The Story of Gnosis Chocolate
Why "Gnosis?"
(no'sis) n. [Greek, knowledge] Knowledge of the Heart, Intuitive & Experiential Knowledge of Truth
Vanessa Barg, founder of Gnosis Chocolate, 
started making chocolate in May '06 as part of her health coaching practice, and incorporated in March '08 - deciding to bring Gnosis Chocolate to fruition for the world to enjoy. Her vision is to make Gnosis an internationally recognized name that carries a profound message of health, well being, and awareness of environmental and societal conditions - and to empower consumers to vote with their actions and dollars for a shift in the marketplace.
started making chocolate in May '06 as part of her health coaching practice, and incorporated in March '08 - deciding to bring Gnosis Chocolate to fruition for the world to enjoy. Her vision is to make Gnosis an internationally recognized name that carries a profound message of health, well being, and awareness of environmental and societal conditions - and to empower consumers to vote with their actions and dollars for a shift in the marketplace.Back in 2007, Vanessa didn't know she would start a chocolate company. She was just beginning her practice as a certified holistic health counselor and had started making chocolate for her clients to replace their unhealthy sweets. Without marketing or assistants, stores in New York started requesting her bars. She designed a label (in MS Word), added PayPal to her health counseling website, and began making chocolate.
As more orders started coming in, Vanessa realized this was growing quickly. Did this fit into her goal of helping individuals to better health? The answer poured in from customers thanking her for more than just the chocolate. Gnosis was helping them change their diet- to avoid unhealthy sweets and choose foods full of nutrients by reading the ingredients in the bars. It's working! Gnosis Chocolate is not just a chocolate bar - it's a means to better well being!At the end of 2007, Gnosis started taking on part-time Oompa Loompas to keep up with growing demand - all through word of mouth, growing 100% organically. Gnosis started stocking stores all over the country, made special truffles for the Holidays, and worked at the 2007 Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's NY fundraiser - donating 25 lbs. Since the very first bar sold, Vanessa has given 10% of profits to the FTPF. She feels the only way to run a company with integrity is to see producing and selling a product (and all commerce) as a full circle - which includes giving back. Now, Gnosis employs 6 full time amazing people - known as Team Gnosis!
Gnosis Chocolate still produced 100% by hand is carried in over 200 stores including Whole Foods! We ship nationally and internationally... all within 3 years of making the first bar! Vanessa's philosophy is that instead of focusing on marketing, sales calls, and other self-promotion, she can put 100% of her energy into making an amazing product and a great team and providing education and customer service - and that way, the product will deserve its spot on the shelf rather than having to buy it.
And it's working - to this day, Gnosis Chocolate is grown 100% organically, by word of mouth!
Vanessa continues to do the graphic design, website, customer service, 
kitchen management, ingredient sourcing, customer relations, events planning, recipe making. We are looking to make the production and distribution of Gnosis Chocolate a community project. Vanessa is looking for individuals who have a passion for health, nutrition, and chocolate who would like to participate in any way.
kitchen management, ingredient sourcing, customer relations, events planning, recipe making. We are looking to make the production and distribution of Gnosis Chocolate a community project. Vanessa is looking for individuals who have a passion for health, nutrition, and chocolate who would like to participate in any way. Whether it's to Suggest a Store, submit graphics or testimonials, or help us grow the company in a loving way that incorporates you creativity and passions, we would love to work with you. If you are an Angel Investor, or have experience in Food Manufacturing and Distribution and are looking to work with a company with a huge vision of health and deliciousness, Vanessa would absolutely love to speak with you! Please send her an email
Thank you so much for taking the time to read a little about my little company :)
May you enjoy every piece - and experience Gnosis at first bite!
