Meet Giusse Sicoli | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Giusse Sicoli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Giusse, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
There is no replacement for good old Customer Service. Going above and beyond the call to make sure that your customers are extremely satisfied is the best you can do for your business. It also feels good when customers appreciate your products and services!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business, Araya Artisan Chocolate, is a gourmet chocolate destination here in Houston. We handcraft chocolates with a focus on quality, innovation, and an exceptional customer experience. What sets us apart is our commitment to using the finest ingredients, our unique flavor profiles, and our dedication to the art of chocolate making. We cater to a select audience, that appreciates the our fine chocolate and unique pieces. The corporate gifting space, is an important part of what we do and we have built strong partnerships with local and national companies who are now part of our loyal customer base

Getting to where we are today was not easy. We started with a passion for creating something special and turned it into a thriving business. There were countless challenges along the way, from sourcing the right ingredients to establishing our brand in a competitive market. The journey required resilience, creativity, and a deep belief in our long term vision to create and market the best chocolate pieces. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of staying true to our values and maintaining a high very high standard of quality, no matter the circumstances.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built—both within our family and with our customers. The positive feedback we receive and the trust our clients place in us are truly rewarding. What I want the world to know about our brand is that it’s more than just chocolate; it’s a labor of love that reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the joy of sharing something truly special.

Our story is one of perseverance, family, and the belief that with hard work and passion, anything is possible. We are excited to continue growing and sharing our chocolates with more people, bringing a little bit of sweetness to their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Kolache Shoppe – Heights for breakfast
Mid morning Biking along the Heights Hike and Bike trail
Lunch at Local Foods Heights
Happy hour and light snacks at Hando
Dinner at Kata Robata

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family—my husband and our three kids. Their unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been instrumental in our journey. They are the backbone of everything we do, and I recognize their constant presence and sacrifices as a significant part of our success.

Website: https://www.arayachocolate.com

Instagram: arayachocolate

Facebook: arayachocolate

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/araya-artisan-chocolate-houston-3

Other: Google Maps: https://g.page/r/Ca2yF8p3fT60EBM/review

Image Credits
Gabriela Vicente and Christa Elyce