Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in my family kitchen as a kid, which eventually led me to culinary school for pastry arts. While I initially assumed I’d follow a traditional bakery path, culinary school revealed my true calling: chocolate. Chocolate required a unique balance of precision, chemistry, and artistic expression, and the moment I began tempering and crafting bonbons, everything clicked.
After honing my skills working in different kitchens—and trying to figure out a career path during the 2020 lockdowns—I spent time working in a chocolate factory. That experience brought complete clarity: I wanted to build a business specialized entirely on handcrafted chocolates.
I launched Lily & Sparrow from my home kitchen, selling at local farmers’ markets and pop-up events. Working for myself has given me the freedom to test flavor concepts and build a loyal community. When demand quickly outgrew what I could do from home, I expanded, opening my brick-and-mortar storefront in Downtown Cranford, New Jersey, in September 2024.
Today, Lily & Sparrow is dedicated to small-batch, custom chocolate experiences. I source high-quality ingredients from around the world and collaborate with bean-to-bar artisans. Beyond our shop counter, we specialize in custom creations for weddings, corporate clients, and life’s special moments. It’s one of my favorite parts of the business because it gives us a chance to think outside the box—everything is fully tailorable, from bonbon colors, artistic designs, and fillings down to box sizes and packaging. What began as a childhood passion has evolved into a thriving boutique shop where every piece is crafted to turn ordinary moments into a celebration.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the most defining moments in my journey happened in November 2024, just a few months after opening my storefront.
I landed a dream corporate order: 1,000 custom gift boxes, which meant crafting 8,000 bonbons and 1,000 custom logo chocolate bars. I was equal parts thrilled and terrified. But the very next day, heartbreak hit—I unexpectedly had to put down my dog, Freddie. I was crushed, but with such a tight deadline, I poured all my grief and emotion straight into my work, pushing through long hours at the shop.
Then, disaster struck. The day after Thanksgiving, I brought my family to see the store. As soon as I walked in, I felt the heat—the thermostat had malfunctioned and spiked to 92 degrees. My stomach dropped as I looked around and realized nearly 3,000 bonbons had completely melted.
Standing there in shock, after the grief, the pressure, and the sleepless nights, I felt defeated and wanted to give up. But I took a deep breath and chose to rebuild. My family stepped in without hesitation—they folded all 1,000 boxes and prepped edible logos while I remade every single melted bonbon from scratch.
I finished and delivered the entire order on time while keeping the storefront running. That experience fundamentally changed me. It proved that even at my absolute lowest, I can keep going, rebuild when things fall apart, and handle whatever business throws my way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Lily & Sparrow, I specialize in handcrafted, hand-painted chocolate bonbons and fine confections. Each bonbon features a decorated chocolate shell filled with fillings made from scratch—from smooth ganaches and rich caramels to crunchy pralines and multi-textured layers.
I’m best known for unique flavor profiles inspired by my Brazilian and Portuguese heritage, as well as creative, globally inspired pairings. Two of my proudest creations—and biggest conversation starters—are my Romeo & Juliet bonbon (a blend of guava and goat cheese, reminiscent of a guava cheesecake) and my Pastel de Nata bonbon (inspired by the classic Portuguese egg custard tart). I also love drawing inspiration from our local community in Downtown Cranford, like experimenting with unexpected pairings like dark chocolate and black garlic.
What truly sets me apart is my dedication to the entire craft and sourcing process. I am currently in the process of transitioning to partner directly with artisan bean-to-bar makers who share my focus on ethics and quality, moving away from mass-produced big-box chocolate. From how the cacao is sourced to the hand-painted finish on every single piece, I care deeply about every step of the journey.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As a naturally introverted person, I often joke that “Business Amanda” is a completely different persona. Owning a business forces you out of your comfort zone, but I’ve learned that effective networking isn’t about forced sales pitches—it’s about building genuine, human connections.
Two specific strategies have worked exceptionally well for me:
1. Rooting myself in the local business community
I attend our Downtown Cranford small business owner meetings. Putting a face to each storefront creates a supportive local network where we can collaborate, refer customers to one another, and work through shared main-street challenges together.
2. Building a peer network within my niche
At vendor events and pop-ups, I make it a point to connect directly with other chocolatiers and chocolate makers. Over time, this has created a tight-knit community of informal mentors and peers. Whether I have a technical chocolate question, source a hard-to-find ingredient, or simply talk to someone who understands the daily realities of running a chocolate shop, having a specialized network keeps me grounded.
My advice for finding a mentor or networking—especially if you’re shy—is to focus on shared experiences rather than formal titles. When you put yourself out there with curiosity and a willingness to collaborate, those mentorships and connections form naturally and help your business thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilyandsparrow.net
- Instagram: @lilyandsparrow.nj
- Facebook: @lilyandsparrow.nj
