Community Engagement: Give Where you Live
Aarti Khosla, the artisan behind Le Rouge Chocolates, doesn't just make chocolate—
she pours her heart into community service with a deeply human touch.
Her story is not one of business success alone, but of how food, art, and empathy can come together to create meaningful change.
"Give a Little Love" — A Movement Disguised as Chocolate
This is more than just a seasonal sale—it's an emotional initiative that connects people. Every February, Aarti hand-paintshundreds of chocolate hearts, each one an invitation togive kindness. Priced affordably, the hearts are designed to be gifted to people we often overlook—school staff, sanitation workers, healthcare aides, senior neighbors, delivery drivers. Her message is simple:
"We don't need to wait for a reason to show someone they matter."
And she gives this message tangibly—donating 10% of every sale to a different cause each month. Over the years, these have supported cancer research, disaster relief, education for girls, and more.
One year, in response to a national tragedy, shedonated 100% of heart sales for a week to children in crisis. She didn't ask for applause. She simply asked for her customers to help her show up.
1,100 Hearts for 1,100 Graduates
Three years in a Row
When COVID-19 cancelled graduation ceremonies in 2020, Aarti didn't just feel sad for the students of Bridgeport—she mobilized. With the health of local volunteers, she personally made and hand-painted1,100 chocolate hearts—one forevery single graduating senior in the city. It wasn't about chocolate; it was aboutacknowledgement.
She wrote a note to each student reminding them they were seen, celebrated, and loved. It was a gesture that meant more than any diploma on stage.
A Home for Women Entrepreneurs
Aarti's chocolate shop has always been more than a storefront.
It's been a space for connection and empowerment,
especially for women trying to build something of their own.
She regularly opens her space—at no charge—forfemale entrepreneurs to network, test products, or simply be in the company of other dreamers. In a world where community often takes a backseat to competition, she believes in lifting others while she climbs.
Compassion for All Creatures
In 2019, Aarti extended her "Give a Little Love" campaign tosupport animals, donating 50% of proceeds from special chocolate bones to help build the Weston Dog Park. It was inspired by a local dog lover—and it was classic Aarti: using chocolate to quietly fund joy.
Shaving her head to raise money for St. Baldrick Foundation in 2017
https://06880danwoog.com/2017/
When She Gave Her Hair Perhaps most moving of all: in 2017, Aartishaved her head as part of theSt. Baldrick's Foundation campaign to raise funds for childhood cancer. She did it in memory of her father, who died of brain cancer, and out of solidarity with children who don't have a choice.
"Hair grows back," she said. "But these kids deserve to grow up."
Aarti Khosla's community work doesn't come from strategy—
it comes from deep empathy. She notices who's been forgotten, and then uses her talents to remind them they matter. Whether she's painting a chocolate heart or mentoring a young woman, she does so with sincerity and care.
Her chocolate is exquisite.
But her kindness? Truly unforgettable.
