Bittersweet Beginnings
COCO88 is a family-run business, founded by Chris Bertuccio. Through artisan, and exquisite handmade chocolates, they dedicate themselves in building memories and bringing out emotions in any occasion. Chris and his team are experts in their field and a crowd favourite, producing an array of unique desserts that cater to both the adults and kids.
Initially located in North-West Sydney, COCO88 built itself a string of loyal customers that frequent their shop. Often busy during the holidays, the business would experience waves of seasonal highs. But with it were inevitable periods of low. Chris and his team were preparing for one of their busiest times of the year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit early 2020. Government-mandated lockdown caused bricks-and-mortar stores like theirs to come to a close, resulting in the business suffering loss of orders and eventually found themselves at risk of shutting down.
Having been part of The Entourage’s Accelerate program, Chris spoke to his Accelerate Business Coach. In a single phone conversation, they were able to work out an immediate actionable plan which guided his business on how it could pivot from the crisis. With added help from Entourage’s Vision Partner, COCO88 innovated its product and delivery, and found a new home online. In only 2 days, the business shifted its entire service from a bricks-and-mortar storefront to catering a wider set of customers through its digital store.
In a matter of days, COCO88 started making $2,000 a day. A leaping contrast from what they would make during their peak seasons in store. Now that the shop could accommodate orders 24/7, orders piled up even in the wee hours of the night. By the end of their first week online, COCO88 generated $13,000 dollars.
As they soon realised that they have discovered a platform that best suit the business, with the help of The Entourage Accelerate Business Coach and Visions Partner, their revenue skyrocketed to $80,000 on its first month online–a testament to how impactful and life-changing it is to learn from those with been-there-done-that experience, and how driving innovation can completely pivot any business to a full 180. Today, COCO88 sees no need to reopen its brick-and-mortars store, something they would have never imagined in its early days. After the powerful leap, their mindset and the way they do business will never be the same.
COCO88’s mission is now a far-cry from its desire to breakeven a year earlier. Having scaled beyond the struggles of the day-to-day functions and sales, Chris has ultimately found his and the business’s purpose. The change has introduced a new playing field for Chris as an entrepreneur, as he now has the luxury to remove himself from the daily hustle of the business and finds himself visualising bigger dreams for COCO88—and now he knows that when dreams are paired with action, impossible is next to nothing.
You need to understand that what The Entourage can give you, is that purpose of why you’re in the business you’re in.