Black History 365’s Honors Phillip Ashley Rix

A modern master chocolatier whose artistry, resilience, and vision continue to reshape the world of fine candy making

By: Donovan Martin Sr, Editor in Chief
Image Credit: Phillip Ashley Rix

Black history lives in the work of creators who quietly transform everyday industries into spaces of pride, identity, and innovation. In the world of fine confections, Phillip Ashley Rix has carved out a place that blends art, culture, and craftsmanship into something far greater than a simple sweet. His journey into candy making is a story of persistence, reinvention, and the courage to take a traditional craft and elevate it into an expression of creativity and heritage.

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Rix did not begin his career in a chocolate kitchen. His early professional life moved through corporate and creative spaces, where he developed a strong eye for design, presentation, and storytelling. Those skills would later become the foundation of his success. When he turned his attention to chocolate, it was not simply about learning recipes. It was about creating an experience that felt personal, memorable, and distinctly modern. He studied the craft intensely, experimenting with flavors, textures, and visual concepts until his work began to stand apart from the standard expectations of the confectionery world.

He eventually founded a luxury chocolate company that would come to be recognized for its bold flavor profiles and sophisticated presentation. His approach was different from the start. Instead of focusing only on sweetness, he drew inspiration from fine dining, music, and cultural memory. He introduced combinations that surprised people and invited them to think of chocolate in a new way. Ingredients like citrus, spices, herbs, and unexpected infusions became part of a creative process that felt more like designing a collection than producing a product. Each piece carried intention, shaped not just by taste but by the story behind it.

His reputation grew steadily, reaching far beyond local markets. His chocolates have been featured at high level events and have been selected as gifts for celebrities, corporate leaders, and even diplomatic gatherings. He became known for creating custom collections tied to important moments, from weddings and milestone celebrations to major cultural events. This level of detail turned his work into something that felt rare and meaningful. People were not simply buying candy. They were sharing a carefully crafted experience.

There is also an important cultural layer to his success. As a Black entrepreneur working in the luxury confectionery space, he stepped into a field where representation has often been limited. His presence helped shift perceptions of what luxury can look like and who gets to define it. By building a brand rooted in quality, innovation, and authenticity, he created a path that others could see and follow. His work shows that tradition can be respected while still making room for new voices and new perspectives.

Rix has often spoken about the importance of patience and precision in candy making. Chocolate is sensitive, complex, and unforgiving when handled carelessly. Every step requires focus, from temperature control to presentation. That attention to detail mirrors the discipline that shaped his journey. He built his name piece by piece, focusing on quality and consistency rather than chasing trends. Over time, that commitment turned his brand into a trusted name associated with craftsmanship and originality.

His creations have also been connected to larger conversations around culture and celebration. In Memphis, a city rich with music history and artistic influence, his work reflects the rhythm and spirit of the place he calls home. Some collections have drawn inspiration from musical themes, while others highlight moments of pride and identity. This blending of art and confectionery gives his work a deeper emotional connection. It reminds people that even something small can carry meaning when it is made with intention.

The impact of his journey reaches beyond the chocolates themselves. For young entrepreneurs watching from the outside, his story is a reminder that new paths can be built with determination and vision. He did not wait for an invitation into the luxury market. He created his own space through creativity and persistence. That example speaks loudly, especially to those who may feel overlooked or uncertain about stepping into unfamiliar industries.

Black History 365 is about recognizing builders like Rix who are shaping culture in real time. His work stands at the intersection of art, business, and identity, showing how a traditional craft can be transformed into something deeply personal and widely respected. Candy making may seem simple on the surface, but in the hands of someone with imagination and purpose, it becomes a platform for storytelling and connection.

Honoring his contributions means acknowledging the broader meaning behind his success. It reflects the power of creativity, the value of resilience, and the beauty of building something lasting. His journey continues to inspire because it shows that excellence can come from passion and dedication, and that even the smallest creation can carry a powerful story when it is shaped by vision and heart.