Not every chocolatier can claim to have a doctor of science degree, although creating chocolates has always embodied a wonderful mix of science and art. After spending 23 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Belgian-born Jean-Paul Hepp decided to replace pharma for food — food of the gods, that is.

One of the things he missed the most from home was Belgian chocolate. After returning to Belgium, Hepp turned his love for chocolate into a career, which led to him becoming a master chocolatier and Chocodiem. Teaming up with his daughter, Eveline, the two tested recipes in Belgium. Hepp subsequently launched Chocodiem in 2012 with a location in Clinton, N.J.