If a picture speaks a thousand words, what’s the value of a picture on chocolate?
Based on the reaction of customers who see their photograph, image or message printed in high-resolution, true-to-life color ? right on the surface of chocolate that tastes as good as it looks ? the value is enormous.
From business cards to birth announcements, Lesley Zwick and Ann (Rathsburg) Dickie of Chocolate Impressions can create a personalized chocolate gift for any event, occasion and budget.
‘People do not understand pictures on chocolate,? said Dickie, explaining that images are printed directly on a thin icing layer consisting of egg white and confectioner’s sugar, which tops a variety of chocolate novelty products. ‘But once they see it they say ‘this is the best thing I’ve ever seen.??
The Chocolate Impressions office in Southfield teems with examples of the edible art: a 3-inch lollipop’complete with a newborn photo, as well as name, date and other important details’serves as a unique birth announcement. A heart-shaped lollipop with an engagement photo and wedding date makes a creative shower favor. And a chocolate business card, printed to look just like the original, makes an unforgettable impression.
‘Our chocolate business cards are a huge favorite,? said Zwick. ‘Our customers use those a lot when they go to trade shows, or to market themselves. Who does not remember someone who gives you a chocolate business card??
The real card is packaged in a plastic case along with the chocolate version.
Larger products, such as chocolate CDs, trading cards, 5×7 photographs and chocolate bars are also available.
‘Most people are surprised at how good our chocolate tastes,? said Zwick. ‘The parent company has worked hard to make this something people will enjoy from start to finish.?
Zwick and Dickie also travel to events around the country, where they photograph faces, transfer images to a lollipop and delight onlookers.
‘We can do about 200 lollipops an hour live,? said Zwick, ‘And people love to watch themselves print. We have a crowd around us all day long.?
Sometimes, she said, people express concern about dye used to print on chocolate, but the dye is made from special FDA approved food coloring.
In addition to FDA approval, the business keeps kosher ? bar and bat mitzvahs are among the live events the two regularly attend.
Customer service is important at Chocolate Impressions, and both women work hard to ensure top-notch quality in every aspect of the business.
‘We never have an unhappy customer,? said Dickie. ‘People come to us looking for something fun and unique and they’re always happy with what they find.?
The business boasts something for every event or occasion. Lollipops and business cards are bestsellers at about $3 each, and other products range from $1 to $50, with price breaks for quantity orders.
And no order is too small.
‘A lot of businesses will not do small orders,? said Dickie, noting that it’s not unusual to get an order for one large piece. ‘Our small customer is our bread and butter; we will not shun anyone.?
Zwick and Dickie met in 2005 when both were looking for a career that would allow more flexibility and family time.
‘It’s a fun business,? said Zwick. ‘We get a thrill out of building this and watching it grow.? They now contract with 80 sales representatives around the U.S. who earn a comission when they market Chocolate Impressions? products as an extension of their own business.
‘All florists have flowers, all photographers take photographs,? said Dickie. ‘People say ‘I need something to set me apart from everyone else.?
More than anything else, the two get a real sense of satisfaction from providing customers with a very personal, unique and fun product they can use to make an impression’a Chocolate Impression’on the people around them!
See what all the hype is about by visiting Chocolate Impressions? web site at www.yourpictureonchocolate.com.
Send your inquiries to yourpictureonchocolate@comcast.net .