One-Up Chocolates gets its name from the game mechanic first appearing in Super Mario Bros. called a "1-UP" where players received an extra life. While I can't provide a second chance at life, I hope these treats give you an extra boost your day.
Hi, I’m Mira
and desserts and video games have always been a part of my life.
Chocolate is always delicious.
I will completely ask for a dessert menu at a restaurant before I order an entrée so I can plan accordingly.
When I was 7, Star Wars Dark Forces was the first PC game I ever played. I was forever intrigued by video games and ended up pursuing a career in video games. I graduated with a B.F.A. in Animation from the Savannah College of Art and Design. I focused on 3D Modeling and UI which is how I got my start in the game industry.
In 2018, I presented at the leading game industry conference, GDC, about the UI/UX process of taking mobile game IPs and transitioning them to VR platforms. This was also my first time really being able to share a significant amount of user research on how people adjust to emerging technologies- very fun.
My first big conference presentation, wohoo! I was very excited and nervous.
Sadly, the last game studio I was at shutdown. RI.P. NCSOFT Irontiger, they were such a great group of devs and after 8+ years, my time in the game industry came to a close.
In 2019, I began working in the drone industry as a Product Designer at Skydio…because flying robots are fun and this was probably the closest I’d ever get to fulfilling a childhood dream of being a pilot. I had really, really, terrible eyesight as a kid so the idea of being a Thunderbird pilot died real-quick, real- young.
thank goodness for laser eye surgery these days, complete life changer!
While working full-time, I attended the San Francisco Cooking School’s Professional Pastry Program- literally one of my favorite investments in myself. Over a decade prior to attending Pastry School, I had the privilege to work with chefs Gabrielle Feuersinger of SF’s Cake Coquette and Ashlee Perkins of Tier Luxury Cakes.
SF Cooking School unfortunately didn’t survive out of COVID, they had an amazing program.
One-Up Chocolates is the product of my desire to combine my love of video games and confections together. I hope you enjoy my recipes and feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or via the contact page if you have any questions.
Cheers to everyone pursuing multiple passions and may your heart containers always be full!
Fun Facts:
I live in SF with my husband and little black cat.
Watermelons are my favorite fruit…seriously could eat them all day long.
I have terrible allergies, as much as I love nature, it really doesn’t love me back.