary could not have happened if it wasn’t for the support of our customers, partners, and friends. I am forever grateful for all of you. As I look towards the future of Delysia Chocolatier, I have lots of exciting things on the horizon. I cannot wait to share these memorable moments with each of you. Thank you for these last five years and I hope you enjoy the next five – and beyond – with us.