Today we’d like to introduce you to Trinity Thien.
Hi Trinity, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my hot cocoa bomb business back in December 2020, when COVID-19 hit and we were in lockdown. At the time, I was a Georgia State University student on winter break and wanted to make something special for my friends and family. During this year, hot chocolate bombs were the newest fad, but I could never seem to find any in stores.
I quickly searched Youtube for tutorials, ordered chocolate bomb molds via Amazon, and combed throughout craft stores for melting chocolate. I spent hours on end learning the techniques until I could master my craft. After the holidays, I received positive feedback from family and friends who raved about how beautifully decorated and flavorful they were. To my surprise, some wanted to purchase my hot chocolate bombs as gifts for their families and friends! I quickly got to thinking, and soon enough, I started to advertise my product through social media posts, Facebook groups, and word of mouth. Fast forward to today, Trin’s Taste hot chocolate bombs have been incredibly popular during the holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and Valentine’s Day. I have catered holiday parties in Atlanta, hosted several pop-ups in Inman Park, and have been clients’ favorite for Christmas gifts. Reflecting back, I was a broke university student just looking to make some money on winter break to afford gifts for my family and friends, and now I’m an aspiring entrepreneur who is passionate about my love for baking and cooking.
After I finish law school, I would love to open my own café/bakery that would showcase Asian flavors within my desserts, such as ube, mango, pandan, matcha, etc. Eventually, I want to try my luck out as a restauranteur and open an Asian street food restaurant dedicated to me and my family’s ethnicity. We are Cambodian and have shared our love, stories, and culture through home cooking. I would highlight Southeast Asian flavors through our food to showcase our culture with others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the beginning, I had limited funds to spend on baking supplies since I was a college student. I owe my success to my significant other and my family who have supported me along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I’m in the midst of applying for law school. I think being a young, aspiring, creative who is determined to make a name for myself in various career paths set me apart from most people my age. I’m known for my hot chocolate bombs which is something we don’t see as much here in Atlanta. I am proud for starting a business during a time of uncertainty and pandemonium within COVID-19 and the lockdowns.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If I could give any advice to others who are looking to start a business, I would say to never give up on your passion. No matter if you are young, old, have limited funds, no support, you should chase what ignites you. When I started out, a lot of people doubted me, pitied me because they thought I wasn’t going to make it far or even make one sale. I worked hard to perfect my craft, rose early morning and worked until late at night so I could catch up on orders as a on man band. It wasn’t until I worked hard in silence and those around me started to notice my achievements.
I wish I knew how to save and work on my finances at the time I was starting out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thientrinity & @trinstaste
Image Credits:
Trinity Thien
