While the pandemic has been hellish to everyone, and many industries have undoubtedly suffered, it has also lent itself to a spike in self-made entrepreneurs popping up, attempting to hone their skills, and providing unique and creative services.
One such theme in business has been the selling of handmade household items, particularly items where an element of creativity and artistic prowess comes into play, like handmade soaps and candles. Amongst these, in Sri Lanka, we came across a rarity in handmade items in terms of handcrafted chocolates – the only one we were able to find is a little independent business called “Chocopedia”.
Speaking to Chocopedia Founder Asma Jainulabdeen, she shared that she recently underwent some personal issues, and in overcoming them, felt empowered to pursue something she had always been passionate about. She commented that as somebody who has always had an interest in decorating, even if it is a plain old notebook, book covers, etc., she has always turned to explore the art of embellishing and decorating to ease her mind.
She shared that being afforded the time to pursue her interests, she gave some thought to what she wished to make, and decided that handcrafted chocolates was something that was not available in Sri Lanka, so paving a path for herself in her own genre, she decided to simply get started.
Chocopedia was launched just one month prior, and Asma shared that she was determined to get started, and hoped to deal with the challenges as they came. The obstacles certainly made themselves known, she said, as there were some roadblocks in sourcing the ingredients she needed. Considering the global pandemic situation, and a relative lack of accessibility to ingredients, she had to get creative and work to make things happen.
Chocopedia offers chocolate slabs with additive toppings, which can also be customised. Arranged in a gorgeous manner, the chocolates that Chocopedia provides are simply beautiful, and pretty ideal for gift-giving and celebrating special occasions. Asma shared that how the product works is that she herself does not make the chocolate; the chocolate which she uses is a Ritzbury chocolate base. The base was one of the initial challenges she had to overcome, in deciding which was the best chocolate base to use for her flavourings.
After acquiring the base, it was a matter of arranging the selected toppings, often dried fruits, edible flowers, and nuts, which are placed upon the chocolate, and the slab is remolded. She said that her fastest-selling item is the dried strawberry and raspberry combo.
Having tried a variety of the options available, we have to say that we’re rather partial to any of Chocopedia’s berry-included items, especially their nuts and berry combo, which was a particular favourite – we definitely recommend it.
Asma also shared with us that she has been having some difficulty with picking a suitable delivery service; she has made efforts to remedy that by doing personal deliveries as well, but she said that you need special care because they are fragile items and can break, so she needs to trust the delivery service.
She shared that she hopes to expand her business a little more, begin using different chocolate bases, and particularly work on infusing flavours – which has had a test run with an orange-infused chocolate that she said came out quite well.
Asma commented that she is proud to have started her own business, especially as someone coming from a family where the women are not expected to be independent, and for her having started her own business: “It’s a big deal”, she said, and that she feels as though she is worthy.
Chocopedia will be taking part in their very first pop up sale at the upcoming “Weekend Bazaar” on 3 April 2021 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at No. 570/3, Galle Road, Colombo 3.
Instagram: @choc_o_pedia
