Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayleen Coleman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
D’liteful Chocolat was founded in San Marcos, California by Chef Dayleen Coleman, whose passion for the culinary arts emerged at a young age. Determined to pursue her love for the craft, she moved to England to study a myriad of techniques at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London. Upon completing her studies, she eagerly sought opportunities to refine her skills in the fast-paced culinary industry. Through this journey, she discovered that her true passion lay in the endlessly intricate world of chocolate. Upon returning to the United States, Dayleen set out to share her love of patisserie and chocolate with her community, launching her own small business to bring her artisan confections to life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been easy, but the support of my family has made all the difference. Coming from a low-income community, I put myself through college and embraced the belief that with determination, anything is possible. My pivotal moment came when my husband, Curt, relocated for work, giving me the chance to pursue a new career path in my late 30s. I took a leap of faith, enrolling at Le Cordon Bleu London, despite the demanding three-hour round-trip commute several days a week—while balancing life as a wife and mother to two young girls.
Go big or go home, right? While my time at Le Cordon Bleu and working in England refined my skills as a chef and chocolatier, I had little business experience. Thanks to networking, a SCORE mentor, and my husband’s MBA expertise, I’ve been learning on the job, tackling the challenges of entrepreneurship with determination. Eight years in, I think I’m finally getting the hang of it—especially after successfully navigating the business through the COVID pandemic. Today, I’m grateful for an incredible team, loyal retail and catering clients, trusted retail partners, and enthusiastic students who join my classes to discover the artistry of chocolate and patisserie.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about D’liteful Chocolat?
Founded in 2017, D’liteful Chocolat has become synonymous with exceptional quality and exquisite flavor. Beyond the curated selection at its Lake San Marcos boutique, the brand’s handcrafted truffles and chocolate bars are available at exclusive wineries, luxury hotels, and premier resorts. Each indulgent bite reflects the passion and precision that Dayleen and her talented team pour into every creation. With formal training from Le Cordon Bleu in London, Dayleen seamlessly blends the richness of European chocolate craftsmanship with her own innovative approach, bringing a truly distinctive chocolate experience to Southern California.
D’liteful Chocolat offers more than just exceptional truffles and chocolates—it’s also a haven for exquisite desserts. With formal training as both a chocolatier and patisserie chef, Dayleen crafts indulgent treats like airy chocolate mousse and silky crème brûlée with a perfectly crisp sugar topping. Every bite is a testament to her artistry, turning even the most skeptical into devoted fans.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up with a hardworking single mother and siblings who had little interest in cooking, I found myself turning to an old Betty Crocker cookbook, experimenting with recipes using whatever ingredients were on hand. I loved watching Julia Child on PBS, long before food networks and celebrity chefs became mainstream. With no formal guidance, I relied on recipes and my imagination, and while my early creations were far from perfect, my family’s encouragement kept my passion alive.
As I grew older and became more involved in activities outside the home, my culinary interests took a back seat. From ages 10 to 18, I had an incredible opportunity to train in horsemanship, western riding, and acrobatics at a local equine ranch. My long red hair, athleticism, and boundless energy earned me a spot on a traveling performance team, allowing me to tour both domestically and internationally. From wild-west reenactments to prestigious equine events and stunt work, I had the chance to meet celebrities, pro athletes, royals, high-ranking politicians, and even three U.S. Presidents.
Experiencing the world in such a unique way shaped me profoundly—I never felt out of place, and instead, I embraced the drive to see more, do more, and be more.
Pricing:
- Chocolate and Baking Classes start at $65pp
- Our Afternoon Tea services starts at $45pp
- Our hand-crafted desserts range between $6 to $8
- Our chocolate gifts range between $15 to an upward of $110
- Our macaron gifts range between $25 to $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dlitefulchocolat.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlitefulchocolat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DlitefulChocolat/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dontloseyourtemper
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/d-liteful-chocolat-san-marcos
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yo7y9GSEat9QYvZJ6
Image Credits
Tim Vechik
