Bowen Island's Fine Artisan
Chocolatier
Located on Bowen Island in British Columbia, Cocoa
West Chocolatier was founded by Joanne Mogridge through her
passion for chocolate and determination to succeed.
Establishing one's own chocolaterie is challenging for any chocolatier.
As a photographer changing careers to follow her dream, Joanne
set for herself a path of learning and mastering an entirely different
craft. She sought one of Vancouver's leading Chocolatiers to educate
her. Under the guidance of Maitre Chocolatier Greg Hook, Joanne
developed her technique and became adept in the art and science
of creating fine chocolates. But knowing her craft was not enough
to open a successful shop; a business strategy was required.
Joanne was selected to participate in the British Columbia Institute
of Technology's (BCIT) Venture Program. This was an intensive
incubator program during which Joanne researched the chocolate
industry, and developed a business model and financial structure
for her chocolaterie. She was elected Valedictorian for her session,
and was also the Guest Speaker at the graduation of the following
Venture Program session.
With confidence and an indomitable spirit Joanne and her husband
Carlos moved from Vancouver to Bowen Island and opened Cocoa West
Chocolatier. They were further delighted by the arrival of their
baby daughter Eden - a reminder that business plans must be flexible!
Cocoa West has an intimate seating area which offers a view of
the production facility and the courtyard outside. Customers can
watch the chocolatier in action or simply enjoy the fruits of
Joanne's work and contemplate the view of the mountains. Some
of her creations: Lemon and thyme-infused white chocolate truffles;
the Hungarian Heat truffle infuses paprika vodka from Hungary
in a dark chocolate ganache finished with a fiery mix of paprika
and cayenne; and the 'Bowenberry' truffle is made with blackberries
grown locally right on Bowen Island. Joanne uses Certified Organic
ingredients almost exclusively.
The shop features a well-equipped chocolate production facility
with tempering and enrobing equipment. The open-concept kitchen
provides an ideal environment for Joanne to teach her chocolate-making
classes. Her enthusiasm for the art of the chocolatier inspires
her students to pursue their own passion for chocolate.
Chocolatier Joanne Mogridge is pleased to offer her clientele
a vibrant chocolate experience inspired by the clean Pacific air
and the view of the Coast Mountains from her shop, Cocoa West
Chocolatier.
Are you interested in qualifying for this hands-on program?
The Ecole Chocolat Professional
Chocolatier Program is the only program of its kind that allows
you to start learning the professional gourmet chocolate making
in your own home through our part-time 100% online program.
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