2013
Our origin story began with a phone call. In 2013, my brother called my husband and I and asked if we wanted to buy a cacao farm in Peru.
We had just moved back to Colorado from Australia with two small kids. At the time, I was teaching English as a second language, but I was intrigued by the vision of starting a business, and I said, “Yes!” My husband and I took our first step toward creating a distinctive artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate brand.
We established Shanao Cacao: a non-profit organization based on a new model of growth and commerce known as “regenerative trade.” Simply put, by ensuring that more of the cacao profits are returned to the farmers, Shanao Cacao would create an opportunity to develop and encourage environmental stewardship—thereby growing a “new life” for the whole community.
2014
In 2014, We visited the farm and learned every aspect of cacao farming. Although some of the finest cacao grows in the Rio Mayo Valley very little of its value stays in the local economy.
We saw an opportunity to set up a direct trade model, form a co-op, and start a new chocolate adventure, we laid the foundation for Shanao Cacao by forming a new cooperative with local growers and helped to implement organic, bio-dynamic, and sustainable farming practices. Over time, this yielded a superior cacao bean, both in quality and flavor, valued at a significantly higher price.
2017
In 2017, our first pilot project of four tons of single-origin, cacao beans arrived in Boulder, Colorado. The question then became: “What do we do with all that cacao?!” Always up for a challenge, my Michael enthusiastically turned his attention to learning every aspect of fine chocolate craftsmanship. From roasting, winnowing, and grinding the beans to blending a perfect small-batch bar, he strived to perfect every aspect of the process and bring out the complex, deep, and unique flavors of the cacao.
2019
In 2019, I was inspired to pursue my journey as a female entrepreneur and left my teaching career. Michael and I created a new line of bean-to-bar chocolate: Moksha. Moksha is derived from the Sanskrit word which means freedom and is an apt metaphor for my journey as a small-business owner.
Our Commitment to you
Moksha Chocolate is small-batch fine chocolate -made bean-to-bar in Boulder, Colorado. Moksha Chocolate specializes in single-origin craft chocolate. All of Moksha's products are vegan, nut-free, soy-free, and hand-crafted from ethically sourced cacao. Moksha chocolate is available in classic dark craft chocolate, functional mushroom varieties, and unique non-dairy white chocolate. Moksha's commitment to quality, transparency, and unmistakable taste makes Moksha Colorado's premier artisan chocolate.
Meet the Team
Jen Caines
Jen Caines co-founder of Moksha Chocolate, serves as the sales, marketing, and event coordinator. Since Moksha’s launch, Jen has been its face, leading outreach efforts and organizing unforgettable chocolate-tasting experiences.
With over a decade of experience in education, Jen was inspired in 2019 to pursue her journey as a female entrepreneur and founded Moksha Chocolate. Her passion for creating meaningful connections with
customers, along with her dedication to sharing the story behind Moksha’s ethically sourced cacao, has been instrumental in building the brand's success.
Whether coordinating events or leading chocolate tastings, Jen ensures every experience is as memorable as the chocolate itself.
Michael Caines
Michael Caines co-founder of Moksha Chocolate, is an Australian transplant and the creative force behind Moksha Chocolate.
He brings a decade of diverse experience as a horticulturist, chef, and network architect to his role as a master chocolate maker. His passion for excellence is evident in Moksha’s meticulous bean-to-bar process, where every stage—from roasting and winnowing to grinding and tempering—is carefully controlled to highlight the rich, complex flavors of single-origin cacao beans.
His chocolate is alchemy—transforming carefully cacao and transparently sourced ingredients into unexpected and extraordinary flavors.
