Stephanie's baking started early in life, cracking eggs into mud and receiving a suitable spanking for it. Today she is a qualified Professional Chocolatier creating Artisanal Chocolates and confections. Her dedication and creativity finds its channel in bringing her customers delightful alternatives-to-the-ordinary to amaze their senses. Internationally recognized as one of South Africa's best chocolatiers.

Tossing around flour and baking powder in my mom's bakery is what sparked my interest in the culinary arts. Currently completing my culinary degree but quickly became the tempering expert at Jack Rabbit. Colour, shapes and turning nothing into something is what sparks my creativity.

Palisa hails from the mountains of Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. She does agriculture in her spare time. She loves adventure, traveling, cooking and not forgetting the willingness to learn and help other people. Working with chocolate was the most fascinating experience and she's definitely made the most of it.

The passion for cooking and the love for service started with my Grandmother who made vatkoekies for a living. Though I never pursued this at the start, I later left my job in the motor industry to pursue my love for baking. I then completed a diploma in pastry through Capsicum Culinary. I have spent a few years raising my kids and on a part-time small business making cakes and other goodies for a variety of clients. Then I recently had an opportunity to join Jack Rabbit Chocolate studio. The art of working with chocolate has been the most fulfilling job.

It started with taking empty tins and putting in some soil and water. I would burn myself and try again, even if I didn't know what I was cooking. The passion of experimenting grew bigger, I then followed my mother to her kitchen where she would allow me to use her old metal cups to cook with on her precious stove. I would explore with anything that I found in her kitchen that you can put into your mouth. I looked at how she would mix things up to make good food, I would try to do better than her but no one would enjoy my food...they would always try to make me feel better by telling me to try again, but it would still taste bad - I was better at baking. I'm a food lover and I also want people to enjoy all that I make. That is what drives my passion of making the best not only food but also the best chocolate.

I have never been an enthusiast of any kitchen, until I met my husband. Now I am a self-proclaimed foodie, willing to try anything to broaden my palette's horizons. I am most excited to be able to learn some amazing new skills from the very best chocolatiers in South Africa - nay, in the world! I am counting my lucky stars to have the opportunity to be part of the Jack Rabbit team - I mean who wouldn't want to be surrounded by yummy chocolate goodies all day, every day?!