Constance Menzies

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell 

Published in the Financial Post

 June 8, 2009

Constance Menzies founded Chocolatier Constance Popp ( www.artisanchocolates.ca ). The Winnipeg shop makes and sells premium chocolate. Constance Menzies tells the Financial Post what motivated her to become an entrepreneur.

Practical beginnings: “I received a Masters degree in natural resources management from the University of Manitoba. For years, I worked for a large furniture company, dealing with suppliers.”

Chocolate calls: “Having a creative side, I enjoy throwing fabulous dinner parties. One of these, a chocolate party, proved so popular, I realized the business potential of chocolate.”

Sweet journey: “After three years in Montreal, studying the art of making chocolate, I opened my Winnipeg shop in 2007. I sell both retail and wholesale, to businesses such as hotel chains. Shoppers for visiting celebrities also drop by.”

Sensual taste: “I often add ingredients such as sunflower and flax seed, dried blueberries, and ginger to chocolate. At a recent competition, I won kudos for my ‘Manitobar’, a chocolate bar in the shape of the province, with honey, caramel, and hazelnut.”

Dazzling: “I use the finest ingredients, locally grown, whenever possible. For gift-giving, we offer exquisite wrappings, including stained glass boxes, made by local artists.”

Daily delight: “People love buying and eating chocolate. I’m happiest when the shop is full of food I’ve made.”

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