Briana Azier better known as Bri, is the founder, CEO and Head Chocolate Maker of Bri’s Sweet Treats. Bri’s Sweet Treats is a licensed residential cottage kitchen in Rochdale, MA right outside of Worcester. Most days you can find Bri in her kitchen, making her custom chocolates. If she’s not in the kitchen then you can usually find her at an event, craft fair or food truck festival under the purple tent with the purple tablecloths slinging her delicious hand-crafted artisan chocolates!
Bri prides herself on her education. She has a BA from Clark University in Worcester, and she earned her MBA at the age of 25 from the University of Phoenix. She boasts being the first member of her family to ever reach that accomplishment!
Bri is passionate about her business, giving back to the community, overcoming food insecurity and youth entrepreneurship. You can see these things ring through in her business plan. She donates a percentage of profits each month to local nonprofits that focus in these areas. Bri also has a Lil Entrepreneurs program where she partners with a young entrepreneur from 9 to 16 years old to collaborate, help sell the items they make, and teach them about business. Bri wants the youth to know that they don’t have to wait to start following their dreams and building their businesses.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I’m the head chocolate maker and owner of Bri’s Sweet Treats. Nothing is better than working for myself! I love creating my own schedule and having full creative control and decision-making power. I love all of the people I have met because of my career- clients and fellow entrepreneurs alike.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
My favorite restaurant in Worcester is Joey’s Bar and Grill on Chandler St. It’s the first restaurant my husband took me to almost 10 years ago on our 2nd date. I love their lobster rangoon and gorgonzola NY sirloin.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I met Jesus at one of the lowest times in my life, and he picked me up, held my hand, and led me to salvation and healing.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Jamaica- because my husband and I did our honeymoon there, and it was terrible! We deserve a redo! And this time we would do it right!
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My mother just passed away. She LOVED Carol King, so when I can’t decide, I put on Pandora Carol King and get a wonderful mix. I always find she finds a way to speak to me in those times through music
What is your best advice?
Prayer moves mountains. When in doubt- Pray!
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
My husband and I want to build our own house- a Barndominium!
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Annie’s Clark Brunch- as a Clark U Graduate- Nothing brings me back to my college days faster than Annie’s pancake breakfast or a BLT 🙂
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
My mother- she just passed away. I’d love to have lunch with her just one more time. I miss her
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself having a Chocolate Empire. I will be as well known in the vendor/fair circuit as the Fudge Lady (who is an inspiration for me!), You will be able to find my PB cups and other chocolates in stores throughout New England, and I will be the premier company in central mass for corporate gifting and events
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I did not like Dark Chocolate AT ALL before I started making chocolate. I would have actually declined to have any chocolate at all rather than have eaten dark chocolate! Now I love it- especially with a dash of sea salt!
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
We shall serve the Lord
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Gabrielle Union- she’s a beautiful black actress with a lot of spunk! I’m sure she would represent Bri’s Sweet Treats well!
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
All of the education and amazing colleges!
What is your favorite smell?
Lilacs- I had lilac bushes at my childhood home in Maynard growing up
Who inspires you to be better?
My husband and my son- they are fully behind Bri’s Sweet Treats! My son tells everyone who will listen about “how good his mommy’s chocolates are!” and my husband pulls my business cards out of his wallet faster than I can get to mine!
