Meet Ashley Vidal | Owner of XO CHOCOLATES HOUSTON

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

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
At the time I started XO Chocolates Houston, I was a stay-at-home mom with four kids—three of them under three! Before becoming a mom, I was a total workaholic. I loved working; it gave me a sense of purpose and drive that I thrived on. But as much as I loved that life, I knew I wanted to be there for my kids 100% and not miss a moment.

However, after some time, I started to feel like I was losing myself a bit in the whirlwind of parenting. Then, when COVID hit, like so many families, my husband and I faced financial pressures, and I felt like I had no personal outlet. I’ve always been a creative person, and for years, family and friends encouraged me to start my own business as a way to channel that creativity. It was the perfect way to get that sense of ‘work’ I loved, to help support my family financially, and to have the flexibility to be there for my little ones. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey, one that lets me blend family time with the joy of creating something delicious for others to enjoy!

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?
XO Chocolates Houston is Houston’s home for exquisite, artisanal chocolates! Nestled in the heart of Texas, we’re more than just a chocolate shop – it’s a full-on chocolate experience, bringing you not only amazing flavors but a little bit of magic in every bite. Our journey began with a simple yet powerful mission: to bring the richest, most flavorful chocolates to the Lone Star State. We believe chocolate isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience meant to awaken the senses and bring joy to the soul!

What sets XO Chocolates Houston apart is the level of detail and care we put into each and every order. Our chocolates aren’t just something you pick up in a store that’s been mass-produced. They’re carefully handcrafted works of art, made with the finest ingredients and an eye for perfection. Every piece, from the chocolate itself to the wrapping, is created to make you feel special. When you order from us, it’s not just a chocolate—it’s a memory in the making one delicious piece at a time!

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been a breeze. There have been challenges, from balancing my time as a mom and business owner to learning how to run a business from the ground up. But the key lesson? Take pride in yourself, your work, and what you create. I’ve learned that if something isn’t good enough for my own family, it’s not good enough for my customers. Don’t settle for ‘just okay.’

Another big lesson is knowing your worth. Sometimes customers will try to compare our chocolates to cheaper, store-bought options or negotiate prices, but I stand my ground—respectfully, of course! If you’re offering something special, people will see that value, and they’ll pay for quality.

I’m incredibly excited for the future. I look forward to growing XO Chocolates Houston, adding more products, and seeing where this sweet adventure takes us. So, here’s to bringing a little more joy (and a lot more chocolate!) to the world, one handcrafted piece at a time!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
“If my best friend were visiting, I’d be ready to show them the absolute best time in Houston! First stop? Badolina Bakery for some of the freshest pastries and coffee to kickstart our adventure. Trust me, they won’t want to miss that!

Next, we’d definitely hit The Galleria for some shopping. It’s a perfect blend of luxury and fun! Afterward, we’d take a stroll to the Waterwall—it’s such a beautiful spot and a great place for photos.

Then, I’d lead them on a walk around the Heights area to check out all the incredible wall murals. It’s like a vibrant outdoor art gallery! After working up an appetite, we’d grab a bite at Trattoria Sofia for some delicious Italian comfort food.

And because we’re in Houston, we can’t skip out on thrifting in Montrose. You never know what treasures you’ll find!

For some evening fun, we’d definitely hit Whiskey River for some good ol’ Texas line dancing and maybe even try our luck at bull riding—always a blast! And if we’re in the mood for something different, a dinner at Októ for some amazing Mediterranean food would be a must.

To top off the night, we’d go to Hamsa for their fabulous Tel Aviv nights, where we can enjoy drinks, be entertained by belly dancers, indulge in some hookah, and dance the night away. Houston has so much to offer, and I just know we’d have the time of our lives exploring all these incredible spots!

There’s truly something for everyone here, from incredible food to vibrant culture.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I have to give all the credit to Hashem—without Him, nothing else would be possible! Every step I take, every bit of creativity and success, it’s all a blessing from above, and I’m so grateful for it.

Next, my husband deserves a huge shoutout. He’s my rock and inspiration in all areas of life, but especially in business. Watching his drive to always do more and be better has pushed me to aim high and not settle. He’s persistent, fearless, and has this incredible ability to find solutions where others see dead ends. He’s shown me how to lean into new ideas and make them work, no matter what challenges come up. It’s his support and encouragement that have given me the strength to jump into this business and watch it grow.

And honestly, I just feel so blessed to have a partner who’s got my back in every way. Starting and running a business can be a wild ride, but with Hashem’s guidance and my husband by my side, it’s a journey I’m grateful to be on every day!

Website: https://www.xochocolateshouston.com

Instagram: @xochocolateshouston

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/xochocolateshouston?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
MYSELF