“We make a living with what we get, but we make a life with what we give” – Chocolate Clicks
For this festive Christmas issue, team Happinez had the exciting opportunity to have a chat with the masterminds behind Chocolate Clicks – the beloved seasonal favourite in town!
- Tell us a little about yourselves.
Hello! I am Kithmi Navodya Weerathunga, who was born a millisecond before my sister – Kalasi Amandya Weerathunga. Both of us were students at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. I studied food business management and Kalasi has a degree on financial management and is currently working for MAS Intimates as an Accounts Executive. Chocolate Clicks is our side hustle that literally adds taste to our lives.
- What inspired you to start Chocolate Clicks?
We always wanted to start something of our own as twins. After our first brand KIASHO, we took the initiative to launch Chocolate Clicks two years ago. Kithmi, Kalasi, and Ishan are all mixed up in the November 2020 launch of Chocolate Clicks.
During the Covid-19 shutdown, everyone was experimenting with new recipes, which was a fantastic opportunity for two baking enthusiasts. We decided to position a different brand because the potential market for baked goods is very large. As a result, numerous candy enthusiasts all around the country are currently raving about our new brand. We enjoyed it because even a mistake turned out to be something amazing. It was our passion all along and we loved doing it.
Giving gifts is simply about making someone’s day. We could create happiness together by giving and our customers (friends) were happy receiving these baked items which are covered in chocolate. We did our marketing campaign via all the social media platforms and the chocolatey and gooey items sold out in a snap of the fingers.
- What is the hardest part about being home bakers?
It was always a pickle, working at home with flour and eggs. The main obstacle was the time frame that we had to adhere to with only four hands. When it comes to baking lots of items, time flies. Fortunately, we came in pairs and we could manage it despite the difficulties. With university work, training, and everything else, we adjusted to taking shifts and things became rather balanced after that. When Kalasi is at work I take up the responsibilities and finish our orders and when I am stuck with my work, my sister is there to save the day.
- How do you manage the surge of orders during celebratory events such as Christmas as home bakers?
We believe that balancing work is a key factor that applies to any business around the world. When a business grows, there is a requirement for more hands and support. Fortunately, luck is on our side because we have the best family to watch our backs every time we face any difficulties. As they say, practice makes perfect. Switching from baking to working became our daily mantra and we adjusted to the procedures accordingly. Those quick adaptations are still keeping us going.
- How do you source prime ingredients for your delectable treats amidst an economic crisis?
Ingredient prices are over the roof. However, at Chocolate Clicks we have always believed in delivering the highest quality products to our customers. Sometimes the prices of our products are comparably high, but that is because the ingredients we use are of the best quality. The main perk of having quality products is the priceless experience that customers gain after consuming a small bite. Chocolate-related products are very expensive nowadays, but chocolate always gives everything that magical sparkle, doesn’t it?
- Walk us through the sweet treats inside the Jingle Hampers of Chocolate Clicks. How did you pick out all the goodies on the menu for this hamper?
With the holiday season just around the corner, we wanted to send out the most scrumptious Christmas bakes. Therefore, I did some online research through Pinterest and Instagram to gather enough insight and unique ideas for our Christmas hamper. After combining them with our own ideas, we came up with hampers for our Christmas lovers; the Jingle Hamper, Frosty Hamper, and the Festive Brownie Pack.
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