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By Jennifer Farnsworth
For Rosemary Keville, candy is more than a sweet treat.
As owner of Keville Handcrafted Chocolates, a state-certified Woman Owned Business Enterprise, Keville specializes in making bonbons, caramels and buttercrunch, all of which hold a special meaning for her.
She said her affection for the candies comes from visits she once took with her parents to Ireland, where they were originally from. She remembers her mom’s love of black licorice and the caramels that her dad looked forward to.
Keville said her father was a master carpenter who taught her how to pay attention to details. As he was starting to find chewing more difficult, she decided to learn how to make the candy in a fashion that he could enjoy.
“I learned to make a soft version for my dad, and I also started making buttercrunch for my mom, something that she loved,” she said.
She is also the owner of Keville Insurance, another Certified Women Owned Business Enterprise. She has been involved in insurance and risk management for over 20 years. At one point, she started bringing the homemade candies to her clients and from there the interest in her handmade treats started to spiral.
Keville Handcrafted Chocolates is located at 100 Saratoga Village Boulevard, Suite 42, in Malta. Opening in that space was over a year in the making.
She said before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the chocolate company opened a production space and built a shop in Malta. The pandemic didn’t allow for Keville to open to the public, but she networked to bring in business. She said she is a firm believer in “what you put out into the world is what you get back” and she is always looking to make connections with people and help them where she can.
“I genuinely want to help who I can, and it is amazing how one thing leads to another once you start putting yourself out there,” said Keville.
The networking approach has brought in business that extends as far as California. Much of the company’s business comes from large-event orders. Batches of handmade chocolates are often shipped all around the country.
“I really am excited to see this grow, and to see what happens,” said Keville.
Keville Handcrafted Chocolates is available online at www.facebook.com/kevillechocolates, by phone at (518) 400-8000 or info@kevillechocolates.com. A website will be launched at a later time. The shop is open from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, as well as by appointment.