Cookies, Cakes & Treats
By Lisa H. Thomas
Classy of Classy’s Chocolates tells about the obstacles and joys of her past that launched her into who she is today.
I journeyed home for a visit with my parents. This time it was for a very special reason – to interview a woman I’d admired and looked up to for years – My mom, Clearstine S. Harris, the woman some know as “Classyâ€.
I’m excited about this time because my visit was all about talking to this humbling spirit and finding how “vision†played out in her creative desserts and what has motivated and inspired her to be such a success…Enjoy!
There in the kitchen stood a curvy graceful woman with quite a soft spoken yet strong and bold voice. It’s hard to imagine soft and strong in one woman until you meet “Classy†of Classy’s Chocolates.
The aroma was breathtaking. One sniff and I was mesmerized almost tasting the delicacies through my nose.
Calmness overtook me as I stood in the presence of this gentle spirit making the world famous chocolates many have come to love.
Most love her chocolates because there’s a little bit of love, grace and calmness in every piece.
Candidly, I spoke with Classy about the trials, the obstacles and the success of being a beacon for life through baking and making people fall in love with her and her delicious treats.
LT: You know people love your chocolates?
Classy: Yes, that’s what they tell me. I’m glad that people lov’em.
LT: Did you ever think this passion could become a business?
Classy: I can’t say I did.
LT: Why? People have loved your baking for years. Why didn’t you think it could’ve become a successful business?
Classy: Well, when I was young I really loved baking. My daddy was a sharecropper so we had to work in the fields, and we had chores. So after I finished working the fields and did my chores I would go to the kitchen and cook. I did it because I really enjoyed it and loved experimenting and envisioning the finish product but back then I never thought of it being a business. Although I had brief thoughts of having my own business, I guess I never thought chocolates and treats would be the business.
LT: I guess those moments of baking paid off?
Classy: Yes. I really like making things taste better or just inventing something new.
LT: What prompted you to want to bake?
Classy: I learned early to bake with what was in the kitchen. I’d make up in my mind what I wanted and then I experimented to see how things would turn out. I remember one Christmas season my mama made different types of cakes and I thought they were all so pretty. We had fruit cakes and marble cakes with different colors. I knew I wanted to bake like that, but I also wanted to do something a little bit different to make them taste just like I wanted them to.
There’s also a sense of peace in baking for me. Getting lost in it and making something special is a peaceful experience.
LT: Like an escape?
Classy: I really enjoy it. When I’m alone without interruptions, it’s a peaceful space to create inside of. And a masterpiece is often born then.
LT: That’s kind of what people say about your chocolates, isn’t it?
Classy: Well I try to put a lot of myself and a lot of love in the chocolates. My hope is that the chocolates make people go into a peaceful place within them.
Be sure to tune in next month when we talk more with Classy.
If you want to experience the wonderful world of Classy’s Chocolates or simply give the gift of chocolates for Valentine’s Day, visit the website at http://www.Classyschocolates.com.
Be sure to order before February 9th.
Clearstine Harris, known as Classy is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Classy’s Chocolates. She is a native of Trenton, North Carolina, currently residing in Cove City, North Carolina. She’s married, has three beautiful adult daughters and two grandchildren. One of her recent proudest moments was watching the last of her three daughters graduate from college. In her spare time she is a substitute teacher for kids 1st thru 5th grade.
Visit her on the web http://www.ClassysChocolates.com.
January 29 2007 11:07 am | Women Living On Purpose
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