Chocolats des îles: Personalised chocolates

Giving chocolates shape is an art that needs patience, hard work and creativity. Shehnaz Toorawa-Assenjee started as an entrepreneur by making homemade chocolates but over the years, with her imagination and willingness to do something unique, she started giving various shapes to her home made chocolates. A chocolate in the shape of a Mosque, special Easter designs, Taj Mahal chocolates and personalised chocolates will mesmerise you. In 2011, Shehnaz launched her business dealing with homemade chocolates. “My children and husband encouraged me to launch this business. I was passionate about pastry-making since my childhood. I baked my first cake when I was 11. It was a challenge for me to create something innovative,” she reveals. She started with homemade chocolates and undertook free tasting sessions with many persons. Once that was done, the orders started piling. “As a start-up, I set off on a small scale. My children helped me to make boxes. With time, I was able to build my customer portfolio. I started to be more professional by making beautiful boxes,” she says. For her, a woman entrepreneur can conquer the world. “It is important to support women entrepreneurs. We possess the qualities to shine and create wonders. I have been able to grow through this work. I have been able to learn many things and I am still learning.” [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"15702","attributes":{"class":"media-image aligncenter wp-image-26412","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"773","height":"435","alt":"Chocolats des \u00eeles"}}]]

Different flavours and shapes

Shehnaz has the ability to mould the chocolates in any shape she wishes. She takes special orders for Eid, Divali, Easter, Christmas and other occasions. One of her wonder creations is a Taj Mahal chocolate. “The Taj Mahal chocolate is made of pure white chocolate. It was a challenge. I do not think anyone has made such a chocolate in Mauritius yet. It took a whole day to make the Taj Mahal chocolate,” she shares. According to the passionate lady, it is important to use the appropriate technique when handling chocolates. “Dealing with chocolate is very delicate. The exact temperature is required. You can use numerous techniques. But what is important is how you master it and this can only come with time.” The variety she offers include: mint, coco, and orange, and others. A combination of various flavours can be offered but at the demand of clients. “I have left the choice open to my clients. I offer the basics but if a client comes with an idea or a suggestion, I will surely provide it. What is important for me is the satisfaction of the client.”

“Patience, Motivation and perseverance”

Working with chocolate is difficult but not impossible. Shehnaz has been manipulating chocolates with flair and she believes that if you are doing it correctly, you will be the winner at the end of the day. “Patience, motivation, perseverance and passion is very much important in this job. If you are doing it with passion and love, you will see the difference. If you create something with sadness and angriness then the outcome will be disastrous.” For Shehnaz, it was a risk to be taken while investing in this business. “In order to create wonders, you need to have good equipment that will you to work. I can say I have travelled abroad and every time I visit a new country, I buy new equipment.”

Other types of cakes and snacks

Shehnaz is a multi-tasking woman and someone who is willing to work harder for her clients. Apart from chocolates, she also bakes cakes such as Opera or customised cakes as per the demand of her clients. “I work on regular orders. I receive orders for engagements, weddings, parties or birthdays. I usually take orders one month in advance. This allows me to do better plan and gather my ingredients.” The entrepreneur also makes salty snacks and cupcakes. “I provide for a large variety of snacks and different flavoured cupcakes. I am very flexible with my clients and I let them choose what they want. All the products are affordable and high quality,” she avers.

New varieties each year

Shehnaz innovates constantly her designs and ideas. “Before bringing any new designs or ideas, I do lots of research work. I keep on following courses to enhance my skills and to serve my clients better. I think if the new designs will appeal to my clients, is it interesting enough to be commercialised. In all my undertakings, I always bring a personal touch. This makes it unique and more pleasant. For instance, for Divali, I made small chocolate ‘diyas’ (lamps). I was apprehensive whether this would work but it exceeded my expectations. From there, I realised that chocolate is very welcomed among Mauritians,” she adds.