Third-generation chocolatier Isabella Knack is the owner of Dallmann Confections in San Marcos. Knack brought her grandfather’s recipes from Austria to San Diego to “sweeten up the American market” with handcrafted exotic and traditional bonbons, created in small batches. Learn about Isabella Knack…
Hometown: Escondido CA
First job: Working in my parent’s pastry shop.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: Exploring with my three kids. We love to camp, go to the beach, hike but most of all we like to eat.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Building a business that brings me so much joy, puts food on the table, a roof over our head and doesn’t take away time from my family.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I would say the biggest obstacle came with COVID. We lost 100 percent of our revenue due to the closure of our store and wholesale partners. We had to pivot quickly to survive, and the unknown was scary. But we came out on the other end stronger and better than before.
Someone who inspires you and why: My husband (disciplined in so many ways, it surprises me every day).
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t be afraid of failing; be excited about the unknown and turn the fear into motivation.
Favorite quote: “Be careful what you wish for.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m a third-generation chocolatier from Austria.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone who can let down their guard and be who they are with all the good and the bad.