Much to do about Chocolate: Meet Carol Parson’s, Braidwood’s very own Willy Wonka

An 81-year-old regional NSW chocolatier has turned a chance opportunity into a sticky, gooey, sweet empire, proving retirement is overrated when you’ve got a taste for hard work. Meet her here.

Carol Parsons, 81, has run the popular store for five years. Picture: Tom McGann

At 81-years-old, New South Wales’ very own Willy Wonka could be forgiven for eyeing off retirement; instead, the grandmother is running one of Braidwood’s sweetest success stories - a famous chocolate store.

Carol Parson’s chocolate wonderland, ‘Much to do about Chocolate’ is nestled in the historic tourism hotspot between Batemans Bay and Canberra at 198 Wallace St, and has quickly become a must-visit stop for tourists and locals alike, luring in everyone from Sydney day-trippers to international travellers.

“We get so many visitors from all around the world,” the 81-year-old chocolatier told this publication.

The store first opened its doors five years ago when Ms Parson’s son, Daniel, opened a car model shop in the same building.

The mother-son duo discussed what should be done with the extra space, formulating how a second shop front would work.

Ms Parson's store is named 'Much to do about Chocolate'. Picture: Tom McGann

“We talked about Lego, but there just wasn’t enough room,” Ms Parsons said.

However, her late husband suggested chocolate and Ms Parsons was “immediately sold”.

Ms Parsons said she was "proud" of her display. Picture: Tom McGann

Within weeks, the quaint store’s shelves were overflowing with chocolate creations, from large sugary artworks, to small delicate fudge balls.

But, as quickly as it opened, it nearly melted away.

“The pandemic hit shortly after,” Ms Parsons said.

“No one was coming in because of shut borders and stay-at-home orders meant people couldn’t travel.

Some of the chocolates on sale at Ms Parson's store. Picture: Tom McGann

Easter is a popular time at the chocolate shop. Picture: Tom McGann

“I thought we would have to close for good.”

However, Ms Parsons said it was clear peoples’ love for chocolate was too great – no matter what the world was going through at the time.

“As soon as it was safe to do so, we re-opened and people came pouring in,” she said.

Since then, the store’s popularity has only grown larger, with Ms Parson’s shop even being featured in a challenge on Channel 7’s ‘The Amazing Race’.

Ms Parsons said she would be “forever grateful” for people giving her little store a chance.

“Easter is the most popular time for us, so we’re seeing a lot of people starting to come in now,” she said.

Despite the long hours and strenuous work, the elderly chocolatier said she had “no intention” of calling it quits any time soon.

“This was an absolutely by chance thing opening this store,” she said.

“My family and friends ask all the time why I don’t just rest, and I don’t know what to tell them.

“I’m old, but love it, and I will keep running and selling chocolate as long as people keep coming in to say hi and check out my shop.”

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as Much to do about Chocolate: Meet Carol Parson’s, Braidwood’s very own Willy Wonka