Gabriele Miu Kropaczek certainly isn’t just sitting around eating bonbons. In fact, she’s busy creating them. But as the Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market comes to an end next week, Kropaczek finds herself seeking new opportunities for her business.

Kropaczek launched Avenue des Chocolats earlier this year after completing the professional chocolatier program of Ecole Chocolat. A former scientist, Kropaczek spent much of her early career conducting theoretical research and then working as a consultant for research and development firms in her native Europe. When she first arrived in Wilmington three years ago she wasn’t sure where her qualifications and wish list for employment would land her. That’s when she read an article about a self-employed chocolatier, and inspiration became motivation.

Kropaczek says that working as an artisanal chocolatier and owning her own business incorporates everything she was seeking when she arrived in Wilmington.

“Working with chocolate is very technical, which appeals to my scientific side,” Kropaczek said. “And at the same time it allows for great creativity, which is something I had been longing for. That, plus the business side of things and the ability to work with the public, really feels like the right combo.”

Kropaczek specializes in European-style bonbons made with 72 percent cacao dark chocolate. She pairs the dark chocolate with flavors such as cinnamon and ylang-ylang; coffee and rum; and rosemary and lemon. Kropaczek describes herself as a minimalist in terms of ingredients and decoration.

“I believe in using high-quality ingredients and just a few flavors at a time so you can taste each of them,” Kropaczek said. “I don’t use any artificial colorings and prefer to decorate with simplistic elements like salts and raw sugar.”

As market season ends, Kropaczek will set up shop at The Vintage Marketplace. While she is not yet in her own bricks-and-mortar store, the multi-kiosk marketplace allows vendors like Kropaczek to set up a location where customers can shop on a regular basis. Kropaczek is also looking for opportunities to participate in local events such as festivals and wine pairings. She will also take custom orders for restaurants or private events such as weddings.

Avenue des Chocolats bonbons will be showcased at the Fall Into the Moment Tea at The Vintage Marketplace on Oct. 3 and A Parisian Afternoon Tea at Bellamy Mansion on Oct. 12. Kropaczek will also have a booth at this year’s N.C. Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach.

For more information, go to avenuedeschocolats.com.

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected]