Capitalising on trends

Trudy Lu’s Chocolate Emporium is a boutique chocolate business in Townsville, owned and operated by Michelle and Luke O’Donnell, which opened its doors in 2007.

Before launching Trudy Lu’s, Luke and Michelle ran a production company called Chocolate Box Productions. 

“Our company was often mistaken for a confectionery supplier. After receiving endless phone calls from people wanting to place chocolate orders, we realised that there must be a gap in the confectionery market”, she Michelle. “We are both huge chocolate lovers and managed to discover some great suppliers from all over the place through our travels with our production business — that’s where the idea for Trudy Lu’s was born.”

The O’Donnell’s had their idea, but they still needed financial backing. So they set about doing their homework to secure a business loan.

“I spoke with each of the big four banks when researching our options and had the greatest comfort factor with the Commonwealth Bank — they were really enthusiastic about our business plan and its potential.”

The business plan for Trudy Lu’s retail and online operation is based on the couple’s own experiences and industry research and is targeting the premium end of the market.

Looking forward, Michelle and Luke have some ambitious growth plans, including taking on more employees, expanding their product range and manufacturing their own brand of chocolates.

The Commonwealth Bank has been working closely with the couple to develop these plans.

“Our Local Business Banker, Collette Ryan, and the Bank have been instrumental in the development of Trudy Lu’s. Not only have they listened to what we have wanted to achieve, they are really supportive of where we want to take the business,” says Luke.