Honolulu County 2022 Small Business Person of the Year
![Erin Kanno Uehara of Choco le’a](/sites/default/files/styles/story_image/public/story/2022-06/Choco%20le%27a%20Erin%20Kanno%20Uehara%20pic.jpg.webp?itok=A55vQnpN)
Erin Kanno Uehara of Choco le’a is Honolulu County's 2022 Small Business Person of the Year.
Now known as everyone’s “chocolate friend”, it was never Erin’s plan to open a chocolate shop. Her dream was to make the world a better place by connecting people and investing in relationships. Her faith led her to find a long-lost family member who taught her how to make chocolates. She is now living out a mission of “Bringing peace to our world, one chocolate at a time”.
Choco le’a began as a small operation in Erin’s home. In 2013, she moved to a 300-square foot commercial kitchen and, as demand grew for her artisan dark chocolate truffles with innovative flavors, she expanded once again to a larger kitchen and retail space of over 1,000-square feet.
Like many, her business was severely impacted by the pandemic. Through her faith, perseverance and grit, she survived and thrived! Amazingly, she published a book, created a membership subscription and collaborated with other local businesses to give back to the community!