Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marnie Ives, founder of Kron Chocolatier, located in Great Neck, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Kron Chocolatier is a 35-year-old brand that people love to indulge in! Using decades-old recipes, we make hand-cut truffles, chocolate-covered fresh fruit, chocolate-covered popcorn, and just about every kind of chocolates we can dream up. Gift baskets and gift boxes are the most popular items, as well as chocolate bars, party favors, and promotional chocolates that feature a custom logo or shape. Our customers appreciate high-quality and luxury chocolates and love to brighten up someone's special day or holiday with a delicious chocolate gift. All of our chocolates and baskets are made by hand in our single retail location. They can be customized to accommodate all kinds of requests!
Tell us about yourself
I started in the chocolate business after business school and cooking school as a way to be my own boss and create products I love. I've made my chocolate addiction work for me, and I never get tired of keeping the brand's classic items alive. People remember having a freshly dipped pineapple slice or a Budapest truffle 20 years ago and keep coming back for more! And there are always new ideas that we test out in the kitchen and add to our product line.
Creating gift items like special serving dishes filled with chocolates or velvet pouches filled with truffles sets us apart from traditional boxed chocolates that can be found everywhere. I'm always working on matching the perfect gift for every occasion and recipient. You wouldn't give your mother the same gift you give your dentist or your coworker, so I make sure there's something appropriate and indulgent for everyone.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was staying open throughout the pandemic and adjusting the product and the website a little while the world changed. Big baskets were not being sent to offices, but everyone was working at home and loved getting a box of their favorite hand-dipped treats for a job well done. We provided curbside pickup, ramped up shipping and delivery, and even designed baskets with separately wrapped small portions of chocolates that a group could share.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with a small business is that there are so many hats to wear and not enough hours in the day!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Always learn new marketing techniques...you always need to stay fresh and in front of your customer.
- Find a staff member that can completely cover for you on your day off.
- Stay on top of everything, as exhausting and impossible as it seems.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kronchocolatier.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kronchocolatierny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kron_chocolatier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KronChocolatier
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-ives-460a09/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.