Valerie Gordon and her husband and partner Stan Weightman Jr. started Valerie Confections out of their Los Angeles apartment in 2004 with six flavors of hand-dipped toffee. The company quickly became synonymous with luxury chocolate, and nearly 20 years later, it has grown exponentially to include truffles, chocolates, petits fours, baked goods like cakes and pies, and a neighborhood cafe. In addition to being a beloved hometown brand in Los Angeles, Valerie Confections is nationally recognized as one of the best confectioners and chocolatiers in the country.
In 2013, Valerie and Stan opened Valerie Echo Park, now a staple of the Echo Park community. Later that year, Valerie published her first cookbook, Sweet (Artisan Books), which became a James Beard Award finalist. In 2022, Valerie and Stan moved Valerie Confections to a new 5,000 square-foot flagship bakery and chocolate shop in Glendale, which includes kitchens, production areas, a retail boutique, expanded shipping operations, office space, and an outdoor garden. There, Valerie and Stan are continuing to grow the company through expanded wholesale and production capabilities, as well as in-person events.
Valerie Confections has been featured in the New York Times, T Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, O Magazine, Food & Wine, and countless other top-tier print, digital, and TV outlets. Through the years, the company’s ethos has never wavered from making timeless, handcrafted treats from the highest-quality ingredients. Valerie Confections has always eschewed trends, instead taking inspiration from design, fashion, and luxury brands for Valerie’s modern takes on classic flavors. Hallmarks of the company include elegant packaging and a highly personal touch to each order: Every box of chocolates is thoughtfully packed by hand, every ribbon is hand-tied, and every expiration date is hand-written.
Find Valerie Confections at select retailers throughout the country. Customers can also order an array of classic items and seasonal treats through this site, with shipping available nationwide. Follow @valerieconfctns on Instagram for news, updates, and recipes.
Valerie and Stan live in Los Angeles with their children, August and Lee.