This weekend, South ‘n France turns six years old!  In some ways, it seems like just yesterday that we debuted our company at the 2006 Carolina Chocolate Festival.  In other ways, it seems like we’ve been making and selling bon bons forever.  Steve Jobs said in reference to his tenure at Apple:  “Each year has been so robust with problems and successes and learning experiences and human experiences that a year is a lifetime at Apple. So this has been ten lifetimes. ” 

We hear you, Steve.  It’s only been six years, but we feel like we’ve lived (and aged) at least a few decades (if not lifetimes) since launching South ‘n France.  Thankfully, we’re not yet as world-weary as “Toddlers and Tiaras” beauty pageant veteran, Eden Wood, who at the age of six (with 300 pageant wins already under her glitzy rhinestone-studded belt) announced her retirement on national TV.

As for us, we have no plans of retiring anytime soon.  In fact, like most six year olds, we’re enthusiastic about, well, most everything we’re involved in these days.  We’re finally on the verge of launching the packaging we’ve been working on for years.  Our newly forged partnership with Port City Java is coming into its own, as we plan to bring our product into multiple locations in New Hanover and Brunswick counties over the next few months. (Look for us at the 17th Street Port City Java in just a few weeks!)  Our website is about to get a facelift.  And, we’re planning our first real vacation (with both of us on vacation at once!) this summer.  As any small business owner will tell you, the ability to take a vacation is a true sign of success.

As for lessons, we’ve learned more than our fair share.  There should be advanced degrees for people who run small businesses–at the very least, an honorary PhD from the school of hard knocks.  In many ways, launching a small business was especially difficult for us because unlike most new companies (think hair salons or  daycares or restaurants or repair companies), we had no role model.  Perhaps that should have been our first clue.  No one was already out there making and selling nothing but hand-dipped chocolate bon bons via the internet.  Now we know why!

One of my favorite proverbs is “necessity breeds ingenuity.”  It’s how many of the most successful elements of our business were inspired.  For example, singing telegrams, Bon Bon Parties, our Cafe au Lait bon bon flavor and our now legendary Dinner and a Movie Nights, were all born out of pressing needs.  In our innocence (or some would say ‘ignorance’), we created new products and new business ideas that fanned the flames of our deeply held conviction:  the world needs our brand of sweetness and delight.

Indeed, looking at the world through the eyes of a young child (or a young business), is really quite refreshing.  Here is my case in point:  A 1st grade school teacher presented each child in her classroom with the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to finish the phrase.  Those six-year-olds responded with these incredible, instinctive gems:

Strike while the…bug is close. 
It’s always darkest before…Daylight Saving Time.
Never underestimate the… power of termites.
You can lead a horse to water… but how?
Don’t bite the hand that …looks dirty.
A miss is as good as a… Mr.
You can’t teach an old dog new… Math.
If you lie down with dogs, you’ll… stink in the morning.
The pen is mightier than the… pigs.
An idle mind is the… best way to relax.
Where there’s smoke there’s… pollution.
Happy the bride who… gets all the presents.
A penny saved is… not much.
Two’s company, three’s… the Musketeers.
Don’t put off till tomorrow what you… put on to go to bed.
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and…you have to blow your nose.
There are none so blind as… Stevie Wonder.
Children should be seen and not…spanked or grounded.
If at first you don’t succeed… get new batteries.
A bird in the hand is going to… poop on you.
Better late than…pregnant!

For South ‘n France most things are happening later than we initially expected them to, but we still look forward to a future ‘pregnant’ with possibilities.  Thank you for your loyal support and encouragement over the past five years.  We look forward to growing up in the five that will follow….

Since moving to Wilmington, Pascal and I spend most of our time working in the kitchen and the office (respectively) at South ‘n France.  But, every now and then, we take some time to enjoy an afternoon on the town.  One of our favorite excursions was a ride on the Cape Fear River.  A couple of years ago, I surprised Pascal with a private charter cruise and a very French picnic to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  Our captain took us down the river to explore a section of the Cape Fear River we had never seen.  It was a wonderful, relaxing afternoon.

Now, everyone can enjoy a lazy afternoon on the Cape Fear River at a wonderful price.  Join us for a very sweet tour of the Cape Fear River. We have joined forces with Wilmington Water Tours for a two-hour afternoon cruise. Climb onboard at 2:30 pm and enjoy sampling eight bon bon flavors (our seven signature flavors and our seasonal Pumpkin Bon Bon) while sipping some tasty champagne and being entertained by us. This two-hour cruise is $25.00 per person. We will also offer our 8-piece bon bon box at a deeply discounted price for interested customers. Call Wilmington Water Tours at 910-338-3134 to make your reservation. The cruise will depart from the Downtown Riverwalk (212 S. Water St- Between Orange & Ann Streets).

