Cool Colorado stuff.

• Author: Peterson, Eric
• Position: Small Biz - Various businesses - Brief Article

STEPHANY'S CHOCOLATES: Since 1963, Stephany's Chocolates has been indulging the sweet tooth of Coloradans young and old with line after line of delectable products. From its early days as pharmacist john Poulis' side business, Stephany's has matured into a chocolate juggernaut under current owner Gary Roffe, now producing 500,000 pounds annually at its Arvada factory (free tours are available). The company's Colorado Collection includes almond toffee and the three-layer Denver Mint, but with February 14 right around the corner, the Valentine'S Collection might be more appropriate. Stephany's heart-shaped, creme brulee-filled truffles will definitely send that special chocoholic's heart racing. Retail prices range from $4.95 for a 4-ounce box to $19.95 for a 16-ounce box.

Made by Stephany's Chocolates, Arvada, (303) 421-7229 or (800)888-1522, www.stephanys-chocolates.com. Also available at seven Front Range Stephany's Chocolates retail stores, Safeway, and Target.

NATURELLE COSMETICS: After unsuccessfully searching for makeup that wouldn't bother her sensitive skin, Rhonda Karayan took matters into her own hands and founded NaturElle Cosmetics in 1991. "We're always concerned with what we put in our bodies, but not so much about what we put on our bodies," she said. Bucking the norm, Karayan's mission has been "to create something that is both natural and glamorous." The company has definitely found itself a niche, expanding its catalog to include everything from lipstick to aromatherapy candles and distributing product to more than 30 countries. For those in need of Valentine's ideas, NaturElle's preservative-free facial mists (available in 34 scents) and moisturizing anti-oxidant massage oils might just do the trick. Retail prices vary, from $1 cosmetic samplettes to $44 moisturizing serums.

Made by NaturElle Cosmetics Corp., Telluride, (800) 442-3936, www.naturalbeauty.com. Also available at the company's Denver showroom at...