Lillie Belle Farms Hand Made Chocolates
The following is from a recent article written about us:
"And that’s when I get it. Not the chocolate—which he’s right
about—but rather Jeff. I get Jeff. The way he stares at me, asking
pushy questions, passionately demanding that I tell him about his
chocolate—he’s not seeking my approval as I first thought. No,
he could care less if I thought his chocolate was good. What he’s
searching for is the connection with me. He wants to see if I feel
what he feels when he eats the Raspberry or Marzipan Fig chocolate.
In this regard, he’s no different than a jazz musician, theater
actor, photographer or painter. Artists don’t really care if you
think their good (although I’m sure compliments don’t hurt). I
think what artists—especially fiercely individualistic artisans like
Jeff who create truly original work—are really searching for is a
connection, a shared experience, with their audience."..........CocoAroma
Yeah, I guess he's right. Thats the most important aspect to what we do; how does it make you feel? Its certainly not trying to impress people with the backbreaking labor of growing your own fruit nor always meeting the crushing holiday deadlines. No. Is it the constant search for the perfect ingredients and flavor combinations? No, thats all part of the process itself and that is merely the artisan aspect of it. When someone tells me "that was amazing" I am always humbled and, truth be told, a bit shy about it.
All I can ever hope for, doing what I do, is to make people happy with my creations. To brighten their day, even if it's for only a moment, with something I made with my hands. People always ask me, "Is it fun?". Let me assure you that making chocolates is a lot of fun.
Having spent some 20 odd years in the restaurant business. Starting my own chocolate company came with an unexpected twist. It got successful, quickly. Six years ago I was making 4 flavors of truffles on my home kitchen counter and selling them at local farmers markets. Now its a full time 7 day a week 9 full time employee sleep depriving nightmare of joyous proportions. Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
Jeff Shepherd 2007
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