the dream of a young chocolatier takes shape

For Laurie and those close to him, the decision to open this business was not surprising.

“When I was little, I never really played with dolls. What interested me was the Easy Bake petit four. I had three,” says the owner, met on site the day after the opening weekend.

Laurie therefore chose to take the pastry course at the Professional Training Center (CFP) in Jonquière, followed by the Diploma of Professional Studies (DEP) in cooking. Then, she went to the Montreal Chocolate Academy to specialize, before going to work in different companies related to catering.

It was while working with chef Francis Pearson, also a chocolatier, that Laurie was convinced to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.

“Francis always advised me to start early, that it was better to trade early than late. My family also really pushed me to go into this,” confirms the entrepreneur.

Laurie completed business launch training at CFP du Grand-Fjord to prepare herself well for this challenge. Many steps followed, particularly in terms of finding premises, for which Laurie fell in love.

LaurieGinale opened its doors on Saturday, at 1464 boulevard Talbot. In this chocolate-pastry shop you will find a host of desserts of all kinds. Over time, Laurie wants to experiment with original creations, hence the name of the store.

Well surrounded

Was starting a business at 24 scary for Laurie? Yes and no, the pastry chef and chocolate maker admits with a laugh that she knew she had the support of those around her during this big stage.

Indeed, Laurie is not alone in this project. The whole family is there with her. His grandmother, his mother and even his brother help him in the store and offered him their valuable support during the preparations.

The family and friendly aspect is one of the values ​​that she wants to put forward in her business.

“I would like the products to have a high-end touch and for the store to be really welcoming, where everyone feels good, and is happy to come back. These are not products that they don’t necessarily need, they are little luxuries to treat themselves to,” she continues.

Already, Laurie is very happy with the response from her customers who were impatiently awaiting the opening of the business.

However, while she is focused on starting her business, she admits to dreaming of even more. She would like LaurieGinale to become a reference in the region and perhaps even open other branches. However, she now ensures that business runs smoothly in this first establishment with her loved ones.