What could be better than chocolate? Especially when it’s as beautiful as it is delectable—and plated behind a glass case awaiting your selection at Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates in Bradley Fair.

Cocoa Dolce owner Beth Tully is one of a small group of international artisan chocolate makers who pay almost obsessive attention to ingredients and their origins. “We’re very purposeful about the quality of chocolate; ours literally comes from Belgium,” says Tully.

The bite-size wonderments tempting passerby from Cocoa Dolce’s display case are hand-made in small batches and are preservative-free. “Nothing but fresh cream, delicious butter and premium ingredients from around the world,” she adds, such as organic honey purchased from Zambian beekeepers. “When we buy their honey, we support a whole group of people who tend the hives. I love the story and I love the flavor—that’s what I mean by quality ingredients.”

Each piece of chocolate is hand-finished, often with an elaborate design. “Our goal is to make them as delicious as they are beautiful,” says Tully. “All of these things combined create a luxurious treat that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.”

So luxurious, in fact, that Tully’s treats are a favorite of our nation’s sitting President. And so popular that her company is one of seven finalists for a U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2010 small business of the year award.

In hindsight, it makes perfect sense that in 2005 Tully gave up a lucrative executive position to try her hand at making chocolates for a living. “I was compelled to open the store because I wanted a change in my life. I’d always felt like a bit of a misfit in my career choices; I performed well, but I wasn’t satisfied. But I’m living my dream right now.”