Meet Dessie Kirilova the Smarts behind...Demi’s Nuts & Chocolicious
by Linda Herman

Can't get to New York to visit The United Nations? Instead, try visiting Demi's Nuts & Chocolicious in Southampton. You'll find yourself surrounded by delicacies from over 35 countries worldwide. It's virtually a what's what of the most gourmet chocolates, coffee, candies, pastries and nuts available.

This month I visited with Dessie Kirilova, the brain behind Demi's Nuts and Chocolicious. I refer to her as "the brain" because indeed, she comes to her sweet store with the unlikeliest of backgrounds. A native of Bulgaria, Dessie came to the States about 10 years ago to further her graduate studies in Central and Eastern European Studies. Her aim was to use her degree and studies, and work for the European Union in the hopes of improving her homeland, the Balkan Peninsula.

As so often happens, her plans changed and she remained in the Philadelphia area using her skills and knowledge to help the growing community of over 5,000 Bulgarians who have resettled here. Acting as interpreter or translator, helping with their transition, Dessie provides the perfect resource and support for the newly arrived immigrants.

We spoke about her love of all things Bulgarian and how she herself "transitioned" to a gourmet shop. "Early on I worked for Fed Ex and Brinks...Corporate America, if you will. I felt unappreciated. I was unhappy. And I guess my entrepreneurial leanings really worked against any job satisfaction I might be able to get there. I decided to make some changes. So I turned to what I love most; food from around the world. Here at Demi's I offer bits and pieces from almost anywhere internationally. Pate, pickels, jellies, pastries...."

We talked about some of the "stuff" filling her shelves. I commented that I saw more than just beautifully wrapped bon bons and chocolates. "Well, I do carry a full array of the most exquisite chocolates... chocolate bars and boxes of beautifully prepared chocolate indulgences filled with different liquors, fruits and nuts. They're just the right gift for Valentine's Day or any day when you're telling someone you love them! And I have an entire selection of almost 15 coffees from around the world. Not just blends, but brands like Lavazza from Italy and Jakobs and Tchibo from Germany. I also carry coffees from South America and an entire group of organic coffees, grind the beans here and have them available for my customers daily."

Dessie commented how America is a country of immigrants. "My customers come in looking for something they may have enjoyed in Europe or Russia, or maybe they're looking for something they used to find on their grandparent's table. It could be a special chocolate. It could be a special jam. It could be the Greek pastries I carry. I have an always growing inventory of those kinds of products."

"Of course I have customers who just enjoy experiencing the finest that the world has to offer. We make up gift packages that carry Anthon Berg Chocolate from Denmark, perhaps Lavazza coffee from Italy, my scrumptious French croissants, filled with fruit or chocolate and whatever other goodies entice the eyes.

I try to urge my clients to check out an unfamiliar name. I can promise it will be a quality product."

One such product caught my eye. In fact, I saw this name on the front window, near her front door. "Vegeta." From the name, I thought it was some kind of vegan or vegetarian product. I was way off base. In fact "Vegeta" is a seasoning product from Croatia. I saw her eyes sparkle as she spoke of the wonders of this very everyday seasoning. It sounded interesting and well worth trying.

We talked about occasional customer reticence when it comes to trying new things. "People are a little hesitant to go outside their comfort zone. I gently encourage them to be a little daring." And as we were talking she got up and pulled a substantial bar-of-something from a shelf. "Do you like oranges?" I responded, "Yes." "Here's something I enjoy frequently in the mornings. Try it, you'll like it." Not wanting to be rude, of course I opened it immediately. It was chocolate after all. What could be bad? Nothing! And nothing was bad! It was all good. A yummy chocolate covered wafer with just the slightest hint of orange, I could see how one could enjoy this treat morning, noon, or night. I couldn't tell you its name (Borovets), the print was foreign and unknown to me. But I can tell you it was covered in an attractive orange wrapper and it was big. Ask Dessie to give you one, I'm sure she'll remember!

After her experiment I asked her what she would ask her customers to try. "I would recommend any one of my chocolate bars. I'd have to know what the person prefers before I suggest one over another. White? Dark? Milk? You tell me and I'll put you in a new and delicious direction! I'd also suggest a sample of the French croissants that I carry. Real French croissants are stuffed with special fillings like apricot, chocolate or a favorite, asti spumonti cream. And finally, I would love someone to taste what a real piece of chocolate candy tastes like. I'm talking about those beautifully wrapped pieces of chocolate that are usually reserved only for special gifts. At Demi's we believe these are treats to be indulged all the time."

I had to asked Dessie how she makes her selections? How does she identify what goes on her shelves? "First, I've done a great deal of traveling, so I'm keen to what I want to carry. I always visit those stores and stands closest to the airport or train station that I'm near. They usually carry their country's best and most popular products." Made sense to me.

Married to Chris, Dessie is a working mom to Trayana, 14 and Ivan, 5. Both children help out in the store. Trayana a little less because of her many school activities. However, if you visit Demi's after 3:00 p.m., you'll be helped by chief assistant, Ivan. He's in charge of customer relations and I imagine he does a great job!

I asked about life outside of Demi's. "Well, I'm extremely busy with my family. My daughter, my son, my husband, and of course my work with the Bulgarian and Slavic community. But if you asked what I like to do in my very, very limited free time, I would say it's spelunking... exploring caves and caverns. One of my favorite places.... in the world.... is Bushkill Falls. And guess what? I've seen many, many sites here in the States, but none in Bulgaria!"

Remember I mentioned that Dessie comes to Demi's with an uncharacteristic background? Enough said.

It was quite interesting talking with Dessie about the International scene and her personal commitments, politically. I think it's a clue to why she surrounds herself with all things International. Demi's Nuts & Chocolicious is a bit of that International ambiance that Dessie likes so much... only a lot more yummy. I enjoyed firsthand just how delicious it can be. Now it's your turn! It's a little bit of the United Nations right in our own backyard.

Demi’s Nuts & Chocolicious
777 Second Street Pike
Southampton, PA
215-322-4515
www.demisglobal.com