
Meet Our Team
Get to know the faces behind our delectable treats and the passion that drives us to deliver exceptional quality and taste.

Santosh Tiptur
Founder & Executive Chef of The Conche, La Prensa Tacos & Tapas Bar, and The Conche Chocolate & Cake Studio
Raised in India, my passion for cooking was sparked early while helping my mother in the kitchen. After formally studying bakery and confectionery technology, I built a career that spans over 30 years, including executive roles with prestigious hotels, cruise lines, and luxury brands around the world.
Today, I’m proud to bring that experience to life through three distinct concepts in Loudoun County, Virginia. The Conche is a chocolate-inspired restaurant that blends elevated cuisine, imaginative desserts, and hands-on culinary experiences. La Prensa offers globally influenced tacos, tapas, and one of the region’s most creative cocktail programs.

Jason Reaves
Executive Pastry Chef/Manager Of Operations
Jason graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in Baking and Pastry Arts, he was quickly noticed for his elaborate cake designs, and competed on many Food Network shows, including Sugar Dome, Halloween Wars and won first place on LEGO Cakes, King of Cones and Freakshow Cakes! From working with Norwegian Cruiselines to Salamander Resort and Spa, Jason now joins Chef Tiptur at The Conche Studio, working on all of our amazing sweet creations! We are delighted to have Chef Jason among us.

Emily Aranda
Chocolatier
Emily is a highly skilled chocolatier with over a decade of experience in the pastry and chocolate industry. She began her culinary journey at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where she earned an Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts in 2011. Following her graduation, she relocated to Northern California, where she refined her craft in an upscale café and catering company in Los Gatos, gaining invaluable experience in high-end pastry production. Her career path led her to work in renowned restaurants and wineries in Northern Virginia, where she discovered her true passion—the art of chocolate making. This passion culminated in a pivotal role at Artisan Confections in Arlington, Virginia, where she worked as a chocolatier for five years, mastering the intricacies of fine chocolate craftsmanship. In 2022, Emily joined The Conche Studio, bringing her expertise and artistic eye to the team. She initially served as Assistant Chocolatier, perfecting the meticulous techniques and elegant details that define The Conche’s signature confections. Through dedication and innovation, she quickly advanced to a leadership role, where she now plays a key role in recipe development, custom bonbon creations, and the design of intricate chocolate sculptures for camps, classes, and special events. Beyond her professional achievements, Emily is a devoted wife and mother of two, balancing her family life with her passion for chocolate artistry. With a commitment to excellence and a love for teaching, she continues to elevate The Conche’s offerings, ensuring that every creation reflects the studio’s dedication to craftsmanship and creativity

Isabel Yadav
Marketing And Brand Development Manager
Isabel’s journey with The Conche began in 2019. Starting from the ground up, she embraced every challenge, wore countless hats, and steadily climbed the ranks to become The Conche’s Marketing and Brand Development Manager.
Today, Isabel is the creative force behind The Conche Studio’s vibrant social media presence, the contact for wholesale partnerships, and unforgettable events.
“Working at The Conche alongside Chef Santosh has been a transformative experience. His mentorship and trust has given me opportunities to grow into a version of myself I wouldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. It’s truly a pleasure to be part of such an inspiring team.