The premise behind Animas Chocolate Co., established in 2011, started with an old chocolate recipe book and a love for baking.
The boutique-style chocolate shop is owned by Carley and Marc Snider; Carley Snider also is the head chocolatier and makes all the chocolate treats in-house.
Running a business in the Four Corners can be a balancing act, Carley Snider said. The company must plan orders several weeks or even months in advance because this area is not close to a distributor, she said.
Another struggle is Economics 101: supply and demand. The company plays a balancing act in having enough merchandise to meet the proper demands, especially during the holiday season, Marc Snider said.
Animas Chocolate Co. collaborates with several nonprofits, providing donations and samples. The store also sells products from other local retailers.
“We always want to grow, growing within our space or into a larger production space,” Carley Snider said.
The company plans to add more products, which would include a unique assortment of chocolates to the line.
Unlike a box store, the Sniders can interact face-to-face with their customers and wouldn’t change a thing.
“It’s a huge creative outlet. It’s fun helping people find what they are looking for,” Carley Snider said. “Everyone’s always happy when they come in because it’s chocolate.”
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
