We recently connected with Ciara Kennell and have shared our conversation below.

Ciara , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’ve always had a creative side, but just started really pursuing it a few short years ago. Not only do my treats catch the eyes of potential customers, but they are delicious too! I’ve been blessed to be able to work for myself full-time! I love making my own hours, and running my business my own way!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ciara Kennell, I grew up in Belle, Missouri. I have two daughters, Thara and Zayda.

I’ve always wanted to start a business but never knew what type of business I wanted to start. In 2021 on Valentine’s day I decided to sell chocolate covered strawberries, which was a huge hit! I fell in love with dipping and creating cute designs on them. It was “therapeutic”. I thought to myself, there isn’t a place around here that has chocolate dipped treats, this could be a good business. I came up with a business name and opened up an LLC in July 2021, Chocolate Dippery!

Shortly after, my creativity took control and I started experimenting finding a way to set my chocolate treat business apart from others, which resulting in my unique blend of chocolate that I created. I mix two different brands and two different types of chocolate to get my own. Once customers started trying the new blend, they were hooked and the news spread. Word of mouth is definitely a huge advertisement!

I started with chocolate covered strawberries but soon after I created a new treat I called the “cakepod” which is a palm size chocolate covered cake with a cream in the middle. I have different flavors, some
of the most popular ones are: caramel pumpkin, chocolate, and mocha espresso. These delights are one of the customers favorites out of many!

Now that I have been doing this for almost 3 years now, I have expanded my menu with many different chocolate dipped fruits, baked items, and even custom cakes! I offer party packages for any and all occasions from birthdays, baby showers, and even weddings! I can create a beautiful table spread of chocolate covered strawberries, oreos, cakepops, etc for formal gatherings or a simple chocolate dipped berry box that includes chocolate covered cherries, raspberries, apples, and strawberries for a birthday. The options are endless!

Chocolate Dippery is not only a chocolate treats business, but a one stop shop for all your celebration treat needs! I am currently home based, so I take orders online by messaging me on my Facebook page, chocolatedipperylux or through email, [email protected], or by phone, 573-645-9017. I offer pick up from my home, meet ups, or deliveries.

I am thankful that I have been blessed with this gift. I’m thankful that God allowed me to create and build this business from the ground up and I’m proud of the growth that I have made these past 3 years. Im excited to see what opportunities awaits for Chocolate Dippery moving forward. The next steps are to find a food truck or even a store front where I can continue to grow. I have definitely out grown my home, and excited to see where my business will go next!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to work for myself. But there is an even bigger reward, and that is getting to spend time with my family everyday and watching my children grow.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before I started my business, I worked for a company for 4.5 years that I absolutely hated and I was ready for a change. I couldn’t make myself quit because It paid well, but I did loss that job, which made that drive to work for myself even harder.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: chocolatedipperylux
• Other: Phone number: 573-645-9017 Email: [email protected]