We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmyn Small and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I initially started Jazzy’s Bonbons and Confections I knew I wanted to create art from chocolate, but I also wanted people to understand the art of chocolate in itself. I wanted people to see my chocolates and be like” wow that’s too pretty to eat!. I wanted people to taste my chocolates and be amazed that these ingredients or techniques could be used with chocolate and be surprised at the flavor combinations. Chocolate is such a versatile ingredient, and the things you can create are just limitless. I love talking and teaching about chocolate and I feel like my business gives me the platform to do so. I love art in all forms and I figured what better way to express that, than through the artisan of chocolates.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to the way I do my chocolates the goal is to always take something to the next level. From the art to the flavors, I always strive to do something out of the box. The two main concepts we have at Jazzy’s Bonbon and Confections are that chocolates are to be made fresh for every order and that no chocolate design will ever look the same. That means every time you place an order the art on your chocolates will always be different. I never plan out my designs, whatever comes to me at that moment is what I do. Also, we don’t use preservatives in our chocolates, every jam, caramel, and ganache are homemade and fresh. Our chocolates have a shelf life of two weeks, that means after two weeks the flavor of the chocolate will change. *Trust me we have tested it, it does! * That’s why we don’t make any chocolates ahead of time, once we get an order, we prepare the chocolates. The thing I am most proud of in this journey is the increase in my creativity and seeing what I can do in the moment. Every time I must flip out chocolates, I get nervous because you just never know how it will go and to see beautiful, shiny art that’s also edible is an amazing feeling.
I started this journey participating in ACF (American Culinary Federation) chocolate competitions in culinary school and even then, I did not think I was good enough to compete, I just had an A in my chocolates class. With a push from my mom and my chef who also competed with me, I brought home a bronze medal. I was so excited that when the second competition came around, I didn’t even hesitate to sign up and I made sure to take notes of everything the judges said and take it up a level. That competition was different because you set up your station and leave and then you come back to see what you placed. I couldn’t come back because I was working but my chef went, and she called me and told me I placed 2nd and that she had my medal! I was in shock but at that moment I knew chocolate had a special part in my life. Fast forward to 2020, my grandma calls and asks me what I want to do with my life. Now as a full-time student pursuing her second bachelor’s in business, I knew what I wanted to do but I was going to wait until I graduated. My grandma got the talking and said, ” Well I know you like makeup, but anyone can do that but not everyone can make those chocolates”. She started asking about the ingredients we used to use in school and how Valentine’s Day is coming up and if I was going to do something now would be the time. Now I’m thinking that this is just one of those “do something with your life” talks, so I run to get my charger and I come back. She’s on the phone with my mom giving her credit card information! Long story short my grandma funded and helped build my business for me. Two weeks later February 1, 2o2o Jazzy’s Bonbons and Confections was born.

To say it was easy would be a complete lie, I am a person where once I know I can do it, I want to perfect it overnight. I always put so much pressure on myself because I know my potential, but at the same time that’s not how life works and things take time. When I started my business, I hadn’t touched chocolates in 4 years, so it was very hard for me to get back into the swing of things in such a short time, but once I remembered techniques and got all the supplies I needed, the possibilities were endless. More than anything I learned that patience is key. You can’t rush your craft because not only will it not turn out the way you want, but you will no longer love it. Take your time, learn, grow, and experience the process and take notes along the way.

Jazzy’s Bonbons and Confection has come a long way and may still be a new business, but we have only just begun, and we plan to grow into so much more. As we enter 2022 we are starting to expand our ideas and creativity into catering and weddings, so be on the lookout!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now I am not from the area but some spots that were absolutely amazing when I visited were the Atlanta Breakfast Club, they had the best chicken and waffles I’ve ever tasted. It had like this peach compote and it was definitely] giving peach cobbler. Next spot would be Gus’s Famous Chicken, it was so juicy and tender!! The beans are to die for and the chicken even has a nice kick to it. If you love animals then of course the Aquarium is a place to go, I absolutely loved it!!! These are just some places that were amazing for me when I visited.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout three amazing people. First to my grandma, for being the one who really pushed and helped me to make the decision to start my business. If it wasn’t for the call I don’t think Jazzy’s Bonbons and confections would’ve been created. My uncle for giving me advice every step of the way and helping me with marketing and more. The best for last my mom, thank you for staying up until dawn watching me make chocolates, for being there through all of the crying spells, for going to every event with me and being the best assistant/manager ever and for tasting more chocolate than one person should. More importantly, thank you for all the support you’ve ever given me my entire life. I love you all and thank you for the support.

Website: www.jazzysbonbonsandconfections.com

Instagram: @jazzysbonbons

Facebook: Jazzy’s Bonbons and Confections

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