From Infrastructure to Culinary Delights: Ibtissem Azzouna's Journey
After an eight-year career in infrastructure and access networks, Ibtissem Azzouna has successfully brought her long-held passion for cooking and pastry-making to life. She has created a "culinary journey" that showcases her commitment to quality and innovation.
A Childhood Dream Takes Shape
Ibtissem's love for cooking dates back to her childhood, and it was more than just a hobby - it was a genuine dream she wanted to nurture and grow. The transition began two years ago when she was still working. As her colleagues tasted her creations and asked for more, she realized it was time to take the leap. Leaving her comfort zone after eight years of career was a risk, but her desire to thrive in a field she loved took over.
A New Chapter Unfolds
Today, Ibtissem dedicates her time to her business, working around the clock, driven by her passion for the project. She handles everything from taking orders to delivery, including sourcing ingredients.
A Culinary Voyage Beyond "Small Business"
Although the project started modestly at home, Ibtissem had grand visions from the beginning. She doesn't consider herself a small business owner but aspires to build a large company. The brand stands out with its initial "mono-product" approach before diversifying. The core concept revolves around transforming chocolates and stuffed dates to offer a "new experience." Ibtissem emphasizes that these are not just ordinary dates but creations that compose a genuine "culinary journey."
A Diverse Range of Flavors
The menu features 35 different varieties, ensuring each client finds their delight. Uncommon flavor combinations, such as raspberry, lemon, white chocolate, or speculoos in dates, set the brand apart. This distinctive touch is also reflected in the meticulous selection of raw materials, where ingredients like local pistachios (Baldi) and almonds are rigorously chosen to guarantee impeccable quality. Recently, the brand has diversified, introducing customized chocolates and a range of savory products.
Family Support: The Key to Success
The driving force behind the success is quality and customer satisfaction. For Ibtissem, if the product doesn't meet her perfection standards, it won't be sold. She doesn't count her efforts and aims to convert those who don't eat dates, as her creations are made in a special way. This commitment is evident in her delivery policy: during summer, she often refuses to deliver sensitive products like chocolate to ensure the package arrives in the exact state it was prepared.
Financing and Growth
The project is financed through the total reinvestment of profits. The money is invested in equipment, image, sponsorship, and especially packaging, which must be elegant and enhance the product in the customer's eyes, avoiding the image of a small business.
Looking to the Future: Expansion
Ibtissem continuously learns and develops her project. Her objectives are clear: to strengthen her presence in professional events and fairs, allowing clients to meet the brand. In the long term, she aims to open a physical store where clients can visit directly, addressing the lack of trust they may have in online shopping in Tunisia. However, her ambition goes beyond Tunisian borders. She already receives numerous orders from abroad, and her ultimate vision is to develop the brand into a foreign franchise. She dreams of the day when her brand name will be synonymous with quality, organized products, and consistent customer satisfaction.