We’ll look foward to sailing with you!

For years, we have been making local deliveries with our bon bons.  Deliveries are one of the most rewarding and, sometimes, one of the most frustrating parts of our work.  You wouldn’t believe all of the hidden streets, unmarked houses, and crazy locations that exist in and around Wilmington! 

We could ship all of our bon bons, but local FedEx packages often spend a day or two in transit.  (They are often shipped from Wilmington to a warehouse in Charlotte; sorted and shipped back to Wilmington; and then put on trucks where they could ride around all day waiting delivery).  When we deliver locally, the bon bons go directly from our kitchen to the recipient. 

Our delivery territory is large–we have delivered to Hampstead, Carolina Beach, Wrighstville Beach, Leland, and once as far as Bald Head Island.  When you look at it from a dollars and cents perspective, it doen’t pay to spend the time, the gas, the miles, and the planning to make deliveries.  But, we do it all for a different kind of payoff–happy customers.  Earlier this summer, we completed a delivery that reminded us exactly why we offer this important service to our customers.

A new customer, who lives in Arkansas, found us online.  She wanted to know if we would deliver to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  We replied that we could definitely deliver to NHRMC.  She then explained that her daughter-in-law had just delivered a baby 10 weeks early, without her husband.  He wasn’t able to be there because he is a Marine serving our country.  Our new customer wanted to give her daughter-in-law something delicious to eat (in lieu of flowers) because she hadn’t eaten in two days! 

Our new customer had also created a special message on her computer using her own graphic designs.  She wanted to know if we could print it and include it with the bon bon delivery.  (Again, the answer was: “Yes, of course!”) 

As fate would have it, I was the person who ended up making this particular delivery.  I went directly to the maternity ward to ensure the bon bons reached their final destination in a timely manner.  Come to find out, Rachel was in her room alone and couldn’t get out of bed.  So, with Rachel’s permission,  the receptionist agreed to let me go back to her room.   Upon meeting Rachel, I was honored to play not only delivery person, but also nurse’s aide to one brave mama!  (Rachel, who was in pain, had been waiting for a nurse and needed a little help–pronto.)  Her husband is a hero protecting our country, but I think the spouses of our military are just as strong and courageous as those who serve on the front line.  Imagine giving birth alone, in an emergency situation!

The next day, I received a lovely note from our newest fan in Arkansas:

“You went above and beyond for EXCELLENT customer service! Thank you for making a personal delivery to my daughter-in-law, Rachel, in the hospital. And, I certainly appreciate you printing my own special message and adding it to the package. Rachel just texted me and said she “snuck” a Bon Bon (a nurse said she could ’sneak one’ – she is still on liquids) and she said it was AWESOME! I think she’s hooked!

 My Very Best,

Happy Independence Day!  Did you know that chocolate is partially responsible for securing our freedom?  It’s true!

Chocolate first came on the American military during World War I when the U.S. Army commissioned American chocolate manufacturers to provide 20 – 40 pound blocks of chocolate to bases in the field. The blocks were chopped up into smaller pieces and distributed to soldiers in Europe.  By the end of the War, the American chocolate business was booming; returning soldiers had grown fond of chocolate and they now wanted more as civilians.

 By World War II, the U.S. government officially recognized chocolate’s role for the Allied Armed Forces. It allocated valuable shipping space for the importation of 2-ounce and 4-ounce chocolate ration bars, which would give many weary soldiers the strength to carry on with their duties.  Specially formulated for ’survival’, these chocolates bars weren’t nearly as tasty as the chocolates we enjoy eating today. 

The number of chocolate ration bars made (40.2 million D Ration bars, and 380 million Tropical Chocolate Bars designed to withstand the intense heat of the tropics and the desert) far exceeded what 10 million military personnel could have consumed.  American soldiers were, in fact, sharing with their foreign allies, whether of military or civilian status.  In fact, many European children during the 1944 liberation fondly remember American soldiers distributing chocolate bars upon their arrival.

Still today, the U.S. Army D-rations include three 4-ounce chocolate bars. Chocolate has even been taken into space as part of the diet of U.S. astronauts.  This Fourth of July, be sure to give chocolate covered kisses to anyone who is serving or who has served in our Armed Forces!

If bon bons had resumes, our product would have a diverse job history.  They’ve taken on jobs as get well gifts, forgive me gifts, birthday gifts and more.  But perhaps one of their greatest job titles is that of “The Closer”.

