ECONOMICS and ENTERPRISE
ECONOMICS and ENTERPRISE A Chocolate Enterprise BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL Like many children, a younger Stephanie Acho entertained dreams of becoming Willy Wonka and having her very own chocolate factory. Acho has come a long way since her childhood fantasies. Today, she is the proud owner of Chocolates by Reneé in Northville, where she balances her love of family and chocolate with her passion for enterprise. Taking a step into Chocolates by Reneé, one might assume it is a family-owned business passed down from one generation to another. Its welcoming atmosphere and handcrafted charm is indicative of Acho’s own sweet personality. However, she actually purchased the shop in February 1996. “It is quite an ironic story,” Acho recalled. After earning her marketing degree at the University of Michigan in 1993, Acho started an import/export business called Global Gifts. In 1995, she decided to purchase an art gallery. Thought this pursuit she found Chocolates by Reneé. Early one afternoon, Acho waited for her appointment with an art gallery owner in downtown Northville. Realizing she was a few minutes early, she walked across the street to browse at a candy store. After having a friendly conversation with the owner, Acho learned that she was looking to sell the store. “I immediately fell in love with the idea,” said Acho. “Within five days, I became the owner of Chocolates by Reneé.” Since that fateful day, Acho has dedicated herself to the shop and serving the downtown Northville area. Though she dreamed of what she would sell in her own candy shop as a child, Acho never anticipated it for her future. “I love the corporate, professional side of business,” she said, “but in purchasing Chocolates by Reneé, I also learned — hands-on — the process of chocolate making by GOOD NEWS FOR CHOCOHOLICS Love the taste of chocolate but fear the calories? Research shows that chocolate eaten in small amounts can keep you on the right path to maintaining a healthy diet. Some chocolate, especially dark chocolates high in flavanol, can prevent blood clots and clogged arteries. Other studies say that chocolate can increase energy and reduce anxiety. Researchers argue over these potential benefits of eating chocolate. While the debate is ongoing, a small amount of chocolate each day — one or two small pieces — promotes a healthy lifestyle when balanced with nutritional food choices. So indulging yourself in a sweet treat now and then can be a guilt-free pleasure! studying under the previous owner as well as a culinary specialist. Falling into this was the perfect fit.” It was a perfect fit indeed, as the shop earned Business of the Month for downtown Northville last February. Chocolates by Reneé offers a wide variety of goodies. The chocolates are all handmade from original recipes and can be molded into different shapes and sizes. For Easter, chocolate bunnies decorated the store, some standing as tall as four feet and all edible. If a bride wants a horse-drawn princess carriage for her cake, Acho can mold it exactly the way she describes. The shop also offers molded chocolate logos and signs for a unique way to advertise businesses or decorate a corporate event. Chocolates by Reneé also hosts birth- PHOTO BY BRAD ZIEGLER Wabeek Country Club (est.1972) Rich in Tradition...Now Affordable to Join A prestigious 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pet Dye. First Time Ever Lifetime Golf Membership for ,000 Wabeek Country Club now offers •Lifetime Membership for ,000 •Social Membership Available •Low Monthly Dues and Minimums •Zero Assessments •Full Country Club Amenities Wabeek Country Club LLC is a private, now-equity facility Golf outing and banquet dates now available For more information or to arrange a personal tour please call 1-877-855-0701 or visit our web site at www.wabeekcc.org 44 CHALDEAN NEWS APRIL 2005
day parties where children can handdip different edibles. The friendly atmosphere and superior chocolates bring customers back time and again. Stephanie Acho Acho finds inspiration for her success in many ways. The most prominent motivation in her life is family. “The shop gives me the flexibility that I need in order to raise my family,” she said. “My father always inspired me to mold my children first and mold my chocolate later. Family is the foundation of this business.” Her advice to other young businesspeople involves the hard work and dedication her father instilled in her throughout her life. “My father taught me the Chaldean work ethic. He always believed in the words, ‘Work as if everything depends on you, and pray as if everything depends on God,’” she said. “Pursuing your dreams is important, but doing your best with what you have and working hard at whatever life hands you is just as important.” PHOTO BY BRAD ZIEGLER Chocolates by Reneé is located at 118 E. Main St. in Northville. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (248) 349-6362 or e-mail ChocolatesByRenee@yahoo.com. A sweet day for kids at Chocolates by Reneé Custom Design Drapery Fine Furnishing and Accessories Custom Upholstery Headboard Custom Benches and Chairs Designer Fabric Available Italian Imports Complete Renovations WENDY ARABO INTERIOR DESIGNER CONSULTATION BY APPOINTMENT • Wendy Arabo Interior Designs By Appointment 4080 Haggerty Road • Walled Lake, MI 48390 at the corner of Haggerty and Richardson Phone: 248-363-9114 • Fax: 248-363-9120 APRIL 2005 CHALDEAN NEWS 45
