Chocolate Dreams is the sweet creation of Michelle Smith. From its humble beginnings in Michelle’s small apartment in 2004, Chocolate Dreams has now grown to a factory in Kingston and a retail store at historic Devon House. The company serves individuals and corporate clients, including providing chocolates for turndown service at major hotels on Jamaica’s North Coast.

We recently had a chat with Michelle to get to know more about her, her business, and why she decided to join Branson Centre’s scaleup accelerator programme. 

Tell us about your business:

Chocolate Dreams manufactures chocolates for the hotel industry and the retail trade. When I started the business, I knew little about chocolate. As I learned more, I became passionate about the product itself and the millions of ways to use it.  Chocolate is a multi-faceted industry and staying on top of trends and updates in processes fascinates me.

To me, Chocolate Dreams is very special as our products are at the center of people’s special moments. Whatever the mind can dream in chocolate, we can make it happen. Whether it’s a chocolate fountain, rum-soaked cherries, chocolate-covered tamarind balls, sugar-free chocolate, chocolate truffles filled with various delights, or even chocolate with the details of a credit card, Chocolate Dreams can deliver!

How did you hear about the Branson Centre and why did you decide to join its accelerator programme?

Actually, I had known about the Branson Centre for a very long time, but I thought it only catered to startups – not companies like mine. I was talking to a friend who was going through the programme at the time and she told me that the accelerator now focused scale-ups and so Chocolate Dreams could benefit greatly. I had been trying to scale up for five years, so I took her advice and applied. 

By the end of the programme, hope to know more about corporate governance, marketing and branding and strategic alliances.

How does your business benefit the wider community and the environment?

Eighty per cent of our staff are women who are the sole providers for their families.  We are conscious of the needs in our wider community and we provide as much support as we can.

What does the future hold for your business? 

My vision is for my business to be the biggest chocolate manufacturer in the region, with a factory that will produce for the major hotels and provide employment and career possibilities for hundreds of Jamaicans.  I also hope Chocolate Dreams will become a major tourist attraction in Kingston for visitors to come and experience chocolate in all forms.  I see Chocolate Dreams becoming be a place of learning for adults and children who would like to explore the world of chocolate.