When Rasha Albasha moved to the United States in 2014, she had arrived with a heart full of dreams. She didn’t have much business experience, but she had a vision. She saw a gap in the American dessert scene, where she imagined a place with rich chocolate creations blending European, American, and Middle Eastern influences into something unforgettable.
In 2015, that idea took shape with the opening of the first Chocolate Bash in Newport Beach, California. The shop serves decadent waffles and crepes topped with indulgent ingredients like cookie butter and pistachio spread. The response was immediate and overwhelming. “Within two months of opening our first location in Newport Beach we had people lined up out the door all the way to the street, all without spending a penny on advertising,” Rasha said.
Building a Brand, One Location at a Time
By 2017, Rasha was ready to grow but knew she couldn’t do it alone. She contacted the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center. With support from Center Director and business consultant Manal Richa, she received help organizing her finances, finding funding, and crafting an expansion plan. The SBDC also guided forecasting, market research, operations, and improving her business model, saving her valuable time and resources.
With this support, she opened a second location in Los Angeles, followed by a third in Tustin. From there, the momentum kept building. Today, Chocolate Bash has more than 20 stores across California and Arizona, plus its first international location in Qatar, with new stores on the horizon in Dubai, Ohio, and Texas. Rasha’s journey shows how a partnership between a determined entrepreneur and the right resources can turn a single idea into a thriving international brand.
A Sweet Milestone: SBA Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
As her business grew, Rasha made giving back a priority. She has supported local schools and focuses on education, health, and food security. Chocolate Bash sources ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible, staying true to Rasha’s belief in supporting fellow small businesses.
Nearly a decade after opening her first store, Rasha has been honored as the Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The award recognizes her creativity, resilience, and impact in both business and her community. Rasha’s story is a powerful reminder that one can make a dream a reality with passion, persistence, and a clear vision