Finding the money to start her chocolate business was not easy, but once Gail Warner got the support of the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, her dream quickly became a reality, writes John Unangst in a blog post for the Huffington Post.

Warner started her career in healthcare but by the age of 40, she was craving a change, so she switched from healthcare to working for a private financial services company. This gave her the added benefit of learning about running a business.

“I learned about gross and net profit, contracts and agreements, deliverables and payables,“ she said. “It really laid the foundation for me to step out and be confident I could run my own business.”

After her father passed, Warner realized at 48 that it was time for a change again, only this time she was determined to leave the corporate world and follow her lifelong dream of opening a chocolate business. After taking courses at the Chicago Chocolate Academy operated by the Belgian chocolate icon Callebaut, Warner opened her store, Bridge Street Chocolates, in December 2010 in Phoenixville.

Despite talking to several banks, credit was tight, and she had to rely on her saving and keep her operations small to get the business of the ground. Finally, after giving up on local banks she turned to Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and got the answer she had been waiting for.

The business account and line of credit they approved for her allowed Warner to buy an additional melting machine for her chocolates.

“The Credit Union did more for me than anyone else would,” she said. “Because they took a risk on me, I promised them all my banking business.”

There is no risk of failure with Warner, as she offers something for nearly everybody. The usual assortment is enriched with soy-free, organic, sugar-free, fair trade products, vegan, as well as gluten-free treats.

“We may not have a huge selection in each category, but we do have an amazing one and I’m always open to suggestions.”

Read the full story on the Huffington Post here.