Meet Samar Ghneim Housewright | Chocolatier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samar Ghneim Housewright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samar, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
The most important people in my life are my kids, and I would like to think that I can at least leave a legacy and a positive example for them to remember me by when they need a little push in life. Life will no doubt throw a lot of challenges their way, after all “such is life”. I would like to be able to lead by example and try to give them the inspiration they need to overcome these challenges, whether I am with them or not. I want them to always remember me working hard and trying to achieve bigger things. Then, when they are facing struggles of their own, whether it is studying for a final or lost a job or through any personal issue they may face, they can always remember how hard I worked and hopefully that will be their inspiration to push through their own obstacles. I have seen my mom overcome so much in life and I always think “if she overcame this for us, I need to do the same.” Sometimes my kids wake up in the middle of the night and find me focused and working while everyone is asleep, and I just know that this is something that will resonate with them and I hope ultimately will show them that hard work does make a difference.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2016 I doodled a little logo symbolizing a dream to introduce creativity into my work life. I have worked in corporate for over 24 years and although I truly enjoy the challenges of working with finance, the thrill of a completed project, the negotiations for a new contract, all of it, I still was missing the creative aspect of crafting and cooking that I enjoyed so much. I have always been a night owl. Part of my unwinding rituals was creating new recipes, coming up with the right ganache or tart filling. The joy of having family and friends try my creations was so fulfilling and worth the sleepless night. So finally in 2016, I was working part time after having my first baby, and decided to start Favor It Events. I remember my brother attended my son’s first birthday and had to rush back to work, so he took a little Mickey Mouse favor with him to the office, and in the elevator someone asked him where he got it and how to order some. It was my first order and I was beyond excited about it, but completely terrified at the same time. I learned so much in the last few years and I will likely keep learning something new everyday. Every challenge came with a lesson, which ultimately helped me succeed better. One of the most important lessons I have learned is just how much detail goes into every little thing around us. I also learned that success is very subjective. There are really no clear defined lines for success, simply because we are each facing different struggles and goals, so there really can’t be a universal code for success. Instead, I set my own bar for success. When I figured out how to keep my chocolate smooth and shiny, but lost hundreds of dollars in the process, that was a success in my book. Outside of my own trials, I consider the ultimate success to be customer satisfaction and repeat customers. There is no higher recognition of “a job well done” than a repeat customer and I am very grateful for that experience. I take the most pride in trying to create something that is different. I like to take out of the box ideas and create something completely different to the eye and pallet, yet familiar and easily loved. I enjoy creating new flavor combinations from familiar and loved flavors. One of our most popular chocolates is the cinnamon apple and coconut rum caramel chocolate. It’s really different, yet created with familiar flavors, which triggers different types of associations for everyone. I also like to infuse different liquors in our treats and chocolates, which brings another unique element to our creations. Finally, we set really high standards for our quality. We use organic products, local products when available, quality ingredients, gourmet and unique candies, and try our best to support small businesses whenever possible. I am always excited to create new products and I can say with complete certainty that everything we make, down to a little piece of chocolate, is made with a lot of thought, attention, and love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas Metroplex is so diverse and versatile. I have had many friends visit and one of my go to places is the Dallas World Aquarium. Another unique attraction is the Reunion Tower (although most locals I know have never been!!). For friends and family who visited multiple times, they always request a patio lunch at Uncle Julio’s for Margaritas and Carne Asada. One of my favorite spots to eat is Cadot restaurant in North Dallas, Chef Jean Marie is so meticulous and makes incredible food. For a more laid back experience with a Cajun flair, we frequent Fishmonger, a local staple in Plano. I also love Cocktail Creamery in McKinney and enjoy their unique flavors of boozy ice-cream. For Middle Eastern cravings, I usually recommend Board Bites in Plano. Downtown McKinney is a fun place to check out, lots of unique little places to eat and shop, I always enjoy Rye Restaurant there as well. Downtown Plano is nice, too. Urban Rio is a must for anyone in search of the best nachos. For a relax Sushi and Asian fusion lounge, I head to Steel in Dallas, which is another place most repeat visitors ask to go to. Finally, my favorite shopping spot is Northpark Center and the pleasing aesthetics and art that come with a visit there. There are plenty of museums and places to visit in the area, it just depends on what interests (and taste, because we love food here!).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been working since I was 15, so I have a very long list of people I am grateful for their guidance and even for their challenges. However, the most recent gratitude I have goes to a community I met through the Facebook group “Frisco Stay at Home Moms” and the creator of the group, Shannon Lochan. Having encouragement and people within our community by my side really broadened my horizon, understanding, and even empathy. It opened my eyes to the powers we each hold in little acts of kindness and support that truly go a long way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/favor.it.events/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/samar-ghneim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Favor-It-Events-656320994827882