When I’m in a sales meeting, 9 times out of 10 I am asked, “Where do you come up with these flavors?”

I’m an engineer and statistician. Creating the exact recipe is not a problem. I love determining the correct proportions and ratios. I have to have a flavor idea first, though, right? With more than 60 truffles flavors, clearly I had to get creative.

So, from where does this creative  inspiration come? The simple answer is: all around.

Delysia Chocolatier and the inspiration for the company came from my travels to Europe with my family. I tasted so many delicious treats, and all of these had so many wonderful memories tied to them. Every time upon returning home to the States, I wished I could share those experiences and the enjoyment of chocolate with family and friends. In fact, this would later become the brand concept behind Delysia Chocolatier.

I’m Italian and Ukrainian. My husband is Indian. Three nationalities with very different styles of cuisine to which I wanted to pay homage. No easy task, right?

Fortunately, I have a brother with a fabulous and sophisticated palette. He helped me develop that 60-flavor list and was the primary contributor to it growing to ensure I have covered every piece of the market and flavor profile. And, it helps that I watch A LOT of cooking television.

As my children grow, I watch their delight with “new to them” flavors – for instance the first time Sebastien had PB&J, s’mores, and ice cream. These became the Childhood Collection, clearly not a coincidence at all.

So, it’s true, my inspiration does comes from all around. And I’m fortunate that I get to share that inspiration in such a unique manner.