Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Banker Turns Chocolatier with Velvet Fine Chocolates
Pallavi Ved used to work as a banker, but she wanted to do something more creative.
During a trip to Switzerland, she discovered artisanal chocolates and decided to start her own chocolate business.
She quit her job and started Velvet Fine Chocolates from her home kitchen.
It was challenging at first, but she learned everything from scratch and built a team of mostly women.
Today, her business is successful, and her team has been with her through all the ups and downs.
She is proud of her journey and the emotional satisfaction it has brought her.
Pallavi Ved left a well-paying banking job to pursue her passion for artisanal chocolates.
She founded Velvet Fine Chocolates in 2011, starting from her home kitchen.
Her inspiration came from a visit to a chocolate shop in Switzerland.
She faced challenges in learning chocolate-making and running a business but persevered.
Her team consists of 25 people, mostly women, who have been loyal and supportive.
- Who
- Pallavi Ved, former banker and founder of Velvet Fine Chocolates
- What
- Transition from banking to artisanal chocolatier
- When
- Started in 2011 after quitting her banking job
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- Desire for a creative and fulfilling career
- Founder
- Pallavi Ved
- Company
- Velvet Fine Chocolates
- Location
- Mumbai, India
- Year Founded
- 2011
- Team Size
- 25
- Initial Challenge
- Learning chocolate-making from scratch
- Family Support
- Husband's support, initial family skepticism