A chocolate maker who has bucked retail trends by moving her business on to a Staffordshire high street has praised the people of Stone for their support.
“It has been fantastic, even better than I could have dreamed of,” said Michaela Jones, of Mishka Truffles and café.
“Mishka is my passion, I love making my chocolate creations, and local residents have embraced that love and given it back to me. I couldn’t be more thankful.”
Michaela had established Mishka Truffles as a firm online favourite with chocolate lovers before making the leap to opening a High Street store.
Eight weeks on from opening day and the café and chocolate shop is thriving.
She said: “We have been busier than I could have ever imagined. There’s a regular flow of customers from the minute we open until late afternoon, and we have people who call in several times a week.
“Our speciality truffles, chocolate cheesecakes and waffles are flying out of the door. People love coming in for coffee, or hot chocolate.
“We have now expanded to offer savoury Zapekanka open baguettes, made from my own recipes.
“Afternoon cream teas are also now available and these need to be booked in advance.
“I make everything in the shop and the sweet range uses only the finest Belgium chocolate. Our truffles are based on my mum’s original recipes, adapted and perfected in my kitchen here at Stone, together with the cheesecakes, waffles, and most recently our Zapekanka toasted baguettes and afternoon cream teas.”
All the chocolate treats are available to buy online, with Michaela also selling for parties and for people to eat at home.
Prior to opening the store, Michaela, who had been diagnosed as an adult with bipolar disorder and ADHD, bravely told how chocolate making had become her therapy and said she wanted to use her story to help others.
Michaela explained: “I am now in my happy place and if my story helps just one person to see they can overcome mental health issues and succeed, I will have achieved a lot. Alongside that, I can now testify that the love people have shown me here, and the appetite they have for a new business on their High Street to succeed, is a powerful force for good.”
Michaela future plans to open chocolate themed cafes in several locations in the Midlands and North West England.
ENDS
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