Hunter Wilson/Daily NewsMary Jane Meszaros owns Mary Jane’s Chocolates, 1640 Scottsville Road.

Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Name of business: Mary Jane’s Chocolates

Location: 1640 Scottsville Road next to Bowling Green Athletic Club, behind Steak ’n Shake

Type of business: Retail confectioner

When did it open? April 2010

Owner: Mary Jane Meszaros

Number of employees: Seven

Specialties: Fine dark, white and milk chocolate produced on site.

How did the business get started? When I originally moved here in 1993, I looked for some real chocolate for my daughter’s Easter basket and couldn’t find any in Bowling Green. Starting my own chocolate shop has been my dream since then, and over the past two years I finally took the steps necessary to bring a fine chocolate store to the Bowling Green community.

What is your background? I was originally a buyer, then became a nurse and finally I began studying to become a chocolatier. I took classes and attended seminars and workshops throughout the country, finally becoming certified as a chocolatier in early 2009.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? Obtaining adequate financing, keeping up with production and marketing the store are all challenges I’ve faced this first year in business.

What’s your business philosophy? Every day, I strive to provide the finest quality chocolate with the freshest ingredients for my customers and to meet their needs for special orders and requests for all occasions.

What issues are affecting your industry? Rising costs of raw cocoa and shipping and the economy as a whole.

What are the factors that make your business successful? Always striving to meet the needs of my varied customers from young children to senior citizens and everyone in between, while using the best ingredients I can find. Also, our location in a thriving and dynamic commercial hub is central to our success.

How do you handle competition? At my shop, we produce and provide many special products which had not been previously available on a local level.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? Do your homework. Do an internship at a similar business like yours and surround yourself with good people who care about your product and your customers.