Yummy chocolates? You had us at hello! Check out Jolene – the girl boss behind Old Coal.
Jolene – Old Coal
What do you make / sell? Tell us about yo’ self.
Hello! I started, own and operate Old Coal Handcrafted Chocolates. I work out of Okotoks and Calgary. Currently we are selling online, at markets and events. I make bonbons, bars and hot chocolate mixes with local and seasonal inspiration. I love pairing unexpected flavours in my chocolates to make them surprising but still crazy delicious.
How long have you had your business?
Less then 1 year.
How did you get started?
I grew up a berry picking farm kid that ate and loved all things homemade and local. Over time I became a real foodie and a chocolate lover. After taking the Baking and Pastry Arts Program at SAIT I fell further in love with chocolate, and making chocolate goodies. It was an idea that grew and changed over time, but last year I finally made the leap and started Old Coal!
Who or what inspires your work?
Everything from paintings I see, sunrises, meeting new people, a great meal or a good strong cocktail!
I am constantly soaking up inspiration and spiting out ideas. Honestly it can be very tiring always having new ideas spinning around my head. I have to make myself write them down on a notepad or in my phone so I don’t forget a good one.
I am constantly soaking up inspiration and spiting out ideas. Honestly it can be very tiring always having new ideas spinning around my head. I have to make myself write them down on a notepad or in my phone so I don’t forget a good one.
What do you dream for your business in the future?
As I said before I have many ideas and most of those turn into goals. I hope to open a physical location for my chocolate shop within a year. And eventually expanding into a second location down the road. But another goal for the new year is starting the non-for profit I have been planning that involves home cooked meals and meaningful connections.
What’s your favourite social media platform and why?
Instagram of course because it is so visual. I like how you can connect and network from anywhere, find new people and business to collaborate with and get real time feedback. ….But it is also my least favorite at times because it can be hard seeing a cat with 500% more followers then you! It can be hard to feel like the small fish in the big IG pond.
How do you pick yourself up when things go wrong?
Talking to my Momma or my sisters, going for a walk with my dog to clear my head or eating something delicious (wine and ice cream are my weakness).
What’s one thing no one knows about you? Give us an interesting fact!
If I had not started Old Coal in early 2016, I would probably still be running machines at my old earthworks excavation job.
If you could have any super power what would it be?
Flying. I would soar through the tree tops and mountains all the time.You would honestly never see me.
What are your social media handles?
Website: www.oldcoal.com
Instagram: @oldcoal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldCoalChocolate/
Twitter: @oldcoal
Instagram: @oldcoal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldCoalChocolate/
Twitter: @oldcoal
Where can we find your stuff?
I have some products at Eau Claire Distillery and Ollia macarons and you can order on my website www.oldcoal.com