You see, many of our customers use bon bons to win over new clients for their businesses.  For example,  a medical billing specialist often sends bon bons as an extra touch before landing a new account.  A lawn maintenance and landscaping company uses bon bons to ’sweeten the deal’ with prospective clients.  And another talented salesperson will often put our bon bons as a way to showcase her creativity and personality, putting her in a completely different league from her competition. 

We’re proud to say that we our bon bons have successfully landed new business, big accounts, and many dollars in profit our loyal customers.  In fact, it seems that are bon bons are fast becoming synonymous with ’sealing the deal’, ‘closing the case’ and ‘clinching the sale’. 

As evidence, take this recent Facebook conversation between a stellar sales professional and her support system.  She starts the thread by writing: Please send good vibes my way…HUGE meeting this morning with a prospect…praying we can pull this off!!!!

Friends send their support by ‘liking’ her post and sending comments such as:

Good Luck- I know you will do well!!

Once they encounter your charm, it’s all over!

You GO, girl!!!

Praying for you – wish I was there!

Here’s what happens after the meeting:

Although our bon bons didn’t get to play The Closer this time, they’ll be ready and waiting for the next opportunity.  Meanwhile, enjoy this testimonial from another business owner who swears by bon bons as a way to boost his bottom line:

“South ‘n France sent out bon bons to some of my best customers on Monday. One of them got their bon bons today, picked up the phone with their mouth full of chocolate, called me, thanked me for the incredible bon bons, and placed a $1000 order. I haven’t even paid South ‘n France yet, and my ROI is 5 times my investment.

If you aren’t using South ‘n France to send thank you or holiday gifts to your customers, you are CRAZY! Call her today!”  –Kent Milholland, Neonexus Corporation

Remember those old Trading Spaces episodes when Genevieve Gorder used to whip out an avocado or egg drop soup and announce:  “Here is my inspiration for designing your room!”?  Or those Kohler commericals where the couple places a faucet on the desk and instructs the architect: “We want you to design our house around this”? 

It seems that I’m not the only one who gleans creative inspiration from unlikely sources.  Just today, I ripped out a page of a Pier One catalog because one line of text gave me an idea for our bon bon business that I plan to execute soon.

Another source of inspiration?  Peeps.  Yes, I’m talking about those neon, sugar-coated marshmallow confections (made with corn syrup, gelatin, and carnauba wax!) that are nearly indestructable.  No joking.  Wikipedia reports:

Peeps are sometimes jokingly described as “indestructible”.  In 1999, scientists at Emory University performed experiments on batches of Peeps to see how easily they could be dissolved, burned or otherwise disintegrated, using such agents as cigarette smoke, boiling water and liquid nitrogen. They claimed that the eyes of the confectionery “wouldn’t dissolve in anything”.  Furthermore, Peeps are insoluble in acetone, water, diluted sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide. 

For a company that prides itself in using real ingredients and no additives or preservatives, perhaps you are a bit surprised that South ‘n France Bon Bons would find inspiration in such an unlikely place.  But you see, it’s not the actual Peeps Easter Candy that inspires us; it’s what people do with them. 

Every year around this time, newspapers like the The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and The Seattle Times hold an annual Peeps diorama contest (the St. Paul Pioneer Press was the first newspaper to do so).  Hundreds of crafty individuals enter fabulously creative displays.  Universities have even jumped on the band wagon:  MIT, and even my alma mater, The University of Chicago have challenged students and alumni to use their smarts in Peeps-inspired contests.

One of my favorite dioramas pays homage to the children’s classic Goodnight Moon and can be found here.  As I admired the work of these wonderfully imaginative and talented individuals, I stumbled upon this humorous spoof of Beyonce’s hit single:  Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It). 

 One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was on YouTube, learning about mash-ups.  A mash-up is a song or composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track.   You won’t want to miss this mash-up of Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) and Chubby Checker’s The Twist.  I think it’s brilliant!   And, yes, I’ve already used it as a source of creative inspiration….

Easter has always been my favorite holiday for a multitude of reasons. One reason is that a lot more women wear fancy hats. You may have noticed that I like hats–the more over-the-top, the better!

At festivals and events, my Bon Bon Queen hat is always a conversation-starter.  People ask if they can buy my hat (my current asking pricing is $3.2 million); where I found my hat (no, they don’t sell ones like this in stores!); and if they can wear my hat. The short answer to that last question is “No”, but I always explain in more detail: “It isn’t possible to just wear a hat like this. You have to work the hat.”

And that’s why I love hats. They are mood changers, confidence builders, and day makers. Put on a fabulous hat, and girl, you can work it! Martha Sliter said:

“A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it’s the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it’s the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath…. A piece of magic is a hat.”

