Entrepreneurs Putting Twists On Valentine Treats
How are couples planning to show their love and affection this Heart Day?
Of course cards, chocolates, flowers and jewelry will always top the list of Valentine’s Day spending, but this year, several companies are putting a twist on those traditional treats.
Artisanal chocolates are a new trend entrepreneurs across the country are profiting from. These delicious delights are often produced by an artisan from a unique blend of beans and flavors.
Chocolate connoisseurs in New York are seeking out the intense flavor and freshness of Kee’s Chocolates in SoHo. Kee Ling Tong formed the company in 2002 after leaving her job in the corporate world to pursue her dream of opening her own shop. Her signature chocolate? A crème-brûlée-filled creation with fresh custard takes top prize.
On the West Coast, L’Artisan du Chocolat tempts taste buds in Los Angeles. Husband-and-wife team Christian Alexandre and Whanjun Park make traditional French chocolates with ingredients imported from France.
But Valentine’s Day isn’t just about chocolates, it’s also about romance. What says romance more than a gondola ride at sunset with the one you love?
That’s why Joseph and Camille Gibbons created Gondola Di Venezia along the Charles River in Boston. They started the business in 2001, and today, they say it’s become an important part of their married and family life. To date, 128 marriage proposals have taken place on their gondolas–and every one ended in a “yes.”
The Gondola Getaway in Long Beach, California, has also seen its fair share of proposals. The company began as a marketing project in 1981 by University of Southern California student Mike O’Toole. In 1984, O’Toole took his project to the next level by traveling to Europe to learn the Venetian tradition by those who knew it best. He brought it back to Long Beach and has been wooing lovers–Venetian style–ever since.
But don’t get fooled into thinking Valentine’s Day is all about couples in love. Entrepreneurs are also tapping into the market of singles looking to find their Mr. or Ms. Right.
Speed dating, a fast way of weeding out potential daters, has increased in popularity in our fast-paced society. Companies like Rapid Dating and 8minuteDating are cashing in on the trend. Rapid Dating, founded by Renee Piane in 2002, has grown from Arizona all the way to Philadelphia and several other spots in-between. 8minuteDating was founded by Tom Jaffee in 2001, and now has more than 60,000 customers in both the United States and Canada.
No matter what your area of expertise, there is definitely money to be made in the Valentine’s Day market.
Photo by Boston Gondolas.
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