Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Panizo. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Our business started 47 years ago at home with the passion of my mother for handmade, gourmet delicacies. Elena Soler 84, the founder, after having seven children decided to embark on a sweet journey that took her to open chocolate boutiques in Peru and distribute her chocolates and other confections to the best candy stores, restaurants, corporations, supermarkets and more. It was a sweet passion that she still enjoys today very much. Fernando Panizo Soler, her youngest son came here to the US to study Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU) and after graduating cum laude decided to import his mother’s sweets to the US from Peru. He first introduced them in peruvian and argentine stores of various US cities, later he make other international stores owners fall in love with his products as well as end customers visiting his online store.
One of our best achievements was to be accepted by American Airlines first class service, featuring our Chocoteja confections on various routes across de world from Miami, Dallas and New York; in addition, great hotels such as The Ritz Carlton South Beach Miami, offered them to their valued guess as a token of their appreciation.
Chocoteja is a creation of Elena Soler based on a product call Teja that is prepared for more than a hundred years now in Ica, Peru. Our packaging and flavors stand out and have people delight all their senses. We use exotic fruits and nuts with a high quality Peruvian chocolate as well as other fine ingredients from all over our South America region.
We recently opened our first Helena Chocolate Boutique inside the Double Tree by Hilton – Miami Airport Convention Center and are committed to delight all of our customers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a very difficult road and still is because we need more exposure still: however, little by little people are getting to taste our sweets and they spread the word with amazing complements for our handmade, gourmet products that inspire us constantly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I graduated in business administration from a US university and then embarked on a Marketing Masters in Peru, I worked for Enterprise Car Rental, for Viva Resorts Wyndham Hotels, Agua Vida bottling company and both Helena Peru and USA company. I am very proud of importing and distributing my family’s products and sweeten people who appreciate quality and exclusive packing. I enjoy what I do specially because it is the dream of my mother the came through.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
At all times, I put every hat in my business with modesty, lots of effort and enthusiasm. I think that when persisting and innovating, great things start to happen and then you are always thankful to the outcome, the great people you encounter along the way, the inspiration of my fiancé and daughter, Paloma and Domenica, and most important my thankfulness to GOD, who makes everything possible.
Pricing:
- $3 dollar per Teja & Chocoteja piece
- $18 dollars for a 6 piece box
- $36 for elegant boxes of 10 Tejas & Chocotejas
- $250 for a 100 piece Fiesta share box
Contact Info:
- Email: fernando@
helenachocolatier.com - Website: www.
helenachocolatier.com - Instagram: helenachocolatier_
us - Facebook: helenachocolatier_us
Image Credits
All are my pics Fernando Panizo and Marco Garibay
