Originally from Belle-île-en-mer, I studied Hispanic Language, Literature, and Civilisations, after which I earned degrees in International Relations and Intercultural Management. Having lived in Rennes, Granada, Ibiza, Malta, and Lyon, I now reside in London, where I work as a freelance translator. Driven by personal interest, I obtained IICCT’s Level 1 & 2 Certificate in Cacao Evaluation and Flavour Profiling in May 2023. Since then, I have focused on cacao-related translation projects, networked with industry professionals, tasted chocolate, met makers, attended chocolate events, gifted bean-to-bar chocolate, and educated those around me.

I’m a Brazilian born living in France for over 15 years. A chocolate enthusiast, though not working directly with it on a daily basis, under a continuous journey of learning around chocolate and its value chain. I have completed Levels 1 and 2 chocolate tasting and Levels 1 and 2 Cacao Evaluation and flavor profiling with IICCT.

I’m an Irish native living in Paris for over 30 years, with a culinary background as a trained chef. As a food tour guide, I’ve explored food cultures globally, visiting cocoa plantations and fermentation centers in Colombia. Currently, I’m studying with the Academy of Cheese and I am a “French wine scholar”. I’ve also completed courses in gastronomic tourism with Cordon Bleu school and chocolate tasting Level 1 and 2 with IICCT.

While I’m based in London, I spent 12 years in Colombia collaborating on social development initiatives to address complex social issues in Colombia. This journey led me to Asociación Guardabosques de la Sierra that inspired me to not only embarked on a journey exploring cacao but also reconnect with my Colombian heritage in a meaningful way. I co-founded of “LaSierra.co, a cacao journey driven by the origin” where we provide consultancy for development projects in cacao farming with Guardabosques de la Sierra in Colombia. Currently, in London, I am collaborating with a chef at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, whom I met during my previous role at Greensmiths, a top-quality grocer in Lower Marsh. At Greensmiths, I introduced the chocolate section featuring various bean-to-bar products. I’m proud to say it’s likely the only shop in London where you can select high-quality chocolates, primarily from the UK but focusing on origins, the more the merrier. Additionally, I am currently developing our own cacao derivative products, experimenting in the kitchens and working with people in the food industry in London, Barranquilla and Santa Marta.

I’m a teacher and mum of 3, over the last 7 years I’ve built a chocolate education business teaching in schools around the UK and a bean-to-bar brand (Exe Chocolate), handcrafting chocolate in small batches in my tiny chocolate factory. My current focus is on keeping up with growing demand for my chocolate!

I’m a Colombian-born, Canadian-raised chocolate and gastronomy loving, globe-traveling, food and travel writer. I’m Canada’s first Level III taster. I lead sensory tastings with a side of education all over the Greater Toronto Area and with my husband, Mario who has WSET III designation, we design custom liqueur/spirits and chocolate pairings for private clients.

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