Mary Leonard '79

Owner | FounderB.E.S. '76 ( College of Liberal Arts)B.S. '79 (College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences)Alumni Association Member About Chocolat CelesteMary believes that the University of Minnesota provided her with the ideal community within which she could test her passion for science, gain entrepreneurial traction, and cultivate her limitless curiosity. After undergrad work in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, she explored the world of business and marketing while refining her understanding and skill in design and the fine art of chocolate, ultimately creating the world-acclaimed, award-winning Chocolat Céleste. She has raised the bar for hand-crafted confections and you can find her at her website or at her store just off of University Avenue at 652 Transfer Road, Suite 16A, St. Paul. An entrepreneur at heart, Mary Leonard dreamed of founding a food business since age 16. In 2001 her dream came true. Through a golden opportunity, M