Chocolat Uzma is a retail chocolate shop located in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood which specializes in handcrafted, exotic chocolates inspired by its founder’s South Asian culture.
After years of working as a pastry chef, Uzma Sharif, founder, chef, and chocolatier of Chocolat Uzma, made the jump to entrepreneurship in 2010. Since then, she has grown it into one of the most beloved chocolate shops in the city, and according to USA Today, the 4th best in the nation.
Following a period of uncertainty in 2020, Sharif joined the Polsky Center’s Small Business Growth Program, which introduced her to mentors and a large network of entrepreneurs that helped provide clarity on how to move forward and continue growing Chocolat Uzma.
In this small business spotlight, we hear how sometimes just going for it works out when you have the right support.
To watch the video spotlight on Chocolat Uzma, visit the Polsky Center for Entepreneurship and Innovation here.
