How Cacao Found Me: A Personal Journey

Sometimes life throws something your way that you didn’t even know you were looking for. That’s how it was for me with cacao. It came into my life at a time when I really needed a shift, and it ended up becoming a big part of both my personal and professional world.

When Things Felt Off

A couple of years ago, I was fully immersed in trying to grow my protein bar company. I was wearing many hats—managing operations, marketing, social media—and while I was working hard, I just wasn’t feeling happy or satisfied. I knew something was missing, but I couldn’t quite name it.

One afternoon, I was scrolling through Instagram (as I often did back then), and I ended up watching a live chat between two women from a small perinatal wellness business. The founder was stepping down as CEO and handing things over to someone new. It was a super open and honest conversation. At one point, the new CEO mentioned that she had gone to a cacao ceremony to help her get clarity about the decision.

I remember thinking, "Wait, what’s a cacao ceremony?" I was curious, so I started googling and reading. I learned that cacao has been revered for centuries and used as a spiritual and healing medicine. It also has some unique biochemical and mood-enhancing properties. Something about it really caught my attention.

Cacao Everywhere

Right after that, it felt like cacao started popping up everywhere. In an online moms' group I was part of, people were talking about it—one mom said she had replaced coffee with cacao, another said it helped her with ADHD and staying focused. It was everywhere! Whether it was the algorithms or just good timing, I took it as a sign.

So, in January, 2024, I bought my first ceremonial cacao and started drinking it in the mornings. Right away, I noticed how calm and open I felt. It wasn’t super dramatic, but it was enough that I wanted to keep coming back to it. And considering how much I love coffee, the fact that I didn’t miss it was kind of a big deal.

Creating a Ritual

What started as just drinking cacao in the morning turned into a little ritual. I’d sip slowly and take a minute to acknowledge where the cacao came from and the people who helped bring it to me. Pretty soon, I found myself journaling and reflecting on how I wanted to move through the day.

That quiet time became something I really looked forward to. It gave me space to check in with myself, set intentions, and start the day from a more grounded place.

Reconnecting with My Voice

Something else started happening too—I started singing again. I’d sip my cacao and sing with my shruti box, a small Indian harmonium that provides a steady drone note. The sound is deeply grounding and supportive for vocal exploration, which makes it a great tool for vocal therapy. It wasn’t for anyone else, just for me. And it felt so healing. I could feel the sound vibrating through me, helping me release whatever was inside and express what needed to come out.

It reminded me how powerful it is to connect with our own voices. We all have something to say, and sometimes we just need a little support to share it.

Bringing Cacao into My Work

Because cacao had such a big impact on me, I started weaving it into my work. Now I offer individual therapy sessions that include cacao, as well as group cacao circles. These spaces are all about slowing down, tuning into your heart, and connecting with yourself and others.

We might use movement, breath, sound, or just quiet reflection—whatever feels supportive in the moment. Cacao creates this gentle container for whatever wants to come through.

Sharing the Story

I recently had the chance to share more about my journey with cacao on a podcast. The host also attended one of my cacao circles and shares her own experience during our conversation. If you’re curious to hear more, you can listen to the episode here.

Interested in Trying It?

If any of this resonates with you and you’re curious about what cacao might open up for you, I’d love to share it with you—either in a one-on-one session or in a group circle. No experience necessary, just a willingness to show up and see what happens.

Thanks for reading and being here. This journey with cacao has brought me back to myself in a really real way, and I’m so grateful to be able to offer it to others too.