// Rad Gal, Rad Gig: Chocolatier


My name is Andrea Smith. I love it every time I get to say “I am a Chocolatier.” I use wonderful bulk chocolate to make creations like ganache center truffles, toffees, caramels, and shapes. It is my art. It is my passion. I learn something new about it everyday, wether it is through error or reading and experimenting. 


I have always been a fan of chocolate. I had been looking online for something when I came across a website that was selling really cute chocolates. I ordered some. When they arrived, I opened the box and was in awe. They were like little works of art. Some had little prints on them, some looked airbrushed with vibrant colors. The thought came to mind, that maybe I could do this, and make the designs into things that I enjoyed.  

I had gone to school for Special Effects Make-up. There I had learned sculpting and mold making. I did a bit of research and found out that I could use an FDA approved silicon to make molds and be able to use food product in them! From there the ideas were limitless… still are. I could make chocolates with imagery that I loved, Monsters, Tattoos, Sci-Fi, and other goofy stuff. I immediately fell in love. My goal was to make these creations in my own way, while respecting the teachings and following Chocolate Masters from all around the world.

I played Roller Derby at the time, and got injured. I was told I could not play unless I had surgery or got a brace. This brace was extremely expensive. I then offered everyone I knew a pre-ordered bag of Toffee, for a certain amount of $. I ended up getting ordered for 100 bags of toffee. I got REALLY good at making this stuff, and it tasted better every time I did it. It was a big hit, so big that I ended up winning Best Chocolate in Atlanta’s AJC.com Best of 2011. From there I couldn’t stop, I had done a lot of airbrushing in art school as well and learned it was pretty much the same, only the paint was replaced with colored cocoa butter. That made it easier for me to learn as well.  I found a job as head chocolatier and manager at a small chocolate shop in Atlanta, and worked there sharpening my skills for the last 3 years.

I have competed in 2 pastry competitions for Chocolatier of the Year against other chefs from all around the world and my placement has moved up each time!  I have now moved to Nashville, TN. and just 5 weeks ago opened my own chocolate shop. Where I showcase my works of art and sell to the public. The response has been incredible. It only motivates me more to up my game and try new and exciting techniques and recipes.

Being a part of the chocolate industry is amazing, it is bigger than you would ever think. I have only to scratch the surface, but plan on making a name for Chocolate F/X real soon.  I only want to dive in more and more everyday. I cannot wait to someday travel and meet chocolatiers in France and Belgium.

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Rad Gal, Rad Gig is a new feature on The Clueless Girl's Guide where I invite really neat gals to share their really cool stories. Whether your gig is a full-time job or just a hobby, I want to hear from you! If you think you'd be perfect for Rad Gal, Rad Gig, feel free to get in touch or view the information on the Submissions page! Just submit a short description of what you do and why you think it's rad!

15 comments:

  1. This is the coolest!! I'm a chef but I adore pastry and chocolate. I wish I was half as talented as her!!

    xx Becky

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  2. This is awesome!! Is that werewolf all chocolate or part cake?! Either way, this would be the best present. Amazing what you can make with chocolate, feeling inspired! x

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  3. So happy to see Andrea and Chocolate F/X getting the love! She is awesome - and so is her chocolate!

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  4. Andrea is a friend of a friend of mine, and I recently got to meet her at an event. She was super nice and her chocolate bar and cake were both delicious! Happy for her and her new store! :)

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  5. This is so so cool! Geek-tastic chocolate sounds like it's right up my alley. I just love this Rad Girl series!

    Jamie | PetitePanoply.com

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  6. Oh my crap, these look divine! Why the hell does it have to be in the US though?
    They would be a big, sugary glob by the time they got to me in Australia!
    http://jess-may.com

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  7. Oh my god, I had no idea that even existed. The first picture is absolutely amazing. You're truly gifted!

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  8. I learned how to do all of this in pastry arts school and if I ever went back to pursue a career again this is without a doubt what I would focus in! So much fun! So cool to see someone so rad doing it.

    x Sara from awildroseblog.com

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  9. What an awesome chick! I really love this series, and she has such great branding. And this also makes me hungry :)

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

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  10. so badass and edible all at the same time!

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  11. I absolutely love the Rad Gal, Rad Gig feature. I find it so interesting to learn about jobs and hobbies which I didn't know much about or even know existed! Each post has been so awesome in its own right and with a growing interest in SFX make up, I've found this post fascinating. Andrea is so talented and I wish her the best of luck with Chocolate F/X! :)

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HEY! Thanks for dropping by. xo KB