LSU student Maram Khalaf and her mother Aliaa have started a unique small business in Baton Rouge that combines chocolate and science. Maram, who is studying biological sciences, uses her research skills to measure the growth rates of organic food components in her food micro lab, but her mother’s love for chocolate sparked an interest in making it themselves.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aliaa ran out of her chocolate stash and turned to online tutorials to learn how to make it. Maram joined in and shared their creations with friends. Encouraged by their positive feedback, they decided to open a business called Chocolate Bijoux. Today, Maram and Aliaa work together to produce batches of 100-200 chocolates.
Maram recognizes the importance of her mother’s help in keeping the business running smoothly. She sees parallels between her lab work and chocolate making, noting the precision and different steps involved in both. While they are currently putting all their profits back into the business, Maram hopes to dedicate more time to growing Chocolate Bijoux after she graduates.
Interested customers can visit the Chocolate Bijoux website or message the business on Instagram to order their chocolates. Despite starting as a COVID hobby, the business has become a full-time job for Maram with hopes for future growth.