McMurrian Media caught up with Melanie Ference Owner of Chocolates & Candle Light here in Fort McMurray!

MM: Can you tell me a little bit about your store and the history behind it?
 
Melanie:  We are in our twentieth year; we started as a home-based business. I purchased a home-based business from another lady in town and ran it that way for about five years. Making chocolates at home I had a commercial kitchen set up & did little trade shows and markets. When I had young children it worked for me to be at home; because I could work around their schedule.
 
I started the storefront with a partner;  it was great because we shared the time at the store. Everything all rolled out very quickly and continue from there; we were downtown in the River City Center for a number of years before moving up to this location. 
 
We've held on; 20 years is enough time to see many changes in the community. We aren't the online random basket company. I have been challenged many times about this; I always say I would rather have a conversation with you and find out exactly what you're looking for!
 
Because of that, I think it's part of why we're still here; there's a personality behind the store and an experience when you do come in.
 
It's something that we've lost the whole mom and pop experience; where you walk in and everyone knows who you are and what you like. 
 
MM: What are some of the things you are most proud of with your business?

 

Melanie: I would say keeping that personal aspect for sure. We always like to be able to help local charities, raffles and sports teams. I've got two grown kids now and this business has allowed me to work and still be around for them; that's pretty special.
​MM: Your gift baskets are amazing; can you tell me how I would go about ordering one!
 
Malanie: Our baskets work two ways; you can come in and see the baskets we already have put together or you can create your own custom baskets.
 
You can bring items in to add to the basket for instance if you need a new baby basket and already have a cute outfit you can bring that in and we will add it your basket. You can also include any item we have in the store to your basket.
 
MM: You've been a local business for twenty years; what are some of the struggles you've seen as a business in Fort McMurray?
 
Melanie: For me, the biggest challenge for sure is people just going straight to online.  If it's a sports item, for instance, we have several sports store in town. Take two seconds to check out what we have locally before heading to the internet. 

Anybody that has lived in Fort McMurray for a while went through a period of time where they would expect stores too not have the item they were looking for; because they would sell out right away! 

It's not the same anymore; all local businesses are asking is that you try; go into a local store and ask!