About Us
"When the economy tanked, two of my jobs were taken away. So I thought, it's time to start my own business" says Lisa Braciligiano, owner of The Chocolate Swirl.
Lisa started off working as a theatrical stage manager. On opening night, everyone would shower the cast with lavish gifts. "I was an intern, and not getting paid," explains Lisa. "I was broke. So I made my own gifts." Lisa started with a truffle, and would bring different chocolate desserts each time. "Everyone loved them. They kept telling me that I should sell them."
After her theatrical stint, Lisa decided to attend culinary school. After she graduated, she was working multiple jobs as a pastry chef at restaurants. It was a result of losing two of her jobs that prompted her to start her own.
"It was a lot of trial and error, although being part of the Entrepreneur Space has helped out a lot," says Lisa.
The Entrepreneur Space, sponsored by the Queens Economic Development Corporation, is a 12,500 square-foot, two-floor incubator designed for small business owners and provides "access to a legal kitchen without the expense of a commercial kitchen." The QEDC also provides a support network among the entrepreneurs that share the space. There are also offices and classrooms for nonfood-related businesses.