In a heartwarming story of determination and resilience, 47-year-old Jyoti Hart has defied the odds and launched her own chocolate business, despite being told she can’t work due to her Multiple Sclerosis (MS). With the help of her 15-year-old daughter Alicia, Jyoti has created a thriving venture from the comfort of their own home.
The journey began during the third lockdown when Jyoti decided to make truffles as a thoughtful gift for their loved ones. Alicia, who has a passion for baking, lent her skills to the project. The response they received was overwhelming, with friends and family raving about their delicious creations. Impressed by the positive feedback, Jyoti and Alicia decided to take it a step further and open their own stall at Biggleswade Market in Bedfordshire, where they now sell their Truffle Bombs chocolates every weekend. They have also started taking online orders.
Jyoti, who has always loved cooking, shares, “As I have progressive Multiple Sclerosis, I can’t work a normal job. This could be something I could do as a part-time thing and work when I am well and not experiencing a flare-up.” The success of their chocolates has exceeded their expectations, prompting them to explore further opportunities.
To kickstart their business, Jyoti and Alicia set up GoFundMe and Crowdfunder pages and were pleasantly surprised when they received £545 in donations from generous supporters. They also received donations from friends and family, as well as media coverage in their local community, which helped raise their profile. Their determination caught the attention of an investor who wanted to support their venture, enabling them to purchase the necessary machinery and cover start-up costs such as getting their food shelf life tested. In total, they invested around £3,000 to get their business off the ground.
Since launching their market stall, Jyoti and Alicia have taken their chocolates to events such as the British Food Festival and Taste Bedford, gaining a loyal customer base along the way. Jyoti beams, “We have had many returning customers who come and find us at different events that we do. I get really happy at people’s reaction to the truffles, and my daughter’s confidence has grown so much.”
Running a business while managing her MS hasn’t been without its challenges for Jyoti. She struggles to balance her health with the demands of the business, but the incredible support and kindness they have received make it all worthwhile. Looking to the future, Jyoti has plans to introduce seasonal truffles and hopes to expand by hiring staff and supplying their chocolates to hotels and coffee shops.
Despite the growth of their business, Jyoti acknowledges that her daughter remains her biggest inspiration. She says, “My daughter has always been very intuitive and never makes a big deal out of my MS. She quietly fixes any problems, like tying my laces on days when my hands aren’t able.”
The story of Jyoti and Alicia is a testament to the power of determination, love, and support. Their chocolate business not only brings joy to their customers but also serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
