Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Viteri.
Hi Vivian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started working for the Chocolate factory back in 2007 while I was attending to college. After I graduate from UCF in 2014 I got pregnant when I was still working for the chocolate store. I have decided not to leave the shop because it’s hard to be pregnant and started a new job. After I have my baby, I decided that it was the perfect time for me to leave, so I left the chocolates when my daughter was one. I found a job as an assistant manager at Sherwin Williams… and left my chocolate world. While I was working at SW it was hard for me at the beginning because I had to leave my daughters at the day care for a long time of period… My husband and I working long hours … it was hard… I received a phone call from my previous Boss- Owner Joe Mazza letting me know he is selling the store. I was so happy but at the same time sad because I did not know how much he was asking for. He told me he could not handle the shop without me.
I was in the process of selling my home to get a big one, so I decided to buy the chocolate shop after I sell my home. He agree to that and that’s when I started my dream… having my chocolate store for me!! Its been five years since I owned… and It is working great even in pandemic times… at the beginning n was afraid but I knew what I was doing and put all my effort and made the store look great and better than it was !! No we also have a chocolate truck in which my husband works and we can spend more time together.. With God all is possible!!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth… its been hard to put the store back in business the way it was because when I left for a year and half the store was not working 100 percent so I have to bring the store in better way… specially in pandemic .. We have to work really hard and add more products to our store.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We specialize in chocolate… We have a variety of handmade chocolates… truffles, dipped strawberries and many thing in chocolates… we have 1000 molds if different theme. We work with florist, funeral homes, and restaurant. We do have a front store and a food truck.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I would love to open many locations around Florida!!
Contact Info:
- Email: chocobyhand@maitlandchocolate.com
- Website: www.maitlandchocolate.com
- Instagram: maitland chocolate factory
- Facebook: maitland chocolate factory
- Yelp: maitland chocolate factory
Suggest a Story: OrlandoVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
