Nothing But Chocolate: Cambridge-based chocolatier celebrates 20 years of success

CAMBRIDGE − What started in her home 20 years ago has grown into a successful and sweet business for Amanda Cox.

Nothing But Chocolate began in 2004 when Cox was working full time at Southeastern Equipment and making chocolates whenever she could. From Southeastern, she moved on to Lauren Manufacturing in New Philadelphia, where she says, "I learned so much that helped me with the business, with marketing, product photography and manufacturing."

Still operating her chocolate business on a smaller scale, from 2009 to 2011 Cox was working two part-time jobs, at Quanex, which was EdgeTech at the time, and as a church secretary. The first seven years of her chocolate endeavor were spent building her brand, and setting up shop at local festivals and bazaars, all while working other jobs. Her first show was at the Cambridge Bridal Show at Pritchard Laughlin.

Running a successful business, especially in a rural area, as a young woman can be intimidating. According to data from chamberofcommerce.org, "18% of small businesses fail within their first year, while 50% fail after five years and approximately 65% by their 10th year in business. This information is as per the Bureau of Labour Statistics ."

Reaching 20 years in business is quite an accomplishment for both Cox and her supporters.

The storefront that houses her business now is the third location for Nothing But Chocolate. What started as a home-based business on North Tenth St., grew to a physical storefront at 731 Wheeling Ave., where it thrived from the fall of 2014 to 2019. The store eventually moved to its current location at 1218 Southgate Parkway in Cambridge.

Cox is the sole owner of the business, but that doesn't mean it's not a family affair. She often gets help from her family, especially her parents. It's not uncommon to be greeted by her dad's warm smile or her mom's cheerful demeanor when you walk into the store. "They're pretty much my go-to. I know that if I need to help with extra hands, that they're in. Especially my mom, since 2008 and on she has been somehow involved. My dad wears Nothing But Chocolate shirts a lot of the time," Cox says with a smile.

The store offers a variety of chocolates including dark and milk chocolate covered peanut clusters, chocolate covered Oreos, pretzel rods, marshmallow treats and graham crackers and carefully crafted gift bags. "We've been becoming more of like the gift-giving store. People come to us for gifts." Christmas tends to be the biggest holiday for sales for the store, followed by Valentine's Day and then Easter.

New to the store are chocolate-covered toffee bars, animal crackers and gummy bears. Caramel squares can also be found in the truffle case as well. Cox has plans to bring a Snickers-wannabe to the store this fall. Another new addition to the store is Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream . A small cooler sits up on a shelf and offers pint and individual sizes of the famous Columbus-based brand. New flavors are constantly being rotated, and Cox can request certain flavors if shoppers ask, subject to availability.

In 2017, Cox began to create cherry cordials, a favorite that is only offered three times a year. At that point, she hand-wrapped each cherry with fondant. She now dips the cherries for a more efficient method. The entire process takes seven to 10 days for the sugars to break down and create the liquid goodness that fills the chocolate-encased delights.

Cox has plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary for the entire year. "On the 20th of each month, we do a promotion." July was Christmas in July. Cox said email subscribers will get the first notification of each month's special. Shoppers can also keep their eyes on social media for announcements as well.

The physical storefront and the Nothing But Chocolate website are the only places to purchase her chocolate creations. The Southgate Parkway location is open during the summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To place an order visit https://nothingbutchocolate.com. or call 740-439-5754.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Nothing But Chocolate: Cambridge-based chocolatier celebrates 20 years of success