
Marcela da Costa is the founder of artisanal chocolate company Emporium Norwich, which reopened at the weekend, complete with ‘help yourself chocolate corner’! Here, Marcela shares her journey to becoming an entrepreneurial chocolatier
First of all, who are you and what do you do?
My name is Marcela Romagnoli da Costa and I am Brazilian. I’m an entrepreneurial chocolatier and the founder of Emporium Norwich, an artisanal chocolate company based in Norwich. I specialise in crafting unique, high-quality chocolates, including the award-winning brigadeiro, Brazil’s most traditional truffle, along with other gourmet treats and chocolate-based experiences. I’m also a proud mum to my 5-year-old daughter, Manuela, and the wife of Tiago, my greatest supporter and partner in another small business, Grana Cheese Rolls.
How long have you lived in Norfolk and what do you love about it?
I’ve been living in Norfolk since 2016, and I absolutely love the strong sense of community here. The county has a peaceful charm, and the people are incredibly supportive of small businesses like mine. It’s an ideal place to raise my family and grow my business. We love Norwich so much that naming the business Emporium Norwich was my way of paying tribute to the city that has embraced us so warmly.
What prompted you to start Emporium Norwich – and what were you doing before?
Emporium Norwich was born during my maternity leave in December 2019 as a way to earn extra income while staying creative. Before starting the business, I worked as a patient caterer at Norwich & Norfolk University Hospital. This experience was an important chapter in my life, helping me to improve my English, learn about the local culture and connect with incredible people. I’m proud of this part of my journey, as it shaped my resilience and adaptability. Prior to moving to the UK, I worked in Brazil in business administration, specialising in marketing and sales, which equipped me with essential skills for managing and growing my own business. My passion for chocolate became a business after attending a networking event in early 2020, where I identified a unique market opportunity. When the pandemic began, I adapted by taking Emporium Norwich online, which helped the business grow and reach more people. When lockdown ended, we started doing a number of markets across Norfolk.

What makes your artisanal chocolate so special, in your opinion? How important is sustainability to you?
Our chocolate is special because it’s made with care and passion, aiming to create an unforgettable experience for our customers. We use the finest Belgian chocolates, which are essential to maintaining the high quality of our products. Many of our creations, like the brigadeiro, reflect our Brazilian heritage and offer a unique, exotic touch that sets us apart, blending tradition with culinary artistry. Sustainability is also central to our values. We prioritise responsibly sourced ingredients and actively work to minimise waste, ensuring our processes are as environmentally friendly as possible.
And how important is it to you to bring a taste of Brazil to Norwich, particularly with your award-winning brigadeiro and cheese rolls?
Bringing a taste of Brazil to Norwich is incredibly important to me. It’s not just about sharing my culture, but also about introducing people to unique, authentic flavours. Both the brigadeiro and our cheese rolls (pão de queijo) have won the Great Taste Award, which makes me proud to contribute to putting Brazilian cuisine on the map alongside so many other talented Brazilians worldwide.
These products are also naturally gluten-free, offering a high-quality and delicious option for people with dietary restrictions. They represent a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and I’m thrilled to see how warmly they’ve been embraced here.
What are the latest developments – are you expanding and offering takeaway chocolate experiences this year?
Yes, we’ve been busy! We’re taking a step-by-step approach to expanding Emporium Norwich at Hellesdon Barns. I’m excited to enhance our chocolate experiences, including takeaway options and seasonal offerings like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. This year, we’re also introducing workshops such as Eggsperience Easter, a masterclass where participants will learn to temper chocolate and create their own Easter eggs.
In addition, we’re expanding our corporate services, offering bespoke chocolate creations for events and businesses. Our shop, which also serves as a coffee shop, remains a vibrant hub for locals. Guests can enjoy delicious coffees, baked goods from talented local bakers and a selection of pastries, including my mother’s cakes—known for their unique and balanced flavours—and our popular cheese rolls (pão de queijo), which pair perfectly with both hot and cold drinks.
Where can people find you/learn more?
You can find us at Hellesdon Barns in Norwich, where we have our physical shop and coffee shop. While our website is still evolving, we’ll soon have all the latest news and updates available there. In the meantime, our social media platforms, such as Instagram and LinkedIn, are excellent ways to learn more about our products, workshops, and upcoming events. We’re also excited to announce that distribution outlets for both of our businesses will be launching soon.
What are your hopes and dreams for Emporium Norwich?
My ultimate goal is to grow Emporium Norwich into a renowned chocolate brand while staying true to our artisan roots. I dream of launching a new location in 2026 to teach the art of chocolate making, inspire a new generation of chocolatiers, and create a space where people can enjoy meaningful experiences with friends and family. This location would host masterclasses, workshops, and events designed to be both fun and memorable.
I’m also deeply committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities, especially for young people. My vision includes developing a project to offer healthy, supportive first-job experiences that build confidence and equip young team members with skills for their future careers. We already see this impact in our shop, where two young staff members have grown more confident and developed abilities that benefit both their mental well-being and professional growth.
Emporium Norwich, Hellesdon Barns, Hellesdon Hall Rd, Norwich, NR6 5BB. Visit emporiumnorwich.com.
Featured image credit @brittanywoodmanphoto
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