August Reflections: One Year of HOLY CACAO

Our First Year of HOLY CACAO

As August draws to a close, it also marks one whole year since launching HOLY CACAO. What a journey it has been.

I’ll be sharing these reflections each month and not just glossy highlights, but the real story as it unfolds. Because at the end of the day, I’m just like you.

My story began at 22, when I was struggling with constant gut issues, brain fog, bloating and severe back pain. That struggle became the very mission behind HOLY CACAO: to create products you can trust, that genuinely nourish your body, taste beautiful, and use only the highest quality ingredients in the right amounts.

If I’m honest, I rarely stop to reflect, I’m usually focused on what’s next. But as August closes, it feels important to pause and acknowledge both the highs and the lows from this first year.

Highlights That Remind Me Why I Started

There have been so many moments that made me stop and think: this is why I started HOLY CACAO.

• The most incredible reviews and stories come from you - one that stands out is from a mum who shared how her son with ADHD chose to swap artificial hot chocolates for HOLY CACAO. He could feel the difference in his body, which in turn helped him overcome his sugar addiction and ease his symptoms.

• While working remotely abroad, I met someone who already knew HOLY CACAO - a real pinch-me moment

• Being featured in Vogue (twice!) and Sheerluxe.

• Customers sipping HOLY CACAO in more than 16 countries.

• So many of you choosing subscriptions - a true sign HOLY CACAO has found a place in your daily routines.

• Celebrity customers including Emily English and Sophie