When it came to fulfilling her dream of starting a business, Michelle Palisi didn't let a lack of business training and investment capital or a learning disability stand in her way.  "Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself."

Before she and her firefighter husband Bob retired to Florida, Michelle had raised two children and worked in food service in Mount Vernon, New York.  She had struggled in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia.  But inside this former waitress beat the heart of an entrepreneur.

When Palisi approached the Small Business Administration about starting a chocolate business in 1985, she was told no bank was likely to fund such a speculative venture.  Using the $2600 nest egg she had saved by quitting smoking, Michelle rented a 500 square foot storefront and opened Chocolates by Michelle in 1985.  In two weeks the money ran out.  "I was so green," she says.  "I had no idea how undercapitalized I was."  Michelle contacted local media in a desperate attempt to stay afloat.  The gambit worked.  Press stories featuring her flair for creating unique molded and hand dipped confections started to bring in customers.

Her talent for creating on-of-a-kind confection has helped Michelle to thrive in a risky business known for its high failure rate.  "I love a challenge and coming up with unique ways to present chocolate is a joy for me."

In addition to the retail business she operates at Gulf View Square Mall in Port Richey, Palisi uses her personal collection of 8,000 molds to create specialties for corporate clients like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Devil Rays, and GTE.  She also provides custom themed chocolates for parties and special events including weddings, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, grand openings, and offbeat occasions ranging from divorce decrees to job interview thank yous.

A past winner of West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year, Michelle actively participates in numerous community organizations and charities.  She freely donates to charities by creating gift baskets and elaborate dessert tables for fund-raisers.  "The secret to success is giving back," says Michelle.

Michelle is available for guest speaking at conventions or special occasions.  Call for pricing.