This is Emiko Sano, head owner of the three chocolates in Paris.
Let me introduce myself first.
Les Trois Chocolats has been established for 5 years in Saint-Paul, in the Marais district of Paris.
In Hakata, I run a chocolate factory that was created by my grandfather, and I came to France at the age of 25 to take over the family business, without knowing anything about French or confectionery.
After training at the Plaza Athénée and with Jacques Genin, I opened my own shop hoping that my chocolates would be a success in Paris.
My family's chocolate shop is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, and as I want to continue the tradition while trying something new, the Marais, both an old Parisian district and a global trendsetter, was the perfect place for me. However, at the same time, this environment represents a major challenge, as many pastry shops and chocolate shops are located there. The competition could not be tougher.
My father was not without irony in thinking that a revenue of 300 euros per day would already be a success. As he had predicted, the reality was hard, very hard... A 10-second walk from the shop is the Rue Saint-Antoine, which leads to the heart of the Marais and where many tourists and Parisians stroll. Despite this proximity, there is very little traffic on my street. It was with great disappointment that I recorded the day's sales, far from the figure my father had imagined.
But that doesn't mean I've given up. Because I care about my chocolates and thanks to my perseverance, the number of regulars has increased little by little and my shop is now starting to become known. To get where I am today, it is also thanks to the customers who encouraged me by congratulating me: "Your chocolates are the best in Paris!
My chocolates were finally recognised!
On my days off, I would take my chocolates to different chefs to taste and comment on. I needed to know where I stood, what my level was; in short, to have an objective opinion from professionals. So one day, a famous chef introduced his customers to my chocolate shop. Little by little, the number of customers increased, and now people from all over the world come to taste my chocolates.
Once...well, several times, I thought of giving up and going back to Japan. However, the discovery of the best ingredients in the world here and seeing more and more French people and tourists enjoying my chocolates made me stick to my guns. I will continue to give my best here in Paris, even if the competition is high and requires constant concentration.
The Salon du Chocolat in Paris is coming up! I participate every year because I really enjoy it. Of course, Les trois Chocolat will be present again this year, in Paris (we will be at stand C7) but also in Lyon! I am happy to be present at the biggest meeting place in the world where chocolate lovers meet. My dream is to participate in all the chocolate fairs in the world. For the moment, I have been to the New York Chocolate Fair.
This year, we collaborated with Mio to make chocolates that would go well with Takara Shuzo sake. You can taste them together at the show. A chocolate with a glass of sake, I promise you a moment of pure happiness!
We look forward to seeing you all!
Emiko Sano