Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is well-known for its stunning coastlines, cool-climate wines, and relaxed lifestyle.
But now there’s another reason it’s famous.
Mornington Peninsula Chocolates has gathered a reputation for fine chocolates and its loyal client base includes celebrities, like Kylie Minogue.
“We have a big local following, as well as visitors from Melbourne”, says Isilda Caldwell, co-owner of the boutique chocolate store.
“They come down regularly and often call ahead to find out opening hours so they can get in first to buy everything before it’s gone.”
Isilda, and her partner and co-owner Milton Laycock, began their chocolate story in 2000 after watching the movie Chocolat.
The couple decided to try their hand at chocolate making and traded in their former careers.
Co-owners of Mornington Peninsula Chocolate Isilda Caldwell and Milton Laycock. Source: Supplied
“I was a potter for 25 years and taught pottery” Isilda explains.
“And I was an auto-transmission specialist for 28 years,” says Milton.
“I had to be very patient in my previous job and I have to be very patient in this one,” he adds.
Isilda says Milton’s practical skills are a benefit too, “he is very technical so if anything goes wrong or a machine breaks down he is great”.
“Of course, we never expected it to take off as it did!” Milton adds smiling.
“Of course, we never expected it to take off as it did!”
Nine years ago, the couple bought and re-fitted their Flinders shopfront, spending upwards of half a million dollars on industrial equipment. 
“We bought the machines gradually, we don’t owe money to anyone and we own the premises,” explains Isilda.
Interior of the Mornington Peninsula Chocolate shop. Source: Supplied
“We are free of debt and I think that’s huge for such a small business like ours.”
Despite long hours making everything by hand, they love the work and admit their shared creativity has sustained the business for almost two decades.
“We were chocolate champions in Melbourne and Sydney so we must be doing something right,” Brazil-born Isilda says laughing.
“We were chocolate champions in Melbourne and Sydney so we must be doing something right.”
“We won our first competition in 2007 and we won two medals in 2008 including best in Melbourne show,” explains Milton.
“In 2010 and 2011 we entered more competitions and were lucky enough to win at the Sydney show too,” he says with a smile.
Weekends are always busy, with holidaymakers and locals flocking to the quaint seaside town.
Chocolate shoes on sale at Morning Peninsula Chocolates. Source: Supplied
“Chocolate is a comfort food, even in winter because when it’s cold people like to come in for a hot chocolate,” Milton says.
In summer months their fresh-fruit hand-made Gelato is another popular line.
As a couple, they admit working together has led to friction, at times.
“We do have our little ups and downs,” Isilda says.
“Yes we do have moments, but working together for so long we have come to appreciate each other a lot more. And if we do stand on each other's toes we back off for half an hour, and that’s it,” Milton adds.
The couple says since their grown children aren’t interested in continuing the business, they’ll probably need to sell at some point.
Isilda and Milton working together to create their award winning chocolate. Source: Supplied
“Hopefully we’ll find someone who will have the same passion and is willing to learn, as we‘re quite happy to pass on all our knowledge so that it can go on for the future,” Isilda explains.
For now, the couple plans to continue to work with Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France) internationally and in Melbourne.
And they say there are no regrets about a journey that’s taken them all around the world, working with the world’s best chocolatiers and patisserie chefs in France, Switzerland, and Belgium.
“We actually love doing this and you cannot do a good job without passion”, Isilda explains.
“We actually love doing this and you cannot do a good job without passion.”
“We’re very proud and we’d do it all over again.”
“We started this business together and we’re ending it, together!”
