Page 154 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2026

FINAL SAY
Valentine’s is the sweetest day of the year and the busiest for my business, La Passion Artisan Chocolates. However, because we hand paint everything, every holiday is busy and special. Making people smile is what I like most about what I do.
Besides the creativity, who can complain when working with the sweetest ingredient ever, chocolate.
My favorite part of my business is making connections and building friendships that evolve from the chocolate shop. It’s like a little living room where people stop in to chat. It has seen a lot of joy, tears, and celebrations.
Custom creations with chocolate are the best. We become a little part of someone’s bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and anniversaries with a personalized touch and unique experience. I have an incredible team of junior chocolatiers who are eager to learn new techniques and give me inspiration too.
My life’s journey began in Biloxi where I grew up. My passion growing up was being a majorette through college at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. So that’s where I went
after graduating from Biloxi High School and earned a degree in psychology. Afterwards, I moved to Miami and attended Florida International University (FIU) earning my Masters in Psychology.
As a starving student in Miami, I needed a job and there was an opening at a chocolate shop. I went to work there knowing nothing about chocolate. The owner Joann was a phenomenal chocolatier and well renowned in Florida. She taught me a lot, but of course not everything.
After graduating from FIU, I taught special education for children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties. Due to a high risk pregnancy with my daughter, Victoria, I resigned my position.
I started doing birthday chocolate lollipops and loved the excitement and joy it brought. It evolved out of my home kitchen to a brick and mortar location.
Aside from what I learned from Joann, I am self taught. I believe it’s my gift. As a fixture in Miami (nicknamed Willy Wonka in Heels) the business grew from not only the chocolate shop but doing events, competitions, and charity events in Orlando for Disney
properties.
Regal Cinemas approached me about creating a scene out of
chocolates to be displayed and then donated to the community. This was so much fun and pushed my creative side. We did movies such as “Ice Age,” “Shrek,” “Spider-Man,” and “Tomb
Raider.”
I am thankful for my chocolate shop because it has given me purpose and keeps me going after the unexpected passing of my husband in January 2025. Everyone was so supportive.
I have the best family and friends and feel I’m a blessed woman.
CHRISSY
CRESSEY
Owner, La Passion Artisan Chocolates
154 | February 2026
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