This was a special Christmas indeed. There was much excitement in the Ballou household this year, and lots to celebrate. Saint Lawrence Chocolates has opened!
Ellen and Angela, in cooperation from the entire family in Potsdam, has opened up a dream. One day Ellen was driving home along the river, and she thought she should pick up some gourmet chocolate for her work mates. It was stressful time of year, and she knew it would lift their spirits. Problem was, she soon realized, there was no where to get gourmet chocolate in St. Lawrence County. Ellen's vision became clear, why couldn't she use her skills to open a gourmet chocolate shop? She could make chocolates, couldn't she?
Ellen went to work. She took chocolatier classes online. She started to taste different kinds and brands of chocolate. She began practicing, and purchasing molds. At first, the plan was to run the business from home. However, after inspectors deemed it necessary for many renovations on her house, it seemed wiser to open a shop right away. Then Ellen found the space. A storefront right downtown in Potsdam, right near the movie theatre and across from the Clarkson Inn. She could hire Angela to make chocolates. If she only had the money.
After months of securing loans, and remodeling the shop, it happened. She opened the shop. Ellen and Angela couldn't make chocolate fast enough. The customers wanted chocolate, and they cleared out the cases as fast as they could. Ellen needed Tom to help sell chocolate. She needed Marylee and Mom to put together boxes. She even needed a temporary employee to help run the cash register during the week. It became a family affair. Everyone chipped in, and the shop was up and running. It appeared that even chocolate could catch fire.
The most popular items became the handmade chocolate cream, solid chocolate shapes, and dipped oreo's and pretzels, not to mention bark. They bought Jelly Bellies too, and sugar free and organic chocolates. Don't forget lollipops. Special orders started to come in too. And with Christmas only 15 days away! Long days and nights followed. No stopping now, the chocolate show must go on!
At Christmas, even Laura and John helped chip in where they could. The Warmers made some chocolate too. The whole family wanted some! Adam couldn't believe his eyes. The whole family was there, and behind them 100%. Congrats to Ellen, Angela, Tom, Marylee, Mom, Dad....you all did an amazing job. We are all really proud!
Ellen and Angela, in cooperation from the entire family in Potsdam, has opened up a dream. One day Ellen was driving home along the river, and she thought she should pick up some gourmet chocolate for her work mates. It was stressful time of year, and she knew it would lift their spirits. Problem was, she soon realized, there was no where to get gourmet chocolate in St. Lawrence County. Ellen's vision became clear, why couldn't she use her skills to open a gourmet chocolate shop? She could make chocolates, couldn't she?
Ellen went to work. She took chocolatier classes online. She started to taste different kinds and brands of chocolate. She began practicing, and purchasing molds. At first, the plan was to run the business from home. However, after inspectors deemed it necessary for many renovations on her house, it seemed wiser to open a shop right away. Then Ellen found the space. A storefront right downtown in Potsdam, right near the movie theatre and across from the Clarkson Inn. She could hire Angela to make chocolates. If she only had the money.
After months of securing loans, and remodeling the shop, it happened. She opened the shop. Ellen and Angela couldn't make chocolate fast enough. The customers wanted chocolate, and they cleared out the cases as fast as they could. Ellen needed Tom to help sell chocolate. She needed Marylee and Mom to put together boxes. She even needed a temporary employee to help run the cash register during the week. It became a family affair. Everyone chipped in, and the shop was up and running. It appeared that even chocolate could catch fire.
The most popular items became the handmade chocolate cream, solid chocolate shapes, and dipped oreo's and pretzels, not to mention bark. They bought Jelly Bellies too, and sugar free and organic chocolates. Don't forget lollipops. Special orders started to come in too. And with Christmas only 15 days away! Long days and nights followed. No stopping now, the chocolate show must go on!
At Christmas, even Laura and John helped chip in where they could. The Warmers made some chocolate too. The whole family wanted some! Adam couldn't believe his eyes. The whole family was there, and behind them 100%. Congrats to Ellen, Angela, Tom, Marylee, Mom, Dad....you all did an amazing job. We are all really proud!
4 comments:
again wonderful photos john. I know Ellen would like some of these.
Great story, JB.
OK. Most of the photos are cool. That first one of me looks like I am really pathetic. Gland you are all enjoying the Chocolate. Remember Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Yes, anything for free publicity.
I'm glad things have settled down at lease for a little while. On Wed. Jan 3rd, we had our 1000th customer! And then the day after, I had a woman come in looking for Valentines Day chocolates, which as of yet I have not begun. She took a box of truffles in a V-day box.
I guess I better get my apron on...
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