We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I first read this question, the first thing that popped into my mind was because it is literally the only thing I am good at! Ever since I was a kid I have been drawn to things like art and fashion. Growing up I was able to travel and experience wonderful food, art, and architecture. I went to art school for fashion and photography, but I dropped out and didn’t really know what to do. That’s when I started working in restaurants and began to be more interested in food and flavors. I eventually wound up working at a chocolate shop in Denver and discovered that making bonbons was something that I was good at, and that I enjoyed. I was able to use some of what I learned at art school, things like color, design, and composition as well as my love of food and flavors to create beautiful works of art. I became a certified chocolatier through Ecole Chocolat, but primarily, I consider myself to be self taught. I did not actively pursue a career in chocolate, but through a series of events, it sort of found me! So now, I am able to do what I have always enjoyed doing; create.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was working at a chocolate shop in Denver before and during the pandemic. It became evident that the atmosphere was not a good fit for me so I had to step away. I worked for a while in other establishments, but I was not happy, and I missed making chocolate. I had to make a decision of what to do next. It was a very hard choice, but I decided to move back to northern Colorado. I felt that now was the right time to take a chance and try to do my own thing. With the help of my family, I started Voulez-Vous BonBon in February 2022. I struggled at first with a name and a concept. The style, vibe, and music of the 70’s, in particular ABBA, are things I have been drawn to since I was a kid. So I chose the name Voulez-Vous after one of my favorite ABBA songs. Voulez-Vous means “Do you want?” in French. And when it comes to chocolate, the answer is always, yes.

Voulez-Vous is a small chocolate business that focuses on hand crafted and hand painted bonbons and chocolate confections with unique flavors. I primarily use Valrhona Chocolate, a Certified B Corporation, which means their chocolate meets the highest criteria for social and environmental impact, in addition to being some of the highest quality commercially available chocolate.  I have an online ordering system for local pick up and I do special events and pop ups around northern Colorado. My business is still very much in the beginning stages. Starting a business has been very hard and scary. I have a severe case of imposter syndrome, and I often question whether my product is good enough or if I’m good enough. I am my own worst enemy and critic. What keeps me going: positive feedback from loyal customers, an inner drive to succeed and make something of myself, doing something I love, and the constant support of my family.

I really enjoy learning about and experimenting with flavors from around the world which can be seen in my chocolate. I tend to steer away from classic flavors which I think sets me apart. I’m very excited to share my point of view with northern Colorado.
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far for my business, and I’m excited for what the future holds for Voulez-Vous.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Start the day at Larimer county farmers market, brunch at The Regional, quick trip to The OBC Wine Project, afternoon pastries at The Little Bird Bakeshop, and finally charcuterie boards and cocktails at Social.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shout out to my parents and to everyone else who has believed in me and supported my business. To my parents specifically they have helped me through a lot. They are a constant cheerleader for me. Without them I wouldn’t be in the place I am today. Thank you to the people who buy and spread the word about my product, and the businesses that allow me to set up and sell my product in their space. The community support means everything. I would also like to say thank you to past mentors, and some past employers who have valued my work ethic and taught me valuable things about the food industry.

Website: https://www.voulez-vousbonbon.com/

Instagram: @voulezvousbonbon

Facebook: @voulezvousbonbon

Image Credits
Chocolate Photos: by Anna Martinez Picture of me: Food Fight Denver 2019

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.