I’ve made it five years in Ventura Harbor! 50% of businesses will fail in the first five years. For restaurants that percentage is higher, especially during the most recent five years which included the pandemic. So passion and perseverance have helped me beat the odds. It feels good. It’s Christmas chocolate season and as I write this, I am on a flight to Austin Texas to continue my search for what will be Top This Chocolate’s flagship location. It used to be unthinkable that I could leave my chocolate store for a few days during the bustling high season. But I have amazing managers and fantastic Chocologists. The operation runs smoothly while I’m away. What a relief.
My lease in Ventura Harbor ended at the end of October. I did not renew my option for the next three years and am now leasing on a month-to-month basis. I’m looking forward to starting fresh once I find the next location. That is after a long far away vacation free from the stress of knowing that the store is open and my responsibility. Five years is a nice milestone to hit before starting over. The store is profitable and at an operational peak. This year’s Christmas chocolate collection is cutest and most exciting that it’s ever been and we’re on track to have a great season. In addition to our regulars, we’ve had people come in who are former customers from Robitaille's Fine Candies, which closed in Carpenteria at the beginning of December. Welcome to our chocolate wonderland Robitaille’s customers!
Because I am seeking a busier retail location, the store in Ventura Harbor is for sale to a potential franchisee. However, I am not in sales mode because I don’t want to be disingenuous to a buyer. Ventura Harbor, once bustling, continues to be a challenge. Foot traffic is almost nonexistent on weekdays. The weekends have become hit or miss. The shopping center is languishing. Almost a year ago the cupcake shop moved to a new location and a large restaurant folded. Those spaces lie empty in the middle of the waterfront walk. There are other retail vacancies as well. I’d be lying if I said I saw a bright future for the center from here. There isn’t great decision making. As one example, I would estimate that I’ve lost over $50,000 in sales per year because there is no mall directory that would let tourists know there is a chocolate store in the complex. This is also frustrating for those who come to the harbor looking for my store and have to wander around hoping they'll find it. I’m not going to hide that issue and others. However, the store is profitable enough for me to take a salary, the view each day from my front windows of the mountains, water and boats is breathtaking and the constant positive feedback from happy customers is fulfilling. It’s a great opportunity for the right person. However, that person is more likely someone looking for extra income from a profitable hobby than someone looking for a way to pay a California mortgage. So, if you’re that person or you know someone who is, please contact me immediately. If I don’t find such a person, I will likely close within a few months to focus fully on my search. I can pack up my tools and equipment and take them with me.
It is not with ease that a decision like that will be made. I think of the community of local customers who we serve and how much they enjoy the chocolate and the custom experience. I also think of how grateful I am to Ventura Harbor for giving me the opportunity to get my start. I had never run a business before and I would never have been able to launch at retail if they hadn’t given me a chance. I was able to refine my offerings and operations in a gentle, forgiving and supportive community that loves small businesses. I was also able to survive pandemic only because I launched in Ventura and not in LA. So I feel like I’m biting the hand that fed me. But I’ve also been watching that same hand destroy its harvest.
So cheers to 5 years! It's been a great experience. Hopefully five years from now, Top This Chocolate will be thriving in its forever home with other branches thriving as well. It’s continues to be an interesting journey with bumps in the road.
I'm looking forward to all the smiling faces at my final Christmas boat parade in Ventura Harbor. It's the busiest day of the year. Then I place my gaze in the future's path.