Sisi Zombori putting the finishing touches to one of the last of 200 pumpkins she was commissioned to carve last year. Each one took up to four hours to complete. Picture: Russell Sach.
Published: March 7, 2021 | Updated: 7th March 2021
Szimonetta Zombori is living proof that you can carve out a business from your talents.
Quite literally.
Because the 28-year-old, also known as Sisi, is a food carver.
And not just fruit and vegetables.
She also carves soaps and creates artisan, handmade chocolate bars, pictured.
Now her passion has led to the launch of Rosegold & Grey.
The bespoke, personalised hamper gift box business currently offers 11 different products.
From a lockdown survival box to a Mother’s Day pamper and hamper gift set, pictured.
Prices start from £23 and include free local delivery.
For Sisi, who moved to Bournemouth from Scotland in 2015, it’s a dream come true.
She said: “After I graduated from high school, I tried to find a creative way to express myself through art.
“For the last seven years I got experience with different materials like cheese [pictured], avocado, melon and broccoli.
“Recently I enjoyed carving soap as well.
“Rosegold & Grey began in my living room when I started to create gift boxes to present my art in a way my customers deserved.
“I also found more personalised gifts by creating artisan, handmade chocolate bars.
“I just love to give the personal touch to each of the boxes.
“Creating and giving value to my customers gives me happiness and fulfilment.”
Sisi, who is married with a son, aged 14 months, had a passion for art from an early age.
A quiet child, and growing up in Hungary, there was nothing she loved more than spending time with her colouring pencils and drawing.
For hours and hours.
Sisi’s artistic abilities were recognised by her teachers who helped develop her skills and knowledge.
Her talent for art led to a professional stone sculptor qualification.
Then, one day, a family friend returned from holiday and described seeing some amazing food carvings.
Sisi did some research and was promptly hooked.
She did a food carving course and began working on fruit and vegetables as both a hobby and a way of practice.
Moving first to Scotland, and then to Bournemouth, she turned her skills into a business.
Her custom-made carving and workshops quickly gathered speed and all looked good.
And then the pandemic came along.
Sisi said: “That’s when I realised that gift boxes were the way forward.
“I expanded my services and added hamper boxes to my offers.
“Rosegold & Grey was born last month, February.
“Our boxes are made of environmentally friendly materials.
“To give a personal touch, each box comes packed with hand-carved soap or artisan chocolate bars.
“My customers are people who really want a quality, individual product.”
Rosegold & Grey offers four types of chocolate: dark, milk, white or ruby.
Ruby is described as “an intense sensorial delight, a totally new taste experience”.
It is neither bitter, milky or sweet, but “a tension of fresh berry fruitiness and luscious smoothness.”
A special gift box suitable for vegetarians and vegans is available.
All the luxury gift sets feature complimentary custom handwritten note cards and hand wrapped gift designs.
Sisi, pictured left, said: “The reviews have been amazing.
“I’ve found something I really love doing.
“I’m really excited and just want to move to the next step, whatever that might be.”
A video of Sisi creating her bespoke gift boxes can be seen here.
