Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Meyers.
Hi Iris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved chocolate, but prior to 2015, I never thought I’d make it into a career! I have a background in computer science, a master’s in business, and a life coaching certification but became fascinated with chocolate after I saw a tv show about chocolate sculpting. I immediately enrolled in Ecole Chocolat’s Chocolatier program, and found a love and talent for working with chocolate. Friends and family loved my creations and encouraged me to open a business, so I began Iris Delights Artisanal Chocolates, operating first from my home kitchen and then out of a shared commercial kitchen. Iris Delights grew steadily for years after, and I opened the current production kitchen and shop, located in Tierrasanta, in July of 2021. In the shop, customers can choose their favorites from our variety of flavors to fill the chocolate box of their choice while watching the magic of chocolate-making happen in the kitchen.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Running a small business definitely has its challenges! We’ve dealt with many of the same issues that other small businesses in San Diego (and across the country) have been dealing with during the pandemic, like rising costs of ingredients, etc., and we’ve been very lucky to have such an amazing community that has welcomed us with open arms. The people of Tierrasanta love having a gourmet chocolate shop in their neighborhood, and people from all across San Diego come to visit us when they’re looking for a delicious chocolate treat!
As you know, we’re big fans of Iris Delights Artisanal Chocolates. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in small-batch, hand-made, artisanal chocolates with bold flavors that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Our offerings include: bonbons, candy barks, fruit & nut barks, chocolate bars, and fruit jellies. Some of our most popular bonbons are the Brownie Bites, Peanut Butter Meltaways, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Vanilla Bean, and Salted Caramel Ganache. We offer those year-round, in addition to a rotating selection of seasonal flavors. In our retail shop, customers can select from our variety of flavors to create a custom chocolate box. We also make chocolates for weddings, special events, and corporate clients in Southern California, with customization options to suit any occasion.
What are your plans for the future?
We’re working on offering online ordering for local pickup, and we’re excited to find more corporate and hospitality clients. We’re always working on new flavors and creations, which we love to share with our loyal customer base.
Pricing:
- 4-pc box: $15.25, 9-pc box: $33, 16-pc box: $56, 25-pc box: $79, 50-pc box: $155
- Fruit & nut barks: $8 per 1/4 lb
- Candy barks: $13 per 1/4 lb
- Chocolate bars: $10
Contact Info:
- Website: irisdelights.com
- Instagram: @irisdelights
- Facebook: facebook.com/IrisDelights
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/iris-delights-artisanal-chocolates-san-diego
Image Credits
Arlene Ibarra
