By SCOTT TRUDEAU
Special to the Western News
If you’ve been to Accent Chocolates then you know co-owner Eva Poloskey values her customers as much as she values her product.
While some people are just getting into the swing of the holiday season, Eva and husband Les began ramping up for Dec. 25 back in October working almost non stop and putting in double-digit work days.
“We work eight days a week, 34 hours a day,” joked Eva. “We’re excited to make sure everything is done. You plan, prepare and execute. It’s really exciting because (after Christmas day) we close and we can sleep in and you can reflect on how you did the past year.”
In March of 2018, the Poloskeys will celebrate 18 years in business. Eva attributes their longevity to them focusing on their clientele at all times because “without them we don’t have a business.”
She said chocolate remains a staple for the holiday season because selecting quality chocolates are more than just an afterthought or last-minute gift for someone; they can be special and memorable.
The fact they use the best quality ingredients while making sure their chocolates are sugar and preservative-free is another of the reasons customers keep coming back for more.
Those familiar with the shop also know Eva refers to most everyone as “sweetie darling” and will typically send her customers away with a box of chocolates and a hug and a peck on the cheek.
On this day, one of their many repeat customers, drove from Kamloops to pick up a box. In fact, they’ve got customers from all parts of Europe, South Africa and as far away as New Zealand.
They offer dozens of handmade chocolates, all of them custom-made using their own recipes.
In fact, Les noted that where some chocolatiers use recipes found in books, he does the opposite, relying on his and Eva’s sense of taste to determine if a new flavour will make to their display shelves.
Although the dip in the economy has slowed their business compared to a few years ago, they love what they do and it shows in the care and detail they put into their finished product.
As small business owners, the Poleskeys work long days and have invested thousands of hours into ensuring every customer receives the same treatment.
“This is my home,” said Eva. “When you come here, you have come to visit me in my home.”