Founder Story

From Corporate Strategy to Chocolate Theory

Cacao Theory is the result of a life reimagined, a midlife chrysalis, if you will.

After nearly two decades leading talent, inclusion, corporate social responsibility, and partnership strategy inside global organizations, I found myself at a turning point. What followed wasn’t a straight path, but a period of exploration. An openness to new possibilities, a willingness to be a student again, and a return to using my corporate experience as a foundation for something more meaningful.

After my corporate career ended, I immersed myself in an intensive yoga teacher training. It taught me patience, self-discovery, the joy of the wobble, and the practice of beginning again.

I became a student of native landscaping and gardening. Then, a full-time caregiver.

And eventually, as a reprieve from caregiving, I enrolled in a chocolate class.

What began as a two-day class became a practice, much like yoga. What began as curiosity turned into a week-long internship, then a three-month course, then continued education that which has led me to a craft I continue to refine.

Cacao Theory reflects everything I’ve learned along the way:

• The value of slowing down
• The beauty of starting over
• The power of building something, exploring, with intention

Today, every bonbon is a reflection of that journey—blending discipline, creativity, and a deep respect for process.

This isn’t just chocolate. It’s an exploration of taste—and a way of creating moments that mean something.

It’s a sweet new chapter.

— Brian