Blog Interview with the Artisan Chocolatier and Baker

Behind every handcrafted chocolate and beautifully designed cake, there’s a story—one of passion, dedication, and creativity.

Andrea, the heart and soul of Andrea’s Artisan Chocolate, has turned her love for baking and chocolate-making into a thriving business. But what led her to this path? In this interview, she shares her journey, inspirations, and the challenges of running a small business while staying true to her values.

Let’s start at the beginning: Tell us a little about yourself! What did you do before Andrea’s Artisan Chocolate?

I was born in Hungary and spent the first 45 years of my life there. Growing up on a small family farm, I learned the basics of homesteading and the importance of living close to nature. Later, I studied metal structure manufacturing and design (including welding, turning, etc.) at a technical school. I then pursued Information Technology (IT) with a specialization in organizational systems at college, followed by Military IT Management at university, and eventually attended a doctoral school (PhD). For 25 years, I served as a senior IT officer with the rank of Major in the Ministry of Defense.

After years of living between two countries, I finally moved to Canada to be with my husband. In the beginning, I focused on learning English and trying to establish myself in my field, but finding a job in IT without strong local references or connections was quite difficult. My husband, however, always said that I wouldn’t have been happy in that environment anyway—I’m too creative to spend my life in an office. Looking back, I have to admit he was right. 😊

How did your passion for baking and chocolate-making begin?

I have loved being in the kitchen since childhood, watching how the simplest ingredients transform into something magical. By the age of eight, I was already imitating my mother—cooking pea soup in a tiny pot with real ingredients on a real stove. By the time I was 10 – 12, I often had to cook on my own while my parents were at work or building our house. It didn’t take long for cooking and baking to become my favorite creative escape.

My love for craftsmanship has always been strong, which is why I also learned soap and cream making—both ancient crafts. It’s no coincidence that soap is known as a Hungarian invention. The respect for ingredients, the preservation of traditions, and the joy of creation are common threads in everything I do—whether it’s baking, chocolate making, or natural cosmetics.

Chocolate making, however, brought an entirely new experience. The first time I saw chocolate melt, take shape, and be filled with the finest flavors under the hands of a Szamos Marzipan chocolatier, I knew that chocolate making would always be a part of my world. Since then, I have completed several additional chocolate courses at Szamos, including ones on making Cognac Cherry bonbons and other specialty chocolates.

How was Andrea’s Artisan Chocolates born?

It all started with Andrea’s Keto World, a website I created to share the recipes I developed during our keto lifestyle journey. Since I built the website myself, it allowed me to stay connected to my original profession while also fulfilling my creative side through food photography, recipe development, and baking. Plus, we were eating healthier, and naturally, I began making KETO and gluten-free desserts and chocolates—not just for us, but for more and more people.

This eventually led me to open my own home bakery, where I create premium handcrafted chocolates and cakes made to order. I started selling my products online at my webshop, and at the Barrie Farmers’ Market, where I’ve been a regular vendor ever since.

Mission: What do you love most about your work, and what makes it special?

What I love most is bringing smiles to people’s faces. With handcrafted products, I can add a personal touch to every order—whether it’s a birthday cake or a special chocolate gift. Knowing that someone chooses my creations for their most cherished moments is an incredible honor. Every cake and chocolate is made with love, and I truly believe my customers can feel that.

It’s also very important to me that, as a Hungarian living in Canada, I can bring the flavours of Hungary to the local Hungarian community. These tastes and traditions mean home to so many of us. I also find great joy in introducing traditional Hungarian sweets to those who were born here or have never experienced them before. Through my cakes and chocolates, I want to showcase the rich tradition, history, and love that define Hungarian cuisine.

 

 

 

Experience the Taste of Tradition! 🇭🇺✨
Every bite tells a story—whether it’s a beloved childhood memory or a new discovery. Indulge in handcrafted cakes and chocolates inspired by rich Hungarian traditions.

Explore Our Traditional Cakes

Products: Which of Your Creations Make You Most Proud from a Health-Conscious Perspective, and Why?

I’m most proud of my low-carb cakes. I have great respect for those who make a conscious effort to live a healthier lifestyle, and from personal experience, I know how challenging it can be to reduce carbohydrate intake. Yet, everyone has a birthday or a special family occasion where they want to celebrate without compromising their choices. My low-carb cakes offer the perfect alternative for those who are mindful of their diet but still want to enjoy life’s sweetest moments.

 

 

 

 

 

I also put a lot of emphasis on creating cakes that cater to people with dietary restrictions, including egg-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Making these cakes is a real challenge since traditional ingredients must be replaced with creative alternatives. But all the extra effort is worth it when I see the joy on my customers’ faces and know that my desserts have made a special occasion even more meaningful for them.

Enjoy Sweetness Without the Guilt! 🍰✨
Treat yourself to delicious low-carb, sugar-free, and diet-friendly cakes—because dessert can be both indulgent and mindful!

Explore Our Guilt-free Custom Cakes

Challenges: What Has Been the Biggest Challenge in Running Your Business?

The greatest challenge for me has been finding a balance between work and personal life. I’m in the third year of my business, and I’m still learning how to manage both effectively. Running a small business demands an incredible amount of time and energy, and it’s often difficult to say no to requests. Beyond baking and chocolate-making, I handle all the behind-the-scenes work: website management, marketing, and personally attending markets. My husband helps with sourcing ingredients, which is a huge support, but even so, finding time to rest can be tough. Last year, for example, I had fewer opportunities to explore Canada, despite my love for discovering new places. Running a home bakery presents an additional challenge—switching off after “work hours” is tricky when your workplace is also your home.

 

 

Inspiration: Where Do You Find Ideas for New Creations?

Everywhere! A trip, a seasonal ingredient, or a memorable meal can all spark new ideas. Often, my customers’ requests lead me to something truly special, as their needs and feedback help me grow. I find it particularly exciting when I’m asked to create a new flavour profile for a custom request.

Custom Orders: Do You Enjoy Special Requests?

Absolutely! Custom orders inspire me to create something truly unique. For example, I once crafted custom chocolates as wedding favors for a couple passionate about birdwatching, packaging them in beautifully illustrated bird-themed boxes.

 

Another memorable project involved crafting bonbons for a school banquet, incorporating the school’s symbols into the packaging. Later, several parents visited me at the market to tell me how much they loved the idea—those moments are what keep me motivated.

 

Make Your Celebration Extra Special! 🎁✨
From weddings to banquets, every custom order is crafted with care and creativity. Let’s bring your vision to life with our handcrafted treats!

Discover Our Handcrafted Treats

Customer Feedback: Has Any Feedback Touched Your Heart?

Many have! One memorable story involved a young woman from Barcelona, Spain, who reached out to surprise her lovely sister in Barrie with a low-sugar carrot cake for her birthday. Seeing how much joy it brought made my day.

Another heartwarming experience was when a customer from Vancouver sent a Christmas gift basket of my handmade treats to her father at one of Barrie retirement home. Since she couldn’t travel home for the holidays, my gift basket helped her send a little piece of love ❤️. Moments like these remind me that my work is more than just baking—it’s about creating meaningful connections.

 

Your Feedback Inspires Us! ✨💬
Every creation is a journey, and your thoughts help shape the next delicious masterpiece. Share your experience and help us continue crafting sweet moments!

Please Support Us and Leave a Review!

Customer Relationships: How Do You Connect with Your Customers?

Communication is key, even when I sometimes face small language challenges in English. I always listen carefully to my customers’ needs and try to personalize every order. Of course, there are things I don’t do—like working with fondant or excessive artificial food coloring—but I always strive to offer alternative solutions.
At markets, I love engaging in face-to-face conversations, and I now know many of my customers by name. Small gestures, like handwritten notes or little surprise extras, help show them how much I appreciate their support.

Community: How Important Is Supporting Your Local Community?

Very! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my local community, and I always keep that in mind. Giving back is important to me—whether it’s through a friendly chat at the market, beautifully packaged chocolates, or participating in local charity events. The strength of a community is incredible, and it continuously inspires and energizes me.