Ok I submitted this 2 weeks ago, a day before the course began! But I thought its probably important to tell you what I'm learning in this course. But of course, if you're not interested, then you're not! haha. Read on at your own peril...
Discussion Assignment: Researching Business Models & Products
List the name and internet address of the 3 chocolatiers whose work you hope to emulate.
a) Explain why you chose each of these chocolatiers.
b) Give examples of each chocolatier's most important product that inspires you.
Beth Tully
http://www.cocoadolce.com/
a)
Her story is so inspiring – her reason for changing her career as a speech therapist to her dream of becoming a chocolatier – I identify with that completely. To think that she started not long ago and is so successful is very comforting. She makes me believe that I can do it too!
b)
I love the way she packages her chocolates – her survival kit is my favourite – “In case of emergency, open immediately”. Love it! Her personal touch and creativity is evident, so clear to anyone who loves chocolate.
Kate
http://blackdinahchocolatiers.com/
a)
Now Kate is such an adventurous soul, she sells frogs and bark. It’s not until you see the photos of them till you realize how great they look. And she uses the local farm produce, and is so concerned about communities in Peru and Venezuela, how can you not feel her passion?
b)
Of course my favourite is the Frog on a log. Such cute things! And extremely pretty. Each so different, yet the same.
Gail Ambrosius
http://gailambrosius.com/
a)
Meet Gail. The introduction to Gail starts with her proclaiming chocolate as a separate food group. She also tells you her life story, but it’s all related to how she got there. Then of course she names a chocolate after her mum. But what imaginative chocolate flavours she has! Lemongrass, curry…
b)
Who sells buddhas with gold stomachs? Has got to be a best seller in my book. Also the fig sounds great, and I was tempted to buy the apparel as well. Who doesn’t want a T-shirt that says, “Peace, Love, Chocolate”?
What differentiates these chocolatiers from the others that you researched?
All these chocolatiers are very personal, they share their stories, and it certainly helps that their websites are easy on the eye and photos very well taken. They creativity in their chocolates is also very heartfelt, as all of them make their chocolates in the shop daily. Here is a story about a woman who loves chocolate and has made it her life. Now that’s a good story.
Understanding the Industry
It’s going to be a long time before I understand the industry. I barely understand the notes and curriculum in this course! But I love the industry, as it’s filled with such imagination and independent thought. Everyone has their own flavours, their own packaging ideas and chocolate products.
a) What are your general observations about independent chocolatiers and their products?
They are so well-thought and planned out! I have such a long road ahead of me. But I do like the smaller scale chocolate shops more. Not the chain stores but the personal touch with one store. The big name chocolatiers seem to lack a bit of character and soul. There’s something missing there.
b) Having gone through the research, what did you learn about the chocolate industry?
One thing I learned was how you have to make your chocolate available online to be successful. I would have never thought that. I’m still old-school and I thought you’d need to see the chocolate before you buy it!
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