At first, with minimal equipment and experience, Bébette dealt with a steep learning curve, but charged ahead, determined to learn everything she could to become a master chocolatier. She became adept at the craft, and opened a small storefront called “La Bonbonnière” in 2005. A few years later, she moved to her Furys Ferry Road location, where she has been for over nine years. Since the inception of her store, Bébette has continuously furthered her education by attending workshops and training with chocolate masters all over the world. Bringing her newfound knowledge back to Augusta, she elevates the culinary landscape of the region each time she returns, and the locals have caught on in a big way. In an era where small businesses often rely on heavy foot traffic or a strong online presence to survive, Bébette credits her success to a very supportive community.
“Even though I don’t have a location that is in a very walkable area, the customers come,” says Bébette, smiling. “People enjoy coming to little shops, to shop in places where they know you. I know what is going on in my customer’s lives; they tell me about their dogs, their husbands, their families, and I enjoy talking with them about it. I think that is why we have been successful here: because people like what we offer, and that’s more than chocolate.”
