I’m Teresa

With over 20 years of experience in chocolate, I’ve helped small chocolate companies perfect their recipes, refine their sourcing, and grow into thriving brands. My heart lies with ceremonial cacao and ethically sourced, high-quality white bean cacao. However, I also continue with high-end chocolate making through teaching and through my day job.

From The French Laundry internship to my work as Head Chocolatier at Pearl Bakery and Pitch Dark Chocolates, and as Head Chocolate Maker at Roste Chocolate House, my journey incorporates artistry, precision, and reverence for cacao.

As a busy chocolatier, I once held a wealth of chocolate knowledge in my mind, yet my heart felt distant from both my life and my work. I was stretched thin—pulled between causes, supporting others to launch their chocolate journeys, with little space to listen to my own path and purpose.

Everything changed in Fiji, when I was invited into the home of a head cacao farmer. Surrounded by deep roots and stories, my spirit calmed and found its path.

In Fiji I connected with the cacao tree deeply, and was infused with the spirit of cacao. She didn’t ask — she just arrived! If I was being called to share her sacred medicine.

With deep reverence, I honor the path the cacao tree is guiding me on. She asked me to pause the endless cycle of creation — the startups, the striving — and instead use this medicine to heal. To soften. To bring us back to ourselves and one another.

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Cacao As Ally
heart as guide

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Ceremonial Cacao is about being connected and blissful. It’s about being in love with the planet earth and your journey here. I believe that Mama Cacao offers something profound for this moment in history. Her essence is a steady, soothing love. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and uncertain, she reminds us to calm our hearts, and root into the Earth.

-Teresa

High Potentcy

I’m always seeking out the most potent white-bean cacao—connecting with growers and trusted sources who honor the land, the bean, and the spirit of the plant.

Direct Trade

I source directly from small family farmers—honoring their craft, paying well above market price, and ensuring they remain in control of their harvest and their future.

Handled with Intention

My relationship with Mother Cacao is sacred. Each time I prepare chocolate, I do so with clarity and reverence, ensuring the energy remains high and pure.