The Sweet Journey of a Young Chocolatier: Ollie Morris
Ollie Morris, a 25-year-old chocolatier from Farsley, Leeds, has taken the world of confectionery by storm. Abandoning his initial ambition to work as a pastry chef in high-end restaurants, Ollie transformed a period of global uncertainty into an opportunity for creativity and entrepreneurship. The Covid lockdown, which shuttered many businesses, became the catalyst for Ollie’s chocolate-making journey.
A Passion Ignited
Before the pandemic, Ollie was enrolled in a course on patisserie and confectionery at Leeds City College. When lockdown hit, he found himself at home with plenty of time and an undeniable urge to create. "That was the foundation of how this business started," he recalls. The allure of making artisan chocolates, each packed with flavor and bursting with potential, captivated him. Ollie’s journey began in the confines of his kitchen, where he experimented with flavors, designs, and techniques.
Embracing Entrepreneurship
From a young age, Ollie displayed an entrepreneurial spirit. He wasn’t drawn to the conventional academic route; instead, he leaned towards practical experiences. “I’ve always been one to make money rather than spend money,” he shares, reflecting on his early choices. This mindset not only shaped his approach to life but also fueled his desire to establish his own business.
Unique Flavors and Inspirations
As Ollie honed his craft, he began to conceptualize unique flavors, including whiskey ginger, carrot cake, and tiramisu. Recently, he was inspired by the viral "Dubai chocolate" trend circulating on social media. After witnessing immense enthusiasm for pistachio-flavored chocolates, he decided to tap into the trend with his own twist—a Knafeh egg that blends chocolate with the rich flavors of pistachio, tahini, and filo pastry.
The reception to this innovative creation has been overwhelmingly positive. Ollie recalls the excitement when he first introduced it at a local farmers’ market: “I sold out within hours. It’s clear that customers can’t get enough of this flavor.”
Evolving Creativity
Interestingly, Ollie’s artistic side blossomed during his chocolate-making journey. Initially, he was not considered particularly creative in school; however, through the process of making chocolates, he found a newfound passion for creativity. Each chocolate became not just a treat but a canvas for his innovative spirit.
Business Challenges and Growth
Despite his enthusiasm, Ollie’s journey as a small business owner has not been without its hurdles. Like many in the food industry, he has faced challenges, particularly due to rising cocoa prices impacted by global agricultural conditions. “Due to drought in Africa, the cost of cocoa has skyrocketed, and I’ve even had to switch to a more affordable brand,” he explains.
However, Ollie remains optimistic. “It’s still difficult, but it’s not as difficult as it was when I started out,” he asserts, reflecting on the growth he has experienced amidst adversity.
Future Aspirations
As Ollie looks to the future, he has ambitious plans to elevate his business further. While he currently sells chocolates online and at farmers’ markets, he dreams of establishing a café where customers can enjoy tea or coffee alongside his artisanal chocolates. He envisions a place that fosters community engagement and showcases the quality of his creations.
“Somewhere like Harrogate could be ideal for that,” he muses. Until that dream materializes, Ollie is focused on solidifying his presence across Yorkshire’s markets and continuously experimenting with new flavors.
Supporting Small Businesses
In a time when small businesses are more vulnerable than ever, Ollie emphasizes the importance of community support. His message is straightforward: “Keep supporting small businesses so we stay alive.” For him, every sale is not just a transaction but a testament to the value of creativity and resilience in the face of challenges.
Through his journey, Ollie Morris exemplifies how passion, innovation, and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit can turn life’s unexpected challenges into sweet opportunities. With each chocolate he crafts, he not only delights the taste buds but also inspires others to pursue their dreams.
