What inspired you to venture into the personalized chocolate industry for events and corporate gatherings?

I come from a corporate background, where I used to fulfill the position of a marketing director of one of the biggest fashion companies in Lebanon. Moving forward, my initial aim was to be able to create a chocolate brand using my expertise and levelling it up through my attention to details, creativity and distinctiveness.

I also felt that I was on a mission to expose the beautiful Lebanon I see and feel to the world. That’s when my first retail collection came to life (Box of Life, big chocolate tablets, etc.…), and which shed great light on Lebanon, its scenery and amazing destinations.

Yet, I always had this special understanding for the corporate world and thought that I need to tailor my chocolates and ideas to them, thus also creating some differentiation in the market. Luckily, I was able to work with great brands like Air France, Burgundy, Hotel Albergo, Four Seasons, WSRP and many more.

Could you share the story behind the inception of “Chocolate and Sunshine” and how you developed the idea?

As mentioned earlier, I wanted to create something for Lebanon, something that truly translates my love to this beautiful country and its unique people. I knew very well that we didn’t need another ordinary chocolate brand in the market. I had to come up with a strong message and a clear sustainable vision. And, that’s how my first chocolate collection came out. It included prepackaged boxes and tablets highlighting Lebanon.

Our dragee boxes collection was also named “From Beirut with Love. We tried to find a place for us in the market and that’s why we were keen on always adding messages to the packages; messages that connected people. When it comes to chocolates, happy or sad, you always asked for more.

The concept of “Meghle boxes” for newborns is both unique and heartwarming. What inspired you to create these personalized boxes, and how have they been received by your customers?

When the pandemic struck and lockdowns became the norm worldwide, we faced the tough decision of withdrawing our products from all sales points. Faced with this challenge, we knew we had to innovate swiftly to keep our brand afloat. With people confined to their homes yet yearning to share moments of joy with their loved ones, we began receiving requests for personalized treats. This sparked the idea of the “Meghle Box” – a unique concept tailored to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Unlike anything seen before, these boxes allowed individuals to send a piece of comfort and connection to those they cared about.

Each “Meghle Box” was a testament to our commitment to creativity and customization. We strived to make each experience unique, offering a range of designs, messages, and accompanying treats. From small gestures to grand expressions, we embraced the opportunity to adapt and cater to the desires of each client. The “Meghle Box” became more than just a product; it was a symbol of resilience and innovation during challenging times. With our unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations, we turned adversity into an opportunity for connection and joy.

From there, the “Snainieh Box” was also created. Traditionally, our ancestors used to send out Snainieh Tupperware’s to one another when babies grew their first teeth. We upscaled this idea and the “Snanieh box” was being shared not only with close neighbors and family, but also with many friends and extended families. The idea of a “treat in a box” became so trending that we started to customize it for weddings, engagements, birthdays, and even giveaways.

Presentable, hygienic and memorable, always stating a message.

Personalization and customization are key aspects of your business. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

Personalization and customization are our core strengths, but consistently exceeding expectations is a challenge. A supportive team is crucial for fostering creativity and understanding client needs. Our goal isn’t just one project per client: it’s about building trust, surpassing expectations, and ensuring happiness. Achieving this demands patience, communication, and meticulous organization.

We specialize in projects spanning from newborn celebrations to weddings, requiring constant innovation. Each client and project deserve unique attention, demanding strategic implementation and attention to detail. It’s about asking the right questions and fulfilling every client’s vision. In a world filled with both joyful and stressful moments, we strive to constantly innovate and deliver something extraordinary for each new project and client.

In an increasingly competitive market, what strategies have you employed to differentiate your brand and maintain customer loyalty in the chocolate industry, particularly with your innovative offerings like personalized chocolates and “Meghle boxes”?

In the chocolate industry, competition is omnipresent, but uniqueness doesn’t require emulation of others or catering solely to market demand. Personal experience taught me that innovation stems from understanding one’s business identity and identifying market gaps. As a consumer, I prioritize envisioning ideal products and service experiences. Meeting latent demands drives success. Strive to create desire for your offerings, fostering repeat business. Copying others relegates you to second place.

I prioritize human connection, fostering trust and reliability with clients. Consistency in quality across all aspects, from the chocolate to packaging, is paramount to customer loyalty.

To lead, you need to keep on researching and exceeding even your own expectations. Be your own competition and aspire to always progress. Along the way, you will gain happiness from your success and the passion in what you do.