I’ve learned from experience that whenever I wear a hat, my day becomes special. I’ve also learned that people treat hat-wearers more regally.  The very wise Felecia McMillan said it best: “We just know inside that we’re queens. And these are the crowns we wear.” So what are you waiting for? This Spring, don an Easter bonnet with frills and flowers upon it, and let your inner queen shine through!”

Happy March! Have you turned the page in your South ‘n France calendar yet? If so, you’ve seen this photo along with the quote “Waiter, I’d like to order the Death By Chocolate, but just enough to put me in critical condition!” But did you know death by chocolate has actually happened?

In the 17th century in Chiapas, Mexico the church dictated a chocolate ban that forbade anyone from eating or drinking the food during church services. Upper class Spainards were so addicted to the sweet that they refused to adhere to the ban and started attending worship services in convents. In addition, the Bishop who passed the law was consequently found dead due to poison being mixed into his daily cup of chocolate.

Lucky for you chocolate is not only legal but delicious, and to our knowledge no one has actually died from too much chocolate. So in the spirit of defiance, be sure to treat yourself to some of our bon bons this month!

Science has finally proven it–chocolate is better than sex (or at least, better than kissing!).  This long-debated question was explored in a BBC News article where the stimulation affects by the two different substances was tested. The volunteers, all aged in their 20s, had electrodes attached to their scalps and wore heart monitors during two tests.

In the first test, volunteers had to simply let chocolate melt on their tongues while their brain reactions were recordered.  In the second test, they had to kiss their partners while the same brain activity was measured. The researchers compared their resting heart rates with those during the chocolate and kissing tests and found that chocolate had a longer and stronger affect on raising a person’s heart rate than a kiss.

An even more interesting finding was that although women are generally thought to be bigger fans of chocolate than men, both sexes had the same reactions to chocolate during the tests. 

That’s not the only way chocolate wins out over sex.  There are 307 recipes called “Better Than Sex Cake” at Cooks.com alone. Of course if you prefer cookies, here is a better than sex cookie recipe. 

In addition, chocolate is good for your brain. An article at CNN.com cites a study at Wheeling Jesuit University (West Virginia) that indicates that chocolate can improve “memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving skills”.  Yet having sex “on the brain” has the exact opposite effects.  It causes forgetfulness, distraction, and the inability to think clearly. 

Best of all, chocolate is an aphrodisiac, so if you choose chocolate over sex you may still end up with both (a solution we highly recommend).  To celebrate these findings, and our 5th anniversary in the bon bon business, we continue our series of Top 5 lists with the Top 5 Reasons Why Chocolate is Better than Sex:

5.  You can have chocolate on desk during working hours without upsetting your co-workers.

4.     You can make chocolate last as long as you want it to.

3.     Good chocolate is easy to find.  (You’re already on our site!)

2.    With chocolate, there’s no need to fake it.

1.   And finally, with chocolate, you’re never disappointed when you open the wrapper.

Eddie Valiant: Seriously, what do you see in that guy?

Jessica Rabbit: He makes me laugh. ~Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Although I am responsible for much of the ’entertaining’ in our duties as a South ‘n France duo, Pascal is the real comedian in the family.  He’s been making me laugh for nearly two decades.  And, our two-year-old nephew thinks he’s pretty funny too. 

Here are a couple of snapshots from a recent outing with our nephew, Carter, who came to visit for a weekend.  We went to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher and then, we stopped in a locally-owned fast food establishment for a quick bite to eat (chicken nuggets and french fries were our nephew’s request du jour). 

One of my favorite stories about Carter is his own quick wit.  Although Carter lives in Buffalo, and we only get to see him a few times a year, his Uncle Pascal has definitely made an impression:

One day, he was eating yogurt at home in his high chair.  He kept shoveling a spoonfuls into his mouth and then opening wide to say “Aaaaaaaah”. 

“Don’t do that!”, said his mother.  But, he did it again.  “Carter, stop that”, she implored.  But he didn’t stop.  After a third mouthful-o’-yogurt display, his mother said:  “Carter, that is rude, and you shouldn’t be doing it.  Who taught you how to do that, anyhow?” 

Carter didn’t miss a beat:  “Pascal!!!”, he replied, while grinning enthusiastically.  Although Pascal did not teach Carter how to “do that”, it’s absolutely in character.  At the tender age of two, Carter has perfectly pegged Pascal.

For Christmas, we gave Carter a t-shirt that says:  “My Goal?  To Be As Cool as My Uncle”.  Naturally, after seeing Pascal play with his food, Carter had to give it a try too.  As for me, I’m happy to have not just one funny Valentine, but two!