Following a career in fine art at Christie’s, Louise Nason opened her chocolate shop Melt in Notting Hill in 2006. Melt now has concessions at Selfridges and Harrods and in 2011 Louise co-authored ‘Melt: A Book of Chocolate’.
After ten years living in W11, Louise now lives in Hampshire with her husband and four young children.
What inspired you to start Melt?
After having four children, I thought anything would and could be easier! My love of cooking and chocolate in particular led me to open Melt in Notting Hill. I lived in the area for over 10 years. There was very little good chocolate 6 years ago. I really wanted a vibrant working kitchen where all the chocolate was handmade using fantastic quality ingredients– the chocolate world has blossomed and there is a very vibrant scene in the UK now.
What makes Melt unique?
It is a British, family run company – we make all our fresh chocolates everyday. We maintain very high standards from the ingredients all the way through to the packaging – everything is designed in-house. We were the first to have an open plan kitchen – we encourage people to get involved and learn about chocolate. I think we broke away from the chi-chi and cold atmosphere of some chocolate stores, looking back now – we really broke the mould and created a very exciting, vibrant store.
Tell us about Club Melt, a chocoholics Club!
This is an opportunity for chocolate lovers and fans of Melt to get our new recipes first! We send our latest products and any new recipes once a month.
You also run Mini Melt for children – what is it?
Yes, as mentioned above we were the first to run childrens classes. I believe that it is essential to eat and enjoy good quality chocolate. Quality chocolate , high in cocoa can be good for you – it’s really important children understand the good from the bad and develop a good palate. Our classes can be a history, geography and cookery lesson all in one!
What challenges have you faced in your business?
Everything! You need stamina and optimism to keep going – I have experienced very little, if no support being a small business.
Can you offer any advice to women with children setting up their own business?
I would thoroughly recommend it – self-confidence can be lost after having children and starting something up or getting an idea going, however small, can be of enormous importance to your confidence and well being – although it is added stress too! This will also show your children a good work ethic (hopefully!!?)
What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
Waking up in the middle of the night with an idea – and then seeing it physically in the shop or our concession at Selfridges. Seeing customers ecstatic expressions when they try our chocolate, collaborating with chefs like Mark Hix and other creative types – and last but not least the streams of praise for our chocolatiers incredible creations, a mother stopped me in the car park just at the weekend to tell me how divine Melt fresh chocolates are!
What’s your personal favourite chocolate recipe?
At the moment Vanilla Bonbon and Salted Praline Cup.
How do you balance worklife and children?
I’m not sure if I do – it’s spinning plates. One or t’other of my children have been ill since last Thursday – so everything goes pear-shaped. You have to be incredibly calm! On a positive note running you own business does allow you to take time off with your children when you want to – I would never want to miss important school events or matches. Having a very messy husband doesn’t help – but he’s really good with the children!!
Melt is located at 59 Ledbury Road, London, W11.
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Louise was talking to Annabelle King.
Photograph of Louise by James Bedford.
