Tuesday, June 22, 2010

MY SUCCESS WITH CHOCOLATE FONDUE FOUNTAIN

Malaysian Cocoa Board director-general Dr Azhar Ismail (left) visiting Hazlina Mahmood’s Hazlina’s stall at the Malaysia Second Chocolate Fair at Danga City Mall. — Picture by Roslan Khamis
Article
My success with chocolate fondue fountain
2010/06/16
ABOUT a year ago, I decided to quit my job in the private sector to set up my own business. It was a decision that I made after much thought, considering I had two young sons to care for.
My husband, Yusree Abdullah, asked me what I wanted to venture into. Since I have always been interested in chocolates and cooking, the choice was quite obvious.However it was just not enough to simply make and sell chocolates. I had to find something different from what the others were doing in the chocolate business.
It was through a friend that I found out about chocolate fondue fountains, which were manufactured in Singapore and very popular there.
I later learned that many Singaporean Muslims were looking for the halal alternative to chocolate fondue fountains.They would tell me that much of the chocolate used had liquor in it, and so I decided to be among the first in Johor Baru to offer chocolate fondue fountains using halal chocolate.
Now in my seventh month of business, Blisscandy is slowly making a name for itself in and around Johor and Singapore.The business community here is still recovering from the effects of the global financial crisis. Everything seems to be on the up for us business folk in Johor. But it is different for businessmen in the city centre, especially at the shopping mall where I have set up my shop -- Plaza Kotaraya.
Like many of the vendors, shop- keepers and business owners, we have been going through a slump since the state government's administrative offices moved to Nusajaya.The offices used to be at the Sultan Ibrahim Building, Bukit Timbalan, which is a stone's throw away from Plaza Kotaraya.My solution was to promote my product outside the city by meeting clients. I have been doing that since starting my business and have visited potential clients in Tesco outlets and Plaza Angsana.The best business opportunity I got recently was to be able to participate in the Malaysia Second Chocolate Fair at Danga City Mall from June 4 and June 6.I was probably the only Johorean chocolate entrepreneur among the 30 local and foreign exhibitors. I was apprehensive about taking part considering I was new in the business and would be in competition with much larger established companies.But positive thinking prevailed, and I went all out to promote my shop and the chocolate fondue fountain. I received many enquiries about the machine and requests for renting it. I suppose the organisers, Expomedia Events, were right. They said my shop was unique as it was the only one offering chocolate fountain machines in Johor.In terms of my family life, I cannot ask for anything better. My husband and our two sons -- aged 5 and 11/2 years -- live in Taman Setia Tropika, Johor Baru.My husband has been very supportive and was at my side when I took part in the chocolate fair.I am also quite proud that I am the only one among my six siblings who has set up a business.My two brothers, three sisters and I were born and bred in Benut, Pontian, and we come from a Bugis family. My ancestral family home was once featured in the newspapers for its unique structure.It is a large 120-year-old house made of kayu jati, without a single nail used in its construction. My mother and elder brother live there, and occassionally get requests from tourists to visit the house.I suppose one can suceed in business if there is an opportunity and a will to make it a success.
Interview by Ahmad Fairuz Othman
Copyright © 2010 The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad. All rights reserved.

Monday, June 21, 2010

CHOCOLATE FAIR DELIGHTS FANS


Hazlina Mahmood, owner of Blisscandy, showing fair-goers how to coat marshmallows with warm chocolate from a fondue fountain.
Chocolate fair delights fans
2010/06/15Ahmad Fairuz Othmanstreets@nst.com.my
Currently, 66 manufacturers were registered with the Malaysian Handmade Chocolate Entrepreneurs Association.Hazlina Mahmood is another entrepreneur who has been gaining popularity among Johor Baru folk for selling and renting out chocolate fondue fountains.The 30-year-old has always been a chocolate fan, but quit her job in the private sector only last year to set up the Blisscandy chocolate shop at Plaza Kotaraya, Johor Baru.Her Singapore-made fondue fountains are much sought after by hoteliers and individuals who hold private parties.To rent a fondue fountain costs RM399 a day, inclusive of 3kg of chocolate.Hazlina said the fountain machine could run non-stop for up to 10 hours at a stretch.The price of a fondue fountain is steep as a large machine could cost RM6,000."I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this fair as it could help promote my products and my own creations of cupcakes, pralines, tarts and cheese-filled chocolate."
Copyright © 2010 The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad. All rights reserved.
Read more: Chocolate fair delights fans http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Chocolatefairdelightsfans/Article/#ixzz0rb4hiUBC

CHOCOLATEY GOODNESS

Try it: Hazlina showing her chocolate fountain

Friday June 18, 2010
Chocolatey goodness
BY YEE XIANG YUN metrose@thestar.com.my

JOHOR BARU: Chocolate fountains have become the new “in thing” with party planners, especially those from Singapore, who prefer fuss-free soirees.
Bliss Candy shop owner Hazlina Mahmood, who also rents out chocolate fountain equipment, said that many people especially Singaporean families had been warming up to the idea of spicing up their parties with sweet treats.
“I have been getting so many orders from Singapore that I even offer delivery service to the island.
“Some couples rent the fountains to add a unique feature to their wedding parties,” she said.
She said other customers rent the chocolate fountain for birthday parties, baby showers and even annual dinners.
“Each rental package comes with the chocolate mixture, wooden skewers, paper plates and napkins,” she said, adding that the fee was RM399 per day.
Hazlina said her clients had no qualms about paying extra for add-ons such as fruits, marshmallows and cookies.
She explained that the extra charges would differ according to the type of fruits and sweets selected.
“Customers can choose from four choices of chocolate, which are sweet, semi-sweet, bitter-sweet and dark chocolate.
“The most popular items for dipping that my customers usually go for are strawberries and marshmallows,” said the 30-year-old.
She said the chocolate fountain trend had taken off because people these days preferred hassle-free parties that they did not need to spend hours preparing for.
“With chocolate fountains, they just need to order our services and we provide delivery to our customer’s doorstep.
“If someone rents the larger machines, I will usually be present to help them set up,” she said, adding that each machine costs an average of RM6,000 to RM10,000.
Hazlina said she planned to expand her year-old business by getting hotels as clients.
“I have sent proposals to hotels to include my chocolate fountain in their buffet spreads and their functions,” she said.
For enquiries, e-mail to blisscandy79@yahoo.com