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The story of Wiseman House Chocolates is about a passion for simplicity – simplicity in the way we do business, with quality and integrity – simplicity in the way we handmake our fine chocolates, with real chocolate and fresh ingredients. It was out of desire for simplicity that our founders Kevin and LaDonne Wenzel first envisioned the idea of moving to the country to begin this small gourmet chocolate company. In the beginning it was Kevin and LaDonne living in this Queen Anne Victorian style house in Hico, Texas (pop 1341), handmaking chocolates in the back and selling them out front. The Wiseman House, a historic building in Hico, first built in 1903 by artist Rufus Wiseman, was a perfect location for this couple to begin their dream of simple living within the context of a small town community.
The Wenzel’s dream started not from a great business plan or marketing savvy, but a desire to make fine chocolates for their friends and neighbors and the occasional passer-by. As providence would have it, within a few weeks of opening their doors, a reporter from the Fort Worth Star Telegram happened through town and stopped by this unique little shop. Soon after an article appeared on the front page, "Chocolate Heaven" was the caption and our story continued to develop ever since. Through the years Kevin’s fine handmade chocolates have been featured in local and national publications including Texas Monthly, Texas Highways, and Southern Living. In that time Kevin continued to gain loyal customers throughout the U.S. who, having received his gourmet chocolates as a gift or hearing about them by word of mouth, insisted on the quality and craftsmanship that Kevin puts into each chocolate.
Today Kevin and LaDonne still enjoy life in the small community of Hico where they have lived for the past twelve years. Kevin currently serves on the city council and has received numerous awards for dedicated service and historic preservation of the town. They have four foster children, one of which they recently adopted. In addition to Wiseman House Fine Handmade Chocolates, LaDonne began her own ladies boutique called Bliss Living. Bliss is located inside a historic bank building which Kevin renovated to include a glassed in chocolate production area where the vaults used to be. Customers occasionally drop by to watch Kevin handmake his chocolate truffles and confections. Captivated by the repetitive rolling and dipping they are always amazed that a novelty of this kind can be found in such an out of the way place.
The story continues. As we celebrate twelve great years, we are pleased to look back at all we have accomplished and thankful to those loyal customers and friends who have entered our story and brought us to where we are.
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