Meet Nida Haque | JustChocol8 by Nida

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

Hi Nida, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There were so many great questions to choose from but I chose this one in particular. The reason being, I am a doctor by education and get asked this often that what made me choose this.

While I loved being a doctor, I always had a creative side and tried adding personal touches to little things here and there. I always made decorations and desserts for my children’s birthday and school parties.

Creativity, to me is a happy form of expression. I find it most relaxing after a long and tiring day to play with chocolate in my kitchen while the family sleeps. Experimenting with flavors, new techniques and bringing ideas to life is extremely enjoyable.

The fact that my creations bring a happy smile on many faces and little laughs of surprise when my gifts are opened makes me want to do more and better.

There is nothing more important to me than being kind and spreading joy in the world. Hence, my motto: “Spreading happiness through chocolate!”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As most people already know, my love affair with chocolate is long and steady. Tie it together with my creativity loving side and my art was born. Just like that!

I don’t consider myself a professional yet, there is so much to learn. But I have been told the taste of my creations and attention to detail are what sets me apart. I pay attention to packaging especially since I create luxury edible gifts.

I am most proud about the fact that I have a thirst for learning and pick up fast. Creating my art has taught me patience. I used to give up quickly but now, I am learning patience is key when working with chocolate.

It is not easy. Having a family and running a one woman small venture takes the best of me some days. Especially during the Holiday season, I work 40 hours shifts!
I am blessed to have an amazing customer base and a very loving family. Somedays I just can’t balance work and life but I have learned that it’s ok. It’s ok to not be a 100% all the time. On my lighter days, I give extra time to my friends and my children.

I want the world to know me as
“your girl next door who simply wants to spread joy through chocolate!”
I want to be known as being honest in my dealings. JustChocol8 is just that. Simple, honest and pure. I give a 100% to every box I create, no matter how small or big. I treat your occasions and events as my own and pay attention to every little detail.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Now that’s a scenario I have played in my mind over and over again. My bestie lived 8000 miles away and recently moved to Canada. I am eagerly awaiting her visa to be approved and then I have a list of things planned. I love Atlanta for being so versatile. From it’s culture to it’s people and the landscape and the varying seasons!

In the recent years, Downtown Alpharetta has become a favorite hangout spot. Ofcourse Atlantic Station, Buckhead and Atlanta Beltline. I would love to take her to the World of Coca Cola, the Aquarium and Piedmont Park. There are so many great restaurants it’s hard to name one or two here. If it’s Fall, I would definitely venture up North and spend a day in Helen and drive through the BlueRidge mountains.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As they say, it takes a village. It may seem that I am a one woman wonder, trying to juggle several aspects of life at once.

However, it would not have been possible without so many people in my life. I am truly blessed. I accept challenges and take setbacks also as a blessing because one step backwards always makes me leap 3 or 4 steps forward. Every hardship has taught me a valuable lesson and made me stronger.

From my closest friends who believed in me and motivated me to pursue my creative side, to my beautiful family who cheer me on. My sweetest children who often give me company when I am working long hours, to a wonderful spouse who brings home takeout when kitchen is struck by chocolate everywhere and there’s no time to cook!
I can do most things in the world but tying ribbons is not my forte lol
My husband and kids help with tying the beautiful bows and building boxes.
My wonderful neighbors who stay late nights to package large orders.
My amazing customers who believe in me, support my small business and write encouraging reviews. They leave me cute notes and little gifts when picking up their orders.

My mentors Daniela Zographos @yumsiescakepops and Christine Ibarra @cakepopbox.
Daniela was actually the person who made me love cakepops and encouraged me to bake and play with designs. Christine teaches the most amazing classes and I have learned a lot of great techniques from her. Without these two, I cannot imagine going far and am forever grateful for their support.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/justchocol8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090110073701&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
All pictures are taken by me