Today we’d like to introduce you to Nida Haque.
Hi Nida, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Honestly, your girl next door. I didn’t even know I had a story until it became one.
I am an immigrant in the US of A. I moved here 15 years ago from Pakistan. I am a physician by education and was training to be a general surgeon in my home country when I got married and moved my life to a different continent!
I spent over a decade of my life, raising my two sweet children and caring for my home. However, being the free spirit I am, my soul always craved something more.
I enjoy creativity as much as I enjoy science. Three years ago, when covid took everyone by surprise, I constantly tried to find ways to keep my children happy, healthy and fulfilled. In the quest to keep my kids busy, I decided to make hot cocoa bombs with my daughter. I was frustrated at the mess it created in my kitchen and vowed never to attempt that recipe again.
I am not a quitter by nature. I was bothered by the failed attempt and soon I decided to buy proper supplies and better ingredients and tried again.
I posted a photo on my Facebook and Instagram page. A friend noticed and asked if I could make her hot cocoa bombs for a party. There, several other people noticed and soon my inbox filled with queries and requests. It happened just like that! Just Chocol8 was born!
It has been three years now and my passion keeps growing. Doing what I do fulfills two things I love. I love chocolate and I love making people happy. That’s what my philosophy at JustChocol8 is: “Spreading happiness through chocolate.”
My main strengths are my sincere passion, honesty and direct connection with my customers. I strive to source the best ingredients and put my art to the maximum skill while doing every piece of confectionery.
I am so grateful to be where I am today. My customers love my work and quality. It gives me immense joy to know I was able to put a smile on someone’s face.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been anything but smooth. After all, life is not a bed of roses.
Being a mom to two children under eight years (when I started), covid changing the world, being so far from my family and having a spouse who didn’t honestly understand what I was doing. It was a challenge and many times, I broke down. There were days I doubted myself and didn’t want to touch chocolate again.
I kept going on. One treat at a time, one design at a time 🙂
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wouldn’t say I am a Master of anything. I work mostly with chocolate, making hot cocoa bombs and chocolate-covered treats. I recently ventured into baking and experimented with cake pops. I offer luxury edible gifts for all major holidays/occasions and also do custom themes for private events.
My hot cocoa bombs, I have been told taste divine. This Ramadan, I made signature date rolls and chocolate-covered nut-stuffed dates which took the city by storm!
I think what sets me apart from others is my creativity while decorating my treats, the effort I put into my work and the way I package my confectionery. I am very honest and will not settle for anything less than the best for my loyal clients. I taste-test every ingredient and say a nervous prayer every time a box goes out!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My entire childhood is my favorite. I grew up in simple times where we did not have smartphones and computers came much later. Some of my favorite memories are of me baking and cooking new recipes and watching my family enjoy those meals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/justchocol8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090110073701&mibextid=LQQJ4d
