service, are pioneers of innovation, advocates of
women business, and are model employers through
programs and opportunities they provide.
Famous Food journalist, Doc Lawrence, describes
Lecia’s chocolates, almost in terms of a religious
experience! And I quote; “almost divinely inspired, true
culinary art works, advancing the quest to find cuttingedge taste thrills that until now, have only been in my
wildest dreams.”
Wow. I could continue, but knowing Lecia, she would
want me to stop now-and get to the GOOD part; her
daughter Jesse, and the love of her life, Nick. Jesse
has been a driving force in her mothers’ life. Her mom
describes her as; “an absolutely phenomenal person.
She astounds me, and has been there to support me
all the way.
She is fabulous, by default. I wouldn’t have made it
through all the ups and downs without her. She was a
companion and there at my side, even as a little child.
I think she is an old soul in a young body. When she
was four, she’d answer the phone; “Quintessential
Chocolates-how may I help you?” She couldn’t spell
‘Quintessential,’ but she knew how to pronounce it.
Jesse really inspired me to go on, even in the rough
times.”
circumstances came against her, love was the power
that pulled her through.
Although Architecture was not to become her chosen
profession, Lecia would use that same talent later
in life, to create the International chocolate empire;
Quintessential Chocolates . The fine art of design,
transcended Architecture and manifested in the form of
hand sculptured chocolate masterpieces.
The love that flows from this woman, exists in each bite
of the most amazing chocolate you have ever tasted.
Lecia has made chocolate an art form, and that art is
embraced all around the world in countries such as,
France, Canada, Mexico, Italy, England, Denmark,
and too many more to mention. Lecia has received
multiple awards honoring her work from many different
organizations throughout the country, including the
coveted “Entrepreneurial Spirit” award in 2001.This
is a highly honored award, as it honors women who
exemplify leadership, are visionaries in their fields,
serve their community, deliver exceptional customer
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When I asked Lecia about Nick, that fabulous smile
lit up her entire face. She actually beamed as she
described him; “ Nick is totally masculine energy-and I
am totally feminine. The first time I saw Nick my knees
buckled, and seven years later they still do. Before
we got together, we laid it all out on the table. I was
apprehensive, because my business consumed my
entire life. We knew we were meant for each other.
I fought it-but we both knew there was no way out. We
respect and compliment each other. We live on his 10
acre ranch, plus the five I bought next door, and this
has become our refuge. We are totally in love and at
peace. We have four Buffalo and a loving Wolf named
Valentina. Nick honors, respects, and appreciates
women-he respects all life. My life is full of joy. I love
Nick, and I love what I do-and my Babe is successfully
pursuing her dream. My life is about love, and how
much love I put into everything I do. I believe your
essence goes into everything you do, and everything
you make. Unconditional love and respect for life, is
what it’s all about.”