We were lucky to catch up with Gabriel Maysonet Rivera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

We have a very regular customer who has been with us for years. She doesn’t just buy our products regularly—she genuinely cares about us, our business, and our family. She often brings us little gifts, asks about the kids, and makes it clear through her actions that she truly cares. It’s a connection that goes beyond the usual customer-business relationship.

Among our bonbon offerings, we frequently feature seasonal or “limited-time” flavors. Once they’re gone, they’re gone—even if they’ve been a huge hit. A while back, we created a dark chocolate bonbon with orange zest and Grand Marnier, which became her absolute favorite. When the batch was about to sell out, we made sure to save a special box of the remaining bonbons just for her.

Later, thanks to another customer, we found out when her birthday was—it happened to fall during the heart of the busy Christmas season. Despite being completely swamped with work and production deadlines, we couldn’t let the opportunity to share some happiness and gratitude pass us by. We decided to make a small batch of her favorite bonbon just for her birthday.

Seeing her reaction that day was unforgettable. Her joy and surprise filled us with so much happiness, and it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Moments like these allow us to show our appreciation in a meaningful way, and they make all the hard work worthwhile.

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

My name is Gabriel Maysonet, Pastry Chef & Chocolatier, co-founder of KKO Chocolate, based in the heart of Mount Dora, Florida. My journey into this industry began with a simple desire to bake for my wife during her pregnancy, but it quickly grew into a full-blown passion for pastry and chocolate-making. Over the years, I’ve transitioned from experimenting with bread and macarons in my home kitchen to creating high-end desserts, bean-to-bar chocolates in our own shop, and even teaching at a local college!

At KKO Chocolate, we specialize in vibrant, hand-crafted bonbons, ethically sourced bean-to-bar chocolate bars, and intricately layered mousse cakes, or “Petit Gateaux.” Our mission is to turn chocolate into an art form, focusing on bold, balanced flavors and exceptional quality. Each creation reflects our dedication to detail, from sourcing ingredients to experimenting with flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

One thing that truly sets us apart is the connection we build with our customers. Every product we craft is infused with a genuine passion to create something memorable. Our mission has always been clear, and that is to make the absolute best product to our customers. We are so proud to say that every element of every dessert and chocolate is made in the shop, from scratch!

As business owners, we’ve learned valuable lessons along the way, including the importance of “letting go” in order to grow. Bringing in our business partner and family member, Michael, to manage finances has been transformative. He’s not only lightened our workload but also propelled our brand to new heights. His vision has allowed us to focus on creativity and product innovation, paving the way for exciting growth.

Looking ahead, KKO Chocolate is poised for big things. While each of us—my wife Eugene, Michael, and I—has a unique mindset and approach, our shared ambition fuels our vision. We’re constantly brainstorming new ways to expand and surprise our customers. Although I can’t reveal all the details yet, I can promise that the future of KKO Chocolate is filled with exciting opportunities, growth, and even more exceptional creations.

At its core, KKO Chocolate is more than a business—it’s a labor of love where passion, artistry, and community come together. We’re honored to share our journey and creations with those who love chocolate as much as we do.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building our reputation within the market has been a journey shaped by passion, consistency, and a deep commitment for quality.

One of the key factors that has helped us stand out is our dedication to creating bold, balanced flavors that don’t rely on excessive sweetness. Our customers know they can count on us for chocolates and desserts that are both innovative and indulgent, made with the highest quality, ethically sourced ingredients.

Another major contributor to our reputation is the personal connection we build with our customers. We strive to make every interaction meaningful, whether it’s saving a special box of a favorite flavor for a loyal customer or creating a custom batch of bonbons as a surprise birthday gift. These moments of genuine care and gratitude create lasting impressions and foster trust and loyalty.

At KKO Chocolate, it’s about more than just selling products—it’s about crafting experiences and building relationships, and that’s what truly sets us apart.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best sources of new clients for us have been social media and word of mouth. Social media has been a powerful tool for showcasing what makes KKO Chocolate unique—our commitment to quality, creativity, and the use of premium, ethically sourced ingredients. Through visually stunning content, like our vibrant bonbons or intricately crafted mousse cakes, we’re able to share the artistry and dedication that go into each product. Platforms like Instagram allow us to connect directly with people who appreciate fine chocolate and desserts, turning followers into loyal customers.

Word of mouth has also been incredibly impactful. When customers have a memorable experience with our products, they naturally want to share it with their friends and family. Whether it’s someone raving about our seasonal bonbon flavors or recommending us after a special custom creation, these personal endorsements build trust and bring in new clients who are excited to experience KKO Chocolate for themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kkochocolate.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kko.chocolate

Image Credits

Stephen Salvatore