Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Fischer.
Hi Rebecca, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2012, while a junior in college I got a second job working for Peterbrooke Chocolatier at one of their franchised locations. It is a Jacksonville based company that has stores sporadically throughout Florida, but mostly in Jacksonville. I quickly found my passion and when my first job closed, I started working more hours and learning all that I could about running a small business. I was getting my Bachelor’s in International Business and a minor in Geography, which I thought was a good combination with the chocolate industry. Chocolate is a lot like coffee or wine where its regions, blends, and creation is all unique. I loved helping people find tasty gifts for other people or even just a satisfying snack for themselves.
After I graduated college in 2014, I tried working the corporate life for a few months, but chocolate kept calling me back. I ended up getting a job at the corporate manufacturing factory for Peterbrooke and in a few short months, became a department supervisor. I spent three years working both the store and the factory while bringing custom treats to book signings and building my own clients for custom projects. I stayed until 2018 when an opportunity outside of Seattle to grow my chocolate education seemed ideal. I worked there for about a year until life called me back home to Orlando. I kept doing online sales for weddings and book signings while obtaining a full-time job at the theme parks.
I got my business license in February 2020 and COVID really hit my growth hard. I still did little sales here and there as I currently fall under the Florida Cottage Food Act. I love working with fun shapes with classic but unique flavors inside. My business partner is my father as Chocolate Pearl is a family-oriented creation. Our goal is to have a certified Kosher storefront and kitchen for guests of all religions to be able to enjoy chocolates for every occasion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The biggest struggle we face is the ever changing Florida weather. Summer is by far one of the hardest battles we face. We have fans usually running when I’m working and I have invested in really durable ice packs. Sadly, even with my best intentions of extra ice packs, the product has still melted before.
COVID was definitely a factor. Since I work at the theme parks, I was out of work for two months during the lockdown and then I was furloughed for two months later in 2020. I would make chocolate, but there wasn’t extra money coming because chocolate gifts were a luxury many cut out quickly. I tested out a few new items with my dad and we were constantly looking at open retail spaces, but the timing was never right.
My ongoing factor is time management. As travel has reopened significantly, my schedule at my full-time job has increased so I’m always mapping out my production around it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to follow the trends of the chocolate industry, but I also like to go by “If I were a customer, would I like this?”. I am known for being a picky eater but also for trying something at least once. I listen to the feedback of what my customers say. I’m most proud of my new piñata collection from the last year. It’s for both kids and adults to have fun with. I like custom projects where I can be creative and surprise my clients. I’m “that person” who always has candy or chocolate in her backpack/purse so people come to me for a quick sugar fix. As previously mentioned, our goal is to be Kosher certified to serve all religions and cultures in our ever-growing tourist city.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
People leaving my store or a package arriving to a smiling face in the end. The happier they are, the more they will come back or tell their peers to come visit us. I have no plans to become a large company. I want to be “the chocolate place to be” in my area and be a destination for families, businesses, and friends to come buy a treat that will make them happy.
Pricing:
- 2.50 per piece
- $20 truffle boxes
- $10 truffle boxes
- $5 snack bars
- $15 piñatas
Contact Info:
- Email: chocolatepearlfl@gmail.com
- Website: www.chocolatepearlfl.com
- Instagram: @chocolatepearlfl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chocolatepearlfl
