Evelyn Day is the owner and founder of Chocadyllic, a small chocolate business based in St. Helier, Jersey, in the Channel Islands. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa and after living in the UK for many years, she moved here to embrace the relaxed island lifestyle, beautiful surroundings, and strong sense of community.

Evelyn has always had a passion for chocolate, and starting her own business has allowed her to combine that passion with the freedom of entrepreneurship. She loves being part of a growing local community of creative entrepreneurs and is excited to share her journey with others interested in island life.

In our conversation with Evelyn, we explored how she became obsessed with chocolate, what her typical day looks like, and what she loves most about creating chocolate sculptures.

Please can you share your story with us? What made you decide to become a chocolate artist? 

I’ve always had a love for chocolate – to be honest, it’s a lifelong obsession! Growing up, I was captivated by stories like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory film, which completely fueled my fascination with the magic of chocolate.

Creativity has been a part of my life since I was six. Towards the end of 2012, I made a chocolate explosion cake for a friend’s special birthday. I researched how to work with chocolate, spending hours watching YouTube videos to learn the techniques. The result was a huge success, and it sparked a deep love for experimenting with chocolate. I kept playing around with new ideas and sharing my creations on Facebook.

Soon after, I started getting commissions, one after another, and that’s how Chocadyllic was born. It combines my love for chocolate, my creativity, and my passion for colour – chocolate brings so much joy, and I love using it as a medium to create something beautiful and delicious.

Apart from creating cakes, truffles and other delicious chocolate products you sell on your website, you also create chocolate sculptures of famous buildings. Which one is your favourite so far and why?

It’s really hard to choose a favourite, but if I had to pick, I’d say the Corbière lighthouse is definitely up there. The actual lighthouse is so stunning, and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s also my most recent showpiece, and creating it allowed me to apply all the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the years working with chocolate. The production process felt like the best yet, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.

What does your typical working day look like?

My typical working day starts with planning the production and checking my stock levels to make sure everything is ready for the day. I always begin by cleaning the studio and setting up my workspace for the day ahead. Once that’s done, I move into full production mode, starting with tempering the chocolate and carefully controlling the temperature in the studio to ensure everything is just right.

The next steps involve a lot of hands-on work. I paint with organic coloured cocoa butters, make the chocolate bonbon shells, and prepare the fillings – whether it’s caramels, gianduja (nut fillings), or ganaches. Then, I cap the chocolates, de-mould them, and begin packaging. I fill the boxes, assemble them with the menu card, box sleeve, and stickers, making everything look polished and ready for sale.

Once the chocolates are all packed, they’re ready to go to markets, events, retailers, and customers. It’s a busy, creative day, but I absolutely love every step of the process!

How much chocolate do you eat each week and what type is your favourite?

I have been known to eat a lot of chocolate – and no, I never get sick of it, I am obsessed after all! However, I don’t tend to eat a huge amount of chocolate each week anymore, despite being surrounded by it all day. I have a small piece here and there, especially when I’m testing new flavours or perfecting a batch.

As for my favourite type, it’s really impossible to say for definite. It depends on so many factors, and honestly, I love all chocolate. My chocolates are all carefully balanced so that the flavours work together. For example, Jersey honey might be balanced with a milk chocolate ganache but encased in a dark chocolate shell to create the perfect harmony of flavours.

What part of process of building a chocolate sculpture do you enjoy the most and why?

The part of building a chocolate sculpture that I enjoy the most is adding the finer details at the end of production. I love sculpting with a scalpel and palette knife to bring the sculpture to life. It’s a delicate, almost meditative process where every little adjustment makes a difference, and I really enjoy seeing the piece come together. It’s these small, intricate details that make the sculpture feel truly unique and finished.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love going for walks in beautiful spots like St Brelade or Gorey, or exploring St Aubin. I also enjoy catching up with friends and family over coffee. In the summer, I like to spend time in the garden with a good book or relaxing with friends and family. I’m part of a book club, and I love watching movies too. And, of course, since I’m obsessed with chocolate, I’m often planning my next creation, event, or dreaming up new ideas!

If your friend was visiting Jersey for the first time, what food / drink / coffee spots would you recommend? 

If a friend was visiting Jersey for the first time, I’d definitely recommend stopping by some of my favourite food and coffee spots. For great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, The Moorings in Gorey is a lovely spot, and Locke’s in St Helier does fantastic coffee too.

For food, I’d suggest Tides Restaurant and Voyager Curiosity Lounge Bar at the Somerville Hotel in St Aubin for amazing food with a beautiful view, or Lazin Lizard in St Aubin for a cosy, intimate dining experience. If they’re after something more casual, Colleens at Greve de Lecq is perfect for a classic beachside bite.

And, of course, I’d have to recommend trying some local specialities—Jersey scallops, black butter, and anything made with our rich Jersey dairy!

If you had to sum up your artistic chocolate business in two words, what would they be?

Creative indulgence.

Where in Jersey do you go when you need to unwind?

When I need to unwind, I love heading to the beach – St Brelade’s Bay is a favourite for a peaceful walk, especially in the quieter months. Gorey is another lovely spot to relax, whether it’s strolling along the harbour or sitting with a coffee, taking in the view. I also enjoy spending time in St Aubin, exploring the village and soaking up the calm atmosphere. And in the summer, nothing beats unwinding in the garden with a good book and a cup of tea (or maybe even some chocolate!).

Do you have exciting plans for the rest of this year regarding your business? 

Absolutely! This year is already shaping up to be an exciting one for Chocadyllic. I’ll be running chocolate workshops again due to popular demand, which I’m really looking forward to. I also have plans to introduce new products, which I am very excited about, and I’m always experimenting with new flavours and designs.

With Easter coming up, I’ll be busy creating beautiful chocolate eggs and seasonal treats, and later in the year, I’ll be preparing for Christmas with festive chocolates and gift ideas. There are also plenty of markets and events where I’ll be showcasing my work, so it’s definitely going to be a busy and creative year ahead!

Discover Evelyn’s chocolates, workshops, and latest creations at www.chocadyllic.co.uk. For behind-the-scenes insights, updates, and a closer look at her creative process, follow her on social media:

📷 Instagram: @chocadyllic
📘 Facebook: @chocadyllic

Exciting projects on the horizon include Evelyn’s chocolate workshops, seasonal collections for Easter and Christmas, and delicious new products coming soon. She’s always experimenting with fresh ideas, so there’s plenty to look forward to!