Can an Artisan Chocolate Shop survive in today's economy?

Hello all,I've been pursuing artisan chocolatiering as a hobby since my mother first put me to work patching the bottom of cherry cordials at ten. Up until now it has only been a hobby, a somewhat insanely passionate hobby, but still a hobby. I give chocolates out obsessively and hear "why do you sell these" and you really need to start your own little shop. Recently, I've started to seriously consider this endeavor and began my research with visiting other local shops. Within a hundred miles of Charlotte, NC I could find 15 listings for shops. However, of the 15, I can only find 3 with their doors still open. This is making me rethink my idea and wonder "can an artisan chocolate shop make it in this economy?" And if so, what does it take to NOTbbe one of the twelve who didn't make it? Any thoughts