Seattle Sunday: JCOCO's Couture Chocolate, Do Tell.

I like my Seattle Sunday posts to focus on a local brand, boutique or stylish Seattle-ite. After all, our city has much to offer. So, when I was invited to an exclusive event for local chocolatier Seattle Chocolate's new brand JCOCO, I was doubtful it would fit into my vision for Seattle Sunday posts. But, I certainly couldn't pass up chocolate and wine pairings, now could I?

So, I invited my good friend and very first client, Lauren, to join me for an evening of indulgence. Little did I know that JCOCO would introduce me to "couture chocolate" (that's what they call it!) and the inner workings of a chocolatier while tapping into the love of fashion that so many of us share. 

5 Reasons Why JCOCO is Even Cooler Than I Thought.

1. Good Design. 

If you are looking for the JCOCO factory, you'll find it near SouthCenter Mall. They don't normally give tours, so Lauren and I were THRILLED to take a guided spin around the factory. Having worked in a chocolate store in my early 20's, I felt like I had a pretty good understanding of what was to follow. I had no idea that we'd be seeing immaculate design with references to fashion throughout the entire building. There were so many memorable touches that I'm adding a slideshow to share some of my favorites with you. 

The best part? The JCOCO team had dresses made to match the patterns in the various packaging and have them displayed on dress forms in the showroom. Love. 

2. Giving Back is one of JCOCO's Core Values.

You know how excited I get anytime someone is taking the opportunity to give back to the community. After all, what is more fashionable than taking care of others? That's why I especially appreciate the company's commitment to feeding hungry people in every community they serve. So, every chocolate bar you buy provides one meal to a hungry person. A "Giving Wall" is on display in the corner of the showroom as you walk back toward the factory so that everyone is reminded of the power of giving back. 

3. JCOCO helps me self regulate.

I don't know about you, but chocolate is one of my main weaknesses. Now, add in VERY tasty chocolate with unusual ingredients and beautiful packaging. Yeah, that could be a problem. Lucky for us, the team at JCOCO really is thinking about the fashionable set — one who indulges in moderation. Each package includes three mini bars and each bar is approximately 150 calories. Guesswork gone.

4. I Love a Great Female Leader.

Don't get me wrong, I also love a great male leader. But, Seattle Chocolate's owner and CEO Jean Thompson is pretty rad. 

5. It's the perfect gift for the challenging person in your life.

You know Father's Day is coming up, right? Don't worry. The assortment goes way beyond bars with hip and fashionable photography of ladies from the past. If you are looking for a thoughtful, stylish and still affordable gift that works for, well, everyone, this is it. Specifically, if you have heard any of the following statements from people in your life, things just got a little easier for you. 

• "I only eat kosher."
• "No GMO's, please."
• "Local. Only local."
• "Exotic, sophisticated, unexpected. That's my jam. I'm a foodie."
• "Not right now. I'm on a diet."
• "Photography, fashion, design. I love it all."
• "Quinoa. Only quinoa. (Hi, Mom!)"

So there you have it. If you are looking for a little indulgence for you or someone you love (and a pair of shoes is out of the question), a luxurious chocolate bar just might be the little something you've been looking for. 

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