For 30 years, Sweet Designs Chocolatier has made handmade gourmet chocolate confections in Lakewood, including its distinctive Chokolatine collection of hand-painted chocolates inspired by artists and displayed like small works of art. Founded by European immigrant Ines Rehner, the woman-owned business makes its chocolates in-house in the European tradition, with artists and master chocolatiers working together on flavors, presentation and event favors.
Ohio Department of Development Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
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Mitchell's Fine ChocolatesSince 1939, Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates has been making handmade European-style chocolates in Cleveland Heights, including the housemade marshmallows that helped put the shop on the map. What began as a neighborhood soda fountain and sweet shop serving the adjacent Heights Arts Theatre became a third-generation business, now led by Jason and Emily Hallaman, preserving the Mitchell family’s recipes and traditions in small batches.CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH
Coblentz Chocolate CompanyJason and Mary Coblentz began Coblentz Chocolate Company in their kitchen in 1987, building a Walnut Creek, Ohio, chocolatier around handcrafted work and a close connection with customers. Today, visitors can watch artisans hand-dip chocolates through the viewing gallery at the company’s retail store, while businesses can turn to Coblentz for branded chocolate gifts.WALNUT CREEK, OH
Esther Price CandiesFrom a home kitchen in the 1920s to a Dayton-area candy business marking its centennial, Esther Price Candies makes handmade chocolates and confections. Esther Rose Rohman began with fudge, then built a following for chocolate-dipped fillings and bite-size treats; later owners preserved her use of quality ingredients and handmade production practices. Today, the company’s candies remain part of local celebrations and are sold through its retail locations and select grocery stores.DAYTON, OH
Not Just Chocolate NYCHusband-and-wife chocolatiers Sergei and Lena Potekhin handcraft Belgian-chocolate gifts and intricate chocolate designs at Not Just Chocolate NYC. The family-owned shop opened its U.S. flagship in 2019 after years serving European customers; Lena trained at the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy, and the couple has earned awards in European chocolatier competitions. Now based in New York, the Potekhins are especially known for personalized chocolate cards, figurines, and event favors made by hand in Brooklyn.BROOKLYN, NY