Lily's Chocolate Paradise began with Lily Leong's love of everything chocolate, specifically chocolate-covered pretzels. Over the years, other chocolates were added and now her store offers 50-plus items. But it wasn't always that expansive. As a former legal assistant in Philadelphia for decades, Lily remained focused on computer work each day until she could get into her kitchen each night to make handmade chocolates.
"Making chocolates is a happy business, and who doesn’t want to be happy?" she proclaims.
She says she began her chocolatier journey at home during 1993 after her first child was born. She then gave chocolate treats away as gifts and began selling chocolates at craft fairs, school or church festivals and corporate sites, all while keeping her full-time job. Corporate orders soon followed. "I was completely hooked after attending the Chocolate Convention at Valley Forge Convention Center and I've been perfecting my craft ever since," she adds.
She officially opened her store in October 2019.
Her line of delectable chocolate confections now feature a range of items, including chocolate-covered pretzels, Oreos, graham crackers, drizzled caramel popcorn, marshmallows, pistachio bark bars, sea salt caramel cashews, peanut butter cups, praline pecans, Twizzlers licorice, gummy bears, potato chips, ginger slices, coconut clusters, sponge candy, coffee beans, orange peel strips and mango slices. There also are some sugar-free options.
According to Valentine's Day consumer insights, Americans who celebrate V-Day purchase about 58 million pounds of chocolate a year. Lily says the chocolate liquor bottles kit has become a popular Valentine's Day gift.
"Anyone is welcome to request specific chocolates for made-to-order gift trays," she adds.
Lily's Chocolate Paradise store at 295 Buck Road within Pheasant Valley Center #309 in Holland is open seven days a week, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shipping of items is available at the store via USPS Priority Mail.
215.364.5373
FOR ORDERS: Call or text #267.243.7482
LilysChocolateParadise.com
Fun Fact: At the end of the 5th century, Roman Pope Gelasius officially declared the date of February 14 "St. Valentine's Day." It wasn't until the Middle Ages, though, that the holiday became associated with love and romance, a tradition that first started from the common belief in France and England that birds started their mating season on Feb. 14.