FOR Paphos-based Frances Heyward Easter is one of the busiest times of the year, and it all comes down to chocolate.
‘Fr-Ocolates’, the 50-year-old’s range of handmade chocolates, has proved to be a year-round winner for the ex licensee of a Windsor wine bar in the UK, who moved to Paphos four years ago.
Her chocolate career started a few years ago when she was working in a friend’s restaurant in Paphos one Christmas.
“I wanted to give some of the others a special present, so I dug out a couple of books about the subject of chocolate making, and it seems to have really snowballed from there,” she said.
Heyward hasn’t had any formal training, but has always loved ‘playing’ with food.
“Sweets or savoury, I really don’t mind, I enjoy food. It’s a passion for me.”
And at Easter particularly it’s a passion which pays dividends.
“I make everything from bunnies to lollies, as well as chocolates,” she said.
Heyward’s chocolates proved popular gifts for her friends and then others started asking her to make samples for birthday presents.
“I sold a box here and there,” she said adding,” but then about 18 months ago I attended the PAWS Christmas fair and I did very well. I now go to the weekly fair at La Fontaine in Paphos every Wednesday morning. “
Her chocolate creations have become a popular purchase at the fair, and have now caught on with visitors, who she says buy them to say thank you to friends and people they meet in Cyprus.
Heyward has an apartment under her house, which is dedicated to making chocolate.
“The ingredients I use are completely natural and I don’t use preservatives. I have 19 various fillings, one of which is Christmas pudding. I even have chilli, caramel, strawberries and cream and my favourite, which is rum and pineapple,” she said.
Heyward spent a substantial amount of time experimenting with ideas and ingredients and in the beginning used material from the UK and America for inspiration.
“I do like to experiment but sometimes my creations go a little awry,” she said. “Although, my boyfriend gets to eat all the rejects.”
Like everyone else, Heyward’s business has been affected by the financial downturn, but remains optimistic.
”I don’t mind staying as a small outlet as there is only me, but I also wouldn’t rule out expanding and getting some friends to help me. But I don’t want to expand too quickly, as I think that would be a mistake.”
She’s proud of her Easter line, saying the Easter bunnies are particularly popular. All types of chocolate lollipops and Easter bunnies are being made for this season and Heyward uses a variety of moulds for this purpose
Heyward believes in keeping her prices at a reasonable level, and charges €5 for a box of six handmade chocolates.
“I can fill boxes with as many as the customer requires as I handmake all my boxes as well.
I think it’s important to keep them affordable because of the current financial climate, and although I did very well at Easter last year I think this year will be a bit quieter.”
Although working with chocolate may be some people’s idea of heaven how does Heyward feel about working with it on a daily basis?
“I love chocolate,” she said, adding, “I could never get fed up with the smell or taste of it.”
For further information contact Frances Heyward of ‘Fr-Ocolates’ on 99990494
