Cathy Dobson
For Lauren Jamieson, the sweet smell of chocolate melting on the stove isn’t just a treat. It’s therapy.
Jamieson, 31, has developed eight different kinds of chocolates, all made with organic and fair trade ingredients and all to suit vegan and gluten-free diets.
“People say they feel energized after eating them and have mental clarity,” said the Queen’s University grad, who has an honours degree in health sciences and psychology.
She attributes that to the fact she adds five “superfood” powders to her chocolate, including reishi mushroom, chaga mushroom, matcha green tea, maca root and shilajit.
“They give the immune system a boost and are good for hormone balancing, stress and energy,” she explained.
Two years ago, while working at a local health food store, Jamieson got chatting with an organic chocolate supplier and decided to try a hand at making her own.
“I was good at it straight away and over time I’ve learned how to temper the chocolate so it looks good on the shelf and keeps its snap and shine.”
Flavours range from the popular smores made with vegan marshmallows and gluten-free graham crackers, to maple hazelnut and peanut butter quinoa balls. All are made in a commercial kitchen.
Jamieson’s initial sales experience was at a First Friday when she set up shop inside RAWSymmetry’s studio on Front Street.
“That night, so many people bought one and then came back for another, and then another,” she said. Most of her chocolates sell for $2.50 each and come in packages of two to two dozen.
Currently, Chocolate Therapy products are available downtown at Greens Organic Café and Kel’s diner, both on Christina Street.
Jamieson has been working on regulation labelling for her chocolates and expects that to be ready this month, she said. That will clear the way for retail sales.
“I’m looking for new venues now,” she said. “I really love what I’m doing and I want to do it full time.
“I really like that every step of the way is in line with my morals and ethics.”
Chocolate Therapy will be back at RAWSymmetry at 148 Front St. North on Oct. 3 for First Friday. Jamieson also makes chocolates for special occasions such as showers, weddings and parties.
Contact her at 519-402-9406 and check out her Facebook page at Chocolate Therapy by Lauren.
NEW WINDOW REPAIR ENTERPRISE
Steve Gray learned the skills required for window and door repairs during the years his family owned Matheson’s Hardware.
They have sold it since and Gray took a job in maintenance with Lambton County.
Now he’s putting his skills back to work with a new company called Renewal Systems.
Gray, 47, offers glass cutting, window, frame and screen repairs, and can access parts if required. Renewal Systems does not install new windows and doors.
He has teamed up with Rona – Wilson’s Plumbing and Hardware at the corner of Cathcart and Colborne roads, where customers can drop off and pick up seven days a week.
Gray said there is usually a one-to-two day turnaround. For more, call Renewal Systems at 519-328-7083.
BIG CHANGES AT INDIAN AND CONFED
The building where D & S Service Centre operated for decades at the corner of Indian and Confed has been torn down to make way for a new Mac’s Convenience Store and gas bar.
The city’s building department recently issued a permit for $550,000 for that project.
A second large permit was issued in August to Wendy’s Restaurant on London Road.
Wendy’s is planning a renovation and expansion worth a whopping $800,000.
Got an interesting business story? Contact Cathy Dobson at [email protected] or 226-932-0985.