We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Suzanne De la Flor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Suzanne , thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Believe it or not, “Choco Loco” was actually going to be the name of one of our cookies. I remember during the planning phase I began writing out a list of cookie name ideas based on ingredients. I kept thinking about extremely decadent, large chocolate chip cookies that people would think are a crazy explosion of deliciousness and being from Spain, I think of phrases more in a Spanish context. I kept saying to myself “una locura de chocolate” or “chocolate madness” and slowly but surely the name “Choco Loco” just came to me and summed up what I was thinking perfectly. From that moment on I knew I couldn’t just use the name for a cookie but instead make the center of the business. So we started the company with one goal and that goal is still the same, to remind you to always #BeSweetToYourInnerLoco.
Suzanne , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve always had a love of baking cookies but it wasn’t until I came across a Ted Talk that changed my whole perspective on what a cookie really was. The speaker talked about how while working in hospice care they noticed the only thing that would bring joy to their patients was the smell of freshly baked cookies. Even though some patients couldn’t eat much by then, the smell alone had them reliving and recanting happy memories. It made me emotional to think that a cookie can do that for some people, and I wanted that for my cookies. So, I became determined to perfect my own chocolate chip cookie. I began playing with mix-ins, ingredients, and the size of my cookies until I created our original cookie, the “Choreo”. Shortly after receiving raving reviews from family and friends, I approached my husband with the idea of “Choco Loco Cookies” and he simply responded with “let’s do it!” Growing this business hasn’t always been the easiest between juggling being a mother of two beautiful girls and an entrepreneur, but as stressful as it can be I always strive to remind myself what that video made me feel and to remind our customers to always #besweettoyourinnerloco.
As far as our cookies, we specialize in deliciously large gourmet cookies. From stuffed cookies with some of your favorite goodies to mountainous cookies drizzled with delicious chocolate, we always strive to drive every customer loco with every bite. We believe our cookies are best known for the signature base that took us so long to perfect. Whether it’s a vanilla, chocolate, or cinnamon based dough, it’s a perfect blend of rich texture and quality ingredients that our customers have learned to expect from a Choco Loco Cookies. We are a 4-loco team (myself, my husband, and our two little girls) and we want to make cookies that are fun, quirky, and an amazing experience. Each of us has a part in the process of baking, packing, and taste testing, so when you get a cookie, you know it is approved by the whole family. So, whether it be the look, smell, or taste, we want our cookies to create a lasting memory for everyone who experiences them. We are committed to put a smile on the face of as many “Locos” out there.
Lastly, I am proud of taking the leap of faith that is called, “Choco Loco Cookies.” This business started with an idea, “to make delicious cookies” and since then I have pushed myself out of more comfort zones that I can count, I feel I’ve truly built something unique from scratch, and I’ve been able to take on this new role as an entrepreneur. I remember first starting and questioning, “will anyone even want my cookies” and a year and a half later we are extremely grateful to have people (aka our “Loco’s”) follow us and anticipate each new cookie launch. I’m proud of being able to share this with my husband who’s not just my partner in life but in business and get to grow our family and this idea together. So, I feel that I have many things to be proud of so far in this journey, but I would say I am most proud of the overwhelming support of friends, family, and strangers alike who have helped us get to where we are today.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Our local pop ups, farmers markets, and festivals have been a great source. Not only have we been able to meet new clients (or “Loco’s” as we call them) but it’s been a great way to interact with past clients. It’s given us a way to connect on a different level to understand what “Choco Loco Cookies” means to every loco. We would attest most of our interactions due to word of mouth. Listening to what they heard about Choco Loco Cookies and seeing their faces light up with excitement after that first bite is extremely rewarding. Lastly, growing up in Orlando and seeing first hand the support the city has for small businesses only propels my vision of what Choco Loco Cookies will be in the future and I am very grateful for that.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Consistently delivering high quality, delicious and memorable cookies. Our customers know that whether it’s a cookie for one or to be shared, they will leave a lasting memory as all cookies should. And if you don’t believe us, try one and you will be reminded how important it is to always #BeSweetToYourInnerLoco!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chocolococookies.com
- Instagram: @chocolococookies
- Facebook: Choco Loco Cookies
- Twitter: @chocolococookie
- Tik Tok: @ChocoLocoCookies