Doncaster chocolatier launches business in time for National Chocolate Day

Jessica Rooney from Bawtry works in a doctor's surgery but decided to launch The Copper Otter Chocolate Co during lockdown.

July 7 is national chocolate day Jessica started her chocolate-making business just in time to celebrate the occasion.

The 25-year-old said: “I have always had a passion for chocolate and baking but never had the time or space to start my own business.

“I have just moved into my first home and now have a kitchen where I can make chocolate slabs.”

Jessica was inspired by a close friend who started up a baking business and decided to take the leap into creating her own.

She says that she was not nervous to start a business during the pandemic as she was excited to share her love of chocolate with others.

“Chocolate just makes people happy,” she said.

“It comes in all different flavours and textures and can be used for so many different sweet treats.

“Chocolate is always present at big celebrations from Christmas to birthdays and it brings so much joy.”

Like many independent business owners, Jessica has been supporting the shop local movement throughout the pandemic.

She said: “We have tried our best to go to the little farm shop and order take away food from pubs.

“When my business has grown I want to implement the shop local ethos and source my ingredients from Doncaster.

“Perhaps by supporting some of the old fashioned sweet shops as I could add their sweets as a decorative topper on my chocolate.”

Jessica currently uses high-quality Callebaut chocolate from Belgium.

She is selling chocolate slabs in a range of sizes and flavours.

A 100g chocolate slab is £4.50 and 500g is £14.50.

In the future, she hopes to sell bespoke and personalised chocolate items.

You can see more on The Copper Otter Chocolate Co Facebook page here.

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