What began as a hobby for Isabella Gracie has blossomed into a business born of passion. Vintage Bonbons, Gracie’s home-based business, has been a work in progress over the past three years.

“I began by making bonbons for friends and family members as gifts or for special occasions,” Gracie said. “Eventually I realized that this was something I was really good at.”

Gracie has spent the past three years experimenting with flavors and perfecting her recipes for hand-rolled, hand-dipped bonbons. Just last month she officially launched her business and kicked things off with a booth at Tidal Creek Co-op’s fall festival.

Current flavors include holiday specialties such as pumpkin, hazelnut, chocolate-mint and gingerbread, all of which are available dipped in white or dark chocolate. A vegan option, oatmeal cinnamon, is also available.

Gracie describes the bonbons as having a creamy interior with a soft exterior shell. Some contain a bit of crunch, like cookie crumbles or sprinkles. She says the visual aspect is as important as the taste.

Gracie recently launched a Facebook page for the business and is working on a website. Her target clientele ranges from markets, boutiques and wine shops to anyone looking for a special dessert for a private event or gift. Custom orders of all sizes are welcome, she said.

As a lover of all things vintage, Gracie often displays her creations alongside photos of iconic actresses of the 1930s and 1940s eating bonbons. She also uses vintage fabrics such as lace and toile to accent her creations.

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