When I started Uba Chocolates, I never imagined how much this little piece of sweetness would teach me — not just about flavors, but about people, places, and purpose.
Chocolate has a magical way of bringing us together. At every market I attend, every box I deliver, I see it: eyes lighting up, stories spilling out, memories being shared over a single bite. But craft chocolate, in particular, goes beyond just being a treat — it connects us to something bigger.
Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about how artisan chocolate ties together culture, craft, and community — and why it matters so much to me.
Chocolate as Culture
When I hand-paint a bonbon, I often think of my childhood in Colombia, where cacao trees stood proud, and chocolate was more than a dessert — it was part of who we were.
Every culture has its own way of loving chocolate. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs revered cacao as a sacred gift. In Europe, it became a symbol of luxury and celebration. And even today, different countries put their own stamp on it — dark and intense in France, spiced in Mexico, creamy in Switzerland.
When you choose craft chocolate, you’re tasting a story that started thousands of years ago — one that connects us to lands, traditions, and hands we may never meet.
The Beauty of the Craft
When I paint each bonbon, it’s more than just decoration. Each swirl of color, each carefully balanced filling, reflects hours of experimentation, precision, and yes — a little bit of love.
Craft chocolate is slow. Intentional. It respects the cacao itself. From sourcing ethical beans to tempering the chocolate to create that perfect snap and shine, artisan makers care deeply about quality at every step.
This care is what makes the difference between a forgettable bite and a flavor that lingers in your memory.
Chocolate Builds Community
One of my favorite parts of running Uba Chocolates is meeting people who care — not just about how chocolate tastes, but about how it’s made.
I’ve connected with farmers who cultivate cacao with pride, customers who tell me my bonbons remind them of home, and fellow makers who are redefining what chocolate can be.
Craft chocolate creates connections. When you support an artisan chocolatier, you’re supporting a web of farmers, makers, and small businesses who are all working to keep this tradition alive and sustainable.
A Personal Note
Sometimes people ask me why I keep painting bonbons when it would be “easier” to just make plain chocolates. My answer is simple: because each piece I make tells a story — my story, the story of the farmers, and maybe even yours.
When you bite into one of my creations, I hope you feel that connection — a little sweetness that reminds you that we’re all part of something bigger.
Thank you for letting Uba Chocolates be part of your moments.
With gratitude,
Diana
Founder, Uba Chocolates
