“WHAT happens if it doesn’t work?”

Kelsey Anderson freely admits she stewed over the question countless times ahead of launching her chocolatier venture.

“I’d never had to pick up the phone and try and sell something before”, she remembers.

“I didn’t know what to expect or where I would get business from.”

Hindsight shows the 25-year-old needn’t have fretted.

Her business, Kacao, based at Sedbury Hall Stables, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, has been trading for more than a year and is now firmly satisfying the demands of thousands of people’s sweet teeth across the region.

From chocolate lollipops and ginger strips, to Eton Mess bars and raspberry gin truffles, the endeavour caters for customers’ luxurious indulgences.

But what made someone in their early 20s give up their job and take on the very real risks attached to going it alone?

Well, a burning desire to plot her own career path certainly helped.

Ms Anderson said: “I was working in Costa Coffee as an assistant manager and it was a fine enough job.

“But it was quite hard work for what you got out of it from a big corporate.

“My aim was to set up my own café, something that would be a bit quirky.

“I did some research and thought it would be nice to have a chocolate café.

“But, after going and learning some chocolate skills, that idea got completely wiped out.

“I just loved the idea of making chocolate and all the different products.

“I went on a course that showed me how to do things, and it also taught me about things like temperatures and how to temper the chocolate.”

Buoyed by her new talents, Ms Anderson started the business in the middle of last year, but reveals it wasn’t until the festive period when things really began to grow.

Shoppers, looking for stocking fillers, spurred the company on from its initial origins by delivering more work.

However, she says it did something else.

The festive rush put the company firmly in people’s psyche, bringing repeat custom and an extension of its repute across the region.

She said: “Chocolate is an indulgence and something of a treat and I like to create something that people will really enjoy.

“I like to think what I’m making is slightly different to everyone else; I think I’ve got a unique style.

“From that, I’ve got a number of customers who are coming back, which is a nice feeling, and I’m doing all the bars and truffles, as well as things like wedding favours and going to the farmers’ markets too.

“It’s a bit of everything and it certainly keeps me busy.”

Those truffles, particularly Kacao’s strawberry and elderflower creations, have caught the eye of experts, with judges at the Great Taste Awards citing them for a star rating.

Such repute and exposure will help the firm moving forward, and its upon such a point Ms Anderson admits her learning curve is far from over.

She added: “I quickly learned how important is was to have a brand name out there because people have to see you more than once.

“They have to see you out and about at shows and events.

“I maybe didn’t anticipate that as much at the start.

“But I’ve got my fingers in a lot of pies now to do that, and I’m going through a lot of chocolate too!”

Five minutes with... Kelsey Anderson

Favourite North-East building and why? I really like Richmond Castle – it’s such an impressive building and it’s steeped in history.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I was a waitress in a small village pub when I was 14. I must have been paid around £3.50 which was the minimum wage at the time.

What is the worst job you've had? I worked in a café next to a construction site so I served tea to builders but I kept getting into trouble for making it wrong.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? A Spanish style paella with homemade bread and of course something chocolatey, like my famous orange fudge cake.

What would your superpower be?I would quite like to be able to travel back in time to different eras and see how people lived.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Paul A Young, Mary Berry, Martin Luther King and Karen Brady.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? My plane ticket when I went travelling was probably the most expensive thing I have bought – it was about £1,500.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Phillip Schofield – he’s really funny and he just loves social media.

Favourite book? The Time Travellers Wife is a book that I could read over and over. I had it with me when I went travelling and it brings back great memories of my trip.

When did you last cry? I watched Hectors Journey recently while I was making chocolate and I had to take a break because I was crying.

What is your greatest achievement? Having the courage to start up my business.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Just do it. It’s so important to think and plan a new venture but sometimes you just need to throw yourself in to truly understand what it takes to succeed.

Favourite animal and why? My dog, Bailey, he is just wonderful. We have had him for 11 years and I just love spending time with him.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? James Maw, the professional golfer, who is also my other half and partner in crime.

What was the last band you saw live? The Tone Riders, at my parent’s business anniversary party.

Describe your perfect night in: Bottle of red wine, Kacao Chocolates and a big duvet!

In another life I would be... I love to travel so I think I would love to just be able to wander around the world.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Rebel Wilson.

What irritates you? People who are loud eaters.

What's your secret talent? I make really good chocolates – but feel free to tell people that!