Meet Lisa, the Chocolatier Behind the Chocolate
For 20 years, Cocoa Dolce has been creating handcrafted chocolates that bring people together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Behind every collection, every seasonal flavor, and every custom creation is a team of passionate artisans who believe the details matter.
As our Professional Chocolatier and Production Manager, Lisa has spent nearly 18 years transforming bold ideas into handcrafted chocolates that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From developing new flavor combinations to creating one-of-a-kind custom projects, her creativity and dedication help shape the Cocoa Dolce experience our guests have come to know and love.
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we sat down with Lisa to learn more about her craft, what inspires her, and a few of her personal favorites.
The Art Behind Every Chocolate
What do you enjoy most about making chocolate?
"Figuring out how to execute a specific flavor profile and create it in a two-bite piece."
One of the things that make Cocoa Dolce unique is our signature two-bite chocolates. Every piece is carefully balanced to deliver layers of flavor in just a couple of bites—a challenge Lisa loves solving.
Where does your creativity begin?
"Sourcing unique and interesting ingredients and tasting them against different chocolates. Then I start thinking about how they'll work in other ideas and creations."
Whether it's discovering a new spice, fruit, or flavor compound, inspiration often starts with a single ingredient. From there, ideas evolve into seasonal collections, custom gifts, and chocolates guests may never have imagined.
What's something customers might not realize about handcrafted chocolate?
"Time. There are no shortcuts."
Every Cocoa Dolce chocolate is made by had. It's a process that takes six to eight hours over the course of three days. From preparing fillings and tempering chocolate to decorating each piece by hand, every detail requires patience and precision.
More than Chocolate
Is there a memorable custom order or project that stands out?
"There's a few...edible wedding menu, personalized chocolate cowboy boot for Alan Jackson, breakable chocolate champagne bottle, and a puzzle piece chocolate box."
When asked what makes Cocoa Dolce different than other chocolate companies, Lisa didn't start by talking about chocolate.
"We're not just amazing chocolate. We're friends. We're a fun happy hour. We're a team of individuals who come together creatively to make delicious products."
The Team Behind the Magic
One of Lisa's favorite parts of her job isn't just found in the kitchen.
"I get to work with my sister—she's my biggest supporter and my most honest critic. And when our whole team is working together on a project, a good song comes on, everyone starts talking and laughing...time just flies by."
Behind every handcrafted chocolate is a team that genuinely enjoys creating together. And that joy finds its way into every box.
Looking Ahead
When asked what Cocoa Dolce's 20th Anniversary means to her, Lisa offered a perspective that perfectly captures the milestone.
"When you look up traditional 20th anniversary gifts, you find emeralds, china, and platinum. They all represent endurance, rarity, and elegance. That's what we've build over the last 20th years. It's a milestone worth celebrating, and one we'll continue striving to build for the next 20."
As we celebrate this milestone, we're grateful for artisans like Lisa and for every guest who has made Cocoa Dolce part of their celebrations over the past two decades.
Lisa's Cocoa Dolce Favorites
Want to enjoy Cocoa Dolce like our Professional Chocolatier? Here are a few of Lisa's favorites.
🍰 Cheesecake: This is a traditional classic. Pairs well with everything! It's creamy and sweet and gives just enough pop of vanilla bean that makes you want two! The chocolate has evolved over time and adding the "crust" was a game changer.
🍯 Tea & Honey: When I was younger, I worked in a Tea Shop so this brings back fond memories. A traditional London Fog tea with cream and honey is one of my favorite drinks and now that we include our curated Olivarez Honey, this chocolate has become a favorite!
🍷 Raspberry: This is my go-to flavor when I want to have a sweet treat with a glass of wine. The pop of fruit adds a nice twist to my evening glass of Pinot Noir.
🐢 Turtle: I chose this chocolate because I love a soft chewy caramel. When I was a kid, I would always look for the caramel pieces inside the box.
🌿 Pistachio: I loved this flavor before the viral Dubai chocolate was going around. Our chocolate has a house-made crumb that gives just enough salt and pistachio that once you add the ganache, it's elevated to the next level.
🍁 Maple Cream: I've loved this flavor for many years! It was one of our original seasonal flavors, then phased out for several years and is now back in our rotation. We renewed the flavor with a bourbon aged maple syrup, and it's dreamy!
Inspired to try Lisa's favorites? Build a Box of chocolates and savor in the crafstmanship.
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