The definition of irony is something that seems contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result. Annette Colasuonno\u2019s career trajectory is a prime example of irony. She is a former dental assistant turned candy store owner.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey actually thought it was funny,\u201d said Colasuonno, owner of the Lil\u2019 Chocolate Shoppe in Pleasantville, in reference to how her former co-workers reacted to her decision to buy a candy store.<\/p>\n
Colasuonno bought the store in 1986, when she says there was a candy store in nearly every town. However, those stores began to close down one by one. Colasuonno says having her store located in Pleasantville is one of the many reasons why it has stuck around.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat makes this village unique is the fact it\u2019s a walking town with a lot of tourists. There\u2019s not many buses in town. [People] all walk,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In addition to people walking around and noticing stores rather than simply driving past them, Colasuonno also believes there is another reason her store has survived after 31 years: The Food Network.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the Food Network did not come on TV, I think you would\u2019ve had more over-the-counter candy [sales]. With the Food Network, it\u2019s made stores like mine more popular.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pleasantville being a \u201cwalking town\u201d and the Food Network aside, it has not all been external factors that has contributed to Lil’ Chocolate Shoppe\u2019s longevity. Colasuonno\u2019s business savvy has helped her adapt with the times.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people overspend and overbuy. I\u2019m very conservative about that,\u201d Colasuonno said. \u201cI always try to come up with something myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
New candy coming to Lil\u2019 Chocolate Shoppe include plenty of vegan candy, which Colasuonno says is an attempt to adjust with the movement towards veganism.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything has to be vegan or organic nowadays. So we\u2019re having a new truffle that has no dairy… it\u2019s just vegan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Colasuonno also provided advice for anyone in Pleasantville contemplating opening or buying a small business.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe sure that\u2019s what you want to do,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen I first opened my store in 1986, the umbrella [insurance] policy for the store was only a couple hundred dollars for everything. And now it\u2019s nearly $3,000 in this area. It\u2019s very hard. So, make sure you have a real plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n