Who Knew?

I just want to make chocolate, really. I had this quaint little shop, just like in the Joann Harris book, "Chocolat" in my head, of course. Starting a business must be easier in France (or the Hollywood version there of) than in the Commonwealth of Virginia! I have no visions of grandeur, I just want to make chocolate, so I thought starting small; in my Department of Agriculture inspected house would be the easier route, and maybe it is, but who knew all that would go into this? Graphic design and web design and packaging, oh my!

I have had some questions as to the name Cocoa Nouveau. I have to say coming up with the name was the toughest bit. I had been thinking about it for months, first I was thinking something literary based (to combine chocolate and books, that is my idea of heaven) I was visiting Glastonbury, England and I went into the Abbey bookshop and saw these cards with replicas of Art Nouveau tiles from a museum and it hit me, right there. I love all things Art Nouveau or Arts and Crafts style, Pre-Raphaelite artists of the time as well as the textiles, furniture , jewelry and art. I am drawn not only to the beauty associated with the time, the organic lines, feminine forms, and all the floral motifs, but to the idea as well; now this is my take on it, that it was basically a complete departure from and disgust in the industrial revolution, mass production. The emphasis was on high levels of craftsmanship as well as the idea that there is beauty in everyday life that should be admired. I agree fully.

Cocoa Nouveau (and myself really) are a work in progress, I will be updating as info becomes available. I have a few places in the area waiting patiently to carry my chocolates thankfully, but for right now creating chocolates is a labor of love, I am drawn to the creative process, so I want everything to be my shade of perfect before I launch them on the area.

I will be checking back in here for discussions on what I do, the chocolates that I use and any other pertinent information.