Stephanie Liefeld
We sat down with Women to Women Network member Stephanie Liefeld, founder of Portland Truffle, and here's what she had to say…
Who are your clients/customers?
Anyone who loves chocolate, creating beautiful things, giving gifts, and eating! Our customers range from foodies who love discovering new recipes and making their own confections or the newbie dabbling in making chocolates - we make it easy! - to people looking for a unique gift to give. Our DIY chocolate truffle or chocolate squares kits make wonderful gifts that are out of the ordinary.
How do you help your clients/customers?
I provide all the tools, ingredients, and tricks of the trade to create gorgeous and delicious chocolate truffles and squares in your own kitchen - including a gift box for a beautiful presentation of your work. There are even how-to’s and pro tips on the website to help make it both fun and easy.
I also solve the problem of “what to give” when you are looking for something extra special. Whether you make the chocolates yourself with the kit and then gift your creations, or you want to give the complete kit as a gift, we’ve got you covered! Customers can order online and have the kits shipped, so the convenience factor is great during the busy holiday season. Our corporate clients love this!
What brought you to this line of work?
I grew up loving baking and got my first chocolate mold when I was 9 or 10 years old. Making something tiny, beautiful, and delicious instantly captured my imagination. This is my third business involving chocolate, but the only one that brings my love of sharing knowledge, giving gifts, and creating beautiful chocolates all together. As I like to say, “Make some, gift some, eat some!”
Even though it’s my passion, chocolate as a business did not come right away. I’ve worn many professional hats prior to launching Portland Truffle. I have been an urban planner, tech writer, communications professional, and entrepreneur. And while I enjoyed the various positions I’ve held, one thing has always been consistent: my absolute love of chocolate! I guess you could say it was my calling.
I opened Portland Truffle first in 2008 to share my love of chocolate, but this first iteration of the business did not offer the DIY kits. I am very excited to relaunch Portland Truffle this fall and have reopened the business in a new format - selling the DIY kits - to share not just the love of chocolate but also the skills and tools to make those beautiful chocolates.
I also opened a new local market called Pop Up West Linn to highlight local small businesses and help other women-owned businesses connect and collaborate.
What brings you joy?
Ha! That’s easy – chocolate, of course! But, seriously, it’s about making people smile. If one of my chocolates or DIY kits can bring joy to someone else, then I am happy, too.
What defines you and your business?
I think my business and I are both approachable, fun, and focused on bringing joy to people. This sense of play is infused into my business. I take great pleasure in creating new recipes and kits, and I think this carries over to my customers and anyone who receives a DIY kit. Yes, it’s about a love for chocolate. But it is also about making it easy and having fun – especially having fun.
What's the most important thing you want people to know about you and your business?
Making chocolates isn't as hard as you think it is! You just need the right tools and the right teacher.
Portland Truffle