Celebrating one sweet year

Lafayette — Chocolate Parfait recently celebrated its first anniversary and shop owner/chocolatier Tracey Williams reports that it’s been an exciting and busy 12 months. “It’s been actually pretty good,” she says. “I’m loving every minute of it. It’s just fun and exiting because the customers are always so happy when they come in. Chocolate and ice cream. How could you not?” The Lafayette Village shop owner says that despite the bad economy, she’s found the business has exceeded her expectations of just breaking even in this first year. “I really don’t have any complaints. I think we all wish business to be a little busier, but they say that chocolate is recession-proof.” Williams took over the shop formerly known as Heavenly Sweets and says her revival of the flagging business has pleased many old and new customers. “I’ve brought it back and I’ve had such a positive feedback and a lot of repeat clientele.” New for this summer will be an expanded ice cream department and more hand-made chocolates. Williams says that the business is hard work, but that’s what she expected. “I knew that when you go into a business that is open seven days a week, there really isn’t’ too much breathing space. Christmas was really hectic and having my first Christmas here, I didn’t know what to expect. We were so busy, so swamped I was coming back till one or two in the morning. I will know for this year to be a little more prepared.” “That was a good surprise.” To celebrate her anniversary, Williams plans to offer customer appreciation samples. More new items will be introduced over the coming months, including handmade fudge.