* What: Artisan chocolates
* Company: The Hot Chocolatier
* Address: 100 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 212
* Web site: www.thehotchocolatier.com
* Telephone: 266-3066.
* Owners: Wendy and Brandon Buckner
* What's special: All the chocolates are handmade without artificial preservatives or additives to extend shelf life
* The origin story: While working at a hospital, Ms. Buckner started making truffles to sell to her co-workers. She then went to pastry school, where she realized chocolate was her true passion.
* How long does it take to make: Dipped fruits, cookies or nuts can take an hour, sculptures can take 12 hours and truffles may take as long as two days.
* Where it's sold: The Hot Chocolatier, Chattz Coffee on Market Street, the Terminal Brewhouse, the Double Tree Hotel gift shop, the Chattanoogan, the Delta Queen and Learning Express.
* How long have they been making them: Ms. Buckner has been interested in baking since childhood. She began catering small events in Iowa in 2002. The Hot Chocolatier opened in December 2008.
* Expansions planned: "I would like to manufacture my own chocolate. Right now, I import my chocolate from Sweden or France or Belgium," Ms. Buckner said, adding that she's looking to move into a storefront.
* Lessons of the trade: "Owning your own business is very difficult. You have to know what you're getting yourself into," Ms. Buckner said. "It has its ups and downs, but it's very rewarding because I get to make up my own recipes and use my own ingredients. When I sell my products to people or if I let someone try a truffle, their reaction is my pay back."