A Chocolate Boutique
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Nobody else is really doing what I’m doing here. It was funny when I set up my suppliers for the store, because nobody from Alberta had ever ordered these chocolates. Some of the bars are exclusive to us.
I moved with my family from Germany in 1977, so I was 7 years old. We moved directly to Edmonton. My dad had previously lived here in the 1950s and just fell in love with nature and wildlife. So he moved back to Germany, met my mom, and then we finally ended up moving back to Edmonton.
My husband and I were talking about this the other day. You know, why did my dad move to Edmonton, out of all the places he could choose? We were kinda laughing. And then my husband is like, “Well, you know, Edmonton is really perfect for him, because like him it's totally unpretentious and sort of rugged.” Back in the 50s, it was probably a little bit like the Wild West. My husband appreciates that too, that Edmonton is slightly more low-key and people are more themselves. No airs.
But I think the city has definitely changed while I was gone teaching in Japan and then living in New York. It's faster-paced than it used to be. People are more sophisticated, for sure. They travel more. There's more money now, so people have developed a taste for the finer things in life.
Those are all good things for me, since I have the luxury of providing a niche product. Nobody else is really doing what I'm doing here. It was funny when I set up my suppliers for the store, because nobody from Alberta had ever ordered these chocolates. Some of the bars are exclusive to us. I don't know why people haven't picked it up. It's a real privilege for me, though, introducing people to fine chocolate and educating them about it.
And Edmonton gives me the space to grow. Not just as a business person, but also as a human being, I suppose. There's a certain comfort here. People aren't so pushy...I don't know; it seems like they just allow you more space or room or something. The generosity of people.
I think that counts for a lot.
Where Next?
Kerstin Roos
Kerstin Roos owns Kerstin’s Chocolates and in 2008 opened her store in Oliver. She and her team make gourmet chocolates, offer chocolate making classes, and import fine chocolates from artisanal chocolatiers in Europe and North America.
