Observations of the Newbie

Written by Nicole Hernden - our newest member of Team Gnosis

Gnosis Chocolate has a gentle reverence for Mother Earth and her inhabitants. A lot of thought and research goes into choosing ingredients. Not only do our ingredients have to be of the highest standard, but the growers we choose must share in our respect for the world. I like that. It appeals to my sense of rightness. I don’t think being good to the earth is a luxury; I think it’s a necessity. And Gnosis Chocolate gets that. The people in the Gnosis kitchen get it, too.

Danny wants to feed the world-a handful of people at a time. He’s our head of shipping, and most days he brings little treasures into the kitchen for everyone to share. My favorite is a deep orange-red Clementine, which he peels like a floret before he offers it up. He transports that same generosity and artistry into his work. Danny talks about being in the customer’s shoes. How would he want a package to show up? He would want it to be accurate and well-presented. I see his handy work every day and it’s amazing. He goes the extra mile to make sure the orders are correct and packed securely. Even the packing tape he puts on the outside of the box is attractive; it’s symmetrical!

Lauren wants to give the best. She’s our chocolatier, and rarely have I seen such excellence. Every day she dedicates herself to creating fabulously delicious delights. Her truffles are mouthwatering. My favorites are the Cupuacu truffles-so creamy and flavorful. Lauren can, also, be quite the comedienne...but not until after 5 o’clock. Beforehand, she works in a near silent state of concentration, but after 5 she starts joking around and laughing. I get a kick out of it. Actually, I get a kick out of both of them. They are unique. They are my teammates at the Gnosis kitchen and I like working with them.

I’m Nicole, the newbie, and to me, chocolate is fun and delicious and represents everything that is good in the world. Sometimes, after I’ve picked up my daughter from preschool, we sit and talk about her day over a couple of squares of Cool Peppermint. We nibble on our chocolates as she tells me that a boy at school wouldn’t share. I nod and listen, then take another bite. By the time our chocolate has pleasingly disappeared, so have her worries and cares. Sigh… I love chocolate.

Truly,
Nicole