Filling Spaces had an amazing opportunity to collaborate with Yen for Chocolate in Portland, OR. We created a gratitude giveaway that features custom Yen for Chocolates and a collection of goods from other local businesses. We interviewed Christina Yen to learn more about her company and the steps she has taken to find success. Read more below!

What inspired you to start Yen for Chocolate?

About 12 years ago, I had the opportunity to change my career path. I realized that I needed an outlet for my creativity. I chose the culinary field because food brings people together. When my husband and I relocated to Portland, I decided to go to culinary school, and I focused on patisserie and baking. Then I went to Paris for three months to work at Fauchon. My first batch of chocolates after culinary school was for a close friend of mine who had just ended a long relationship. She was in DC at the time, and I was saddened that I couldn’t be there for her. So, I had the idea of sending her a box of handmade chocolates to comfort her. She was so thrilled and touched. Her reaction made me realize that I love making people happy.  I make chocolates to make people happy. People’s joyful reaction when eating my chocolates was my motivation to start the business.

How did you come up with the name?

Yen is my last name, and it also means urge or craving in English. I had to do it! 😊

How has Yen for Chocolates changed over the years?

I started from my home kitchen with a bowl and a pot. Fortunately, I have a space of my own with three tempering machines. When I first started, I focused on weddings and private events and no online presence. Now, I offer limited retail hours and online shipping. When I first started, I thought selling (one of my many weak points) $10,000 worth of chocolates was impossible. Now I am happy that the business is profitable and sustainable!

What is your favorite thing you have made?

A very tough question… I can’t choose!

What is your favorite thing to do in Portland?

Sharing a meal with my friends. Scenic bike rides.

What is your favorite Filling Spaces product?

I love your pillows! I have a chair that could use a pillow the lumbar type. I would like an orange fabric to go with it, so I’m always checking your new arrivals to see if there is a shade of orange that will work!

Open shelving can be a great way to fill a space and express one's individual style. But how do we design shelves in a way that is elegant, pleasing to the eye, and makes our customers jaws drop?  

Patterns

-When designing a room, shelves, or your cozy bedroom, picking patterns is the first step in deciding the energy and overall feel of the room. Decide what style you are wanting to portray to your visitors, family, or friends. Check out our fabric swatch collection to explore our wide array of patterns!

-Pattern picking is a perfect opportunity to throw some of your personality into the walls of your house or establishment. Whether it be floral, abstract, or textured designs, adding patterns will liven up a room and create a feeling of movement.

-When layering patterns, pillows, or quilts, it's important to limit the amount of patterns you are using in each space. Picking 3-5 different patterns and including a variety of solid colors throughout can reduce the chaotic look and increase the visual impact of the patterns themselves.

Colors

-Colors are an important aspect of designing shelves as it creates a sense of sophistication while also determining the energy of the room. Picking colors that contrast with the space's natural light can help make an area feel bigger than it actually is.

-While choosing your colors, look for shades that are similar in tone/tint/shade or try experimenting with complementary and secondary colors. This will help the space look more cohesive and natural to the eye.

Materials

-Adding different types of fabrics, decorations, and plants can be a great additive for anyone trying to design their shelves. Choosing the right fabric material injects texture and depth to a space along with visual interest and hierarchy.

-Depending on the season, adding or removing these textures can be an interesting way to restyle a home for winter or summer seasons.

-Adding other decorations such as plants, books, and organic materials helps break up the spaces and allows for one’s personal style to shine through.