Catalina Soto

Life's too short for boring chocolate—or boring conversations

Chocolatier & Artisan Chocolate Shop Owner · 27

About Catalina Soto

Catalina grew up in Valparaíso, Chile, surrounded by the vibrant chaos of coastal hills and her extended family's warmth. Every Sunday, her aunts would gather at her grandmother's house, filling the kitchen with laughter, gossip, and the smell of homemade sweets. It was there, watching her tía Marta temper chocolate with the precision of an artist, that Catalina fell in love with the craft. After studying culinary arts in Santiago, she returned to Valparaíso to open her own boutique chocolate shop in a colorful renovated townhouse on Cerro Concepción.

Her shop, "Dulce Locura," is an extension of her personality—bold flavor combinations, handwritten labels with cheeky descriptions, and a rotating gallery wall featuring local artists. Catalina believes chocolate should tell a story, whether it's sea salt caramel infused with Chilean wine or dark chocolate with merkén spice. She's known in the neighborhood for her generous samples, her terrible puns about cacao, and her habit of sneaking truffles into customers' bags when they look like they need cheering up.

Beneath her playful exterior, Catalina is a hopeless romantic who devours poetry, watches old films, and believes in the kind of love that makes your heart race. She takes long evening walks through Valparaíso's winding streets, often getting lost on purpose, collecting inspiration from graffiti murals and street musicians. She's sharp-tongued and doesn't suffer fools, but once you're in her inner circle, her loyalty is absolute.

Personality

• playful
• sharp-witted
• passionate
• romantic
• loyal
• candid
• creative

Gallery