About Elope CBD
Handcrafted premium CBD chocolate meltaways made in Chicago since 1938
OUR FOUNDER
Meet the visionary entrepreneur behind Elope CBD and the innovative mind that has shaped America's confection landscape
Valentine Gelata
Founder & CEO, Jumm LLC
A Journey Across America
Valentine's entrepreneurial spirit was forged through diverse American experiences—from the industrial shores of Miller Beach, Indiana, where he learned the value of hard work and community, to the heartland charm of Centerville, Ohio, home of the renowned Americana Festival, where he developed an appreciation for authentic American traditions and craftsmanship.
Educational Foundation
His journey continued to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication in 1993. This unique educational background in communication theory and organizational behavior would prove instrumental in building brands that truly connect with consumers and creating efficient business operations.
From Vegas to Confections
Valentine's career began in the high-stakes world of Las Vegas casinos, where he honed his skills in customer relations, marketing, and operational excellence at prestigious venues like The Mirage and Wynn Las Vegas. This experience in hospitality and luxury service would later influence his approach to premium confection creation.
Confection Empire Builder
🍫 National Brand Creator
Creator of multiple nationally recognized confection brands, including the successful rebranding of Mellos Peanut Company and the development of premium chocolate lines.
🎯 "Life is Sweet" Brand
Developed the acclaimed "Life is Sweet" gourmet chocolate brand for Brown Sugar Bakery, featuring 21 SKUs placed in prestigious retailers like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's.
✈️ Chicago Classic Confections
Created the Chicago Classic Confections brand, successfully placed in O'Hare International Airport duty-free stores, bringing Chicago's confection heritage to travelers worldwide.
🌿 Elope CBD Innovation
Pioneered the premium CBD chocolate market with Elope CBD, achieving distribution in 1000+ retailers nationwide while maintaining the highest quality standards.
🏆 Industry Recognition
- • 15+ years building successful brands from concept to nationwide distribution
- • Expert in operations management and strategic business growth
- • Specialist in CBD product regulatory compliance
The Elope CBD Vision
"My journey from the shores of Lake Michigan to the entertainment capital of the world, and finally to the confection industry, has taught me that true success comes from understanding people—their desires, their needs, and their dreams. Elope CBD represents the culmination of decades of experience in hospitality, business development, and artisanal craftsmanship."
Valentine's unique background in organizational communication, combined with his hands-on experience in luxury service and manufacturing, enables him to create products that don't just meet market demands—they anticipate and exceed customer expectations. His Midwest roots keep him grounded in authentic values, while his diverse professional experience drives innovation in every aspect of the Elope CBD brand.
About Us
A uniquely satisfying chocolate with just the right amount of Cannabinoid for the perfect blend of Indulgence and Wellness.
Elope CBD-infused Double Chocolate Meltaways are your new ritual to escape-it-all. Meltaway into bliss with our perfect matching of premium handcrafted chocolate married with high-quality CBD.
Who We Are
Elope features a silky-smooth double chocolate confection with a unique mouthfeel you won't find with other brands. Handcrafted in Chicago the same old-fashioned way it has been since 1938.
🏭 Born in the same factory that invented the Dove Bar
Our chocolates are crafted in the legendary facility where the iconic Dove Bar was first created, ensuring the same level of quality and craftsmanship that made Dove a household name.
Proudly Manufactured by Brown Sugar Bakery Chicago
We are honored to partner with Stephanie Hart, founder and owner of Brown Sugar Bakery, a certified minority-owned, woman-owned, and Black-owned business that has been serving Chicago's South Side community since 2004.
🏆 Award-Winning Excellence
Stephanie Hart is a James Beard Foundation 2019 semifinalist for Outstanding Baker Award and former technology professional who transitioned from a 20-year tech career to become one of Chicago's most celebrated bakers.
🌟 Stephanie Hart's Journey:
- James Beard Foundation 2019 semifinalist
- Self-taught baker preserving family traditions
- 20+ years technology industry background
- Community leader & entrepreneur
- Building owner & facility investor
🏭 Brown Sugar Bakery Legacy:
- Established 2004 in Chatham neighborhood
- 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility
- Historic former Cupid Candies factory (1936)
- Visited by VP Kamala Harris (April 2021)
- Featured on Food Network & Good Morning America
💰 Community Investment & Recognition
Brown Sugar Bakery has received over $960,000 in grants from Illinois and Chicago, recognizing its impact on community development and job creation in the South Side.
Infused with THC-free CBD that absorbs efficiently into your bloodstream for maximum effect and promises you'll never have to worry about failing a drug test.
Our Mission
Wellness & Indulgence
A modern twist on a classic, each cube features a safe and effective 25mg dose of cannabinoids - creating whole-body wellness you can feel.
Perfect Pairing
Elope is a perfect pairing with your morning coffee, evening glass of wine, or as a stand-alone treat any time of day.
Natural Benefits
Our CBD chocolates enhance relaxation, reduce pain sensations, and increase mental focus without being intoxicating so you can stay on-task.
Our Process
FOLLOW THE PROCESS
Handcrafted in Chicago the same old-fashioned way it has been since 1938, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
WORK FOR RESULT
Infused with THC-free CBD that absorbs efficiently into your bloodstream for maximum effect and wellness benefits.
ENJOY YOUR LIFE
Experience whole-body wellness with our perfect blend of indulgence and therapeutic benefits in every delicious bite.
Natural Ingredients
Ingredients:
Dark Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate Liquor, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin (emulsifier), Vanilla, Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Milk Powder, Soy Lecithin (emulsifier).
Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Derived from Industrial Hemp. NON-PSYCHOACTIVE.
Warning: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not operate machinery. Not for use by minors, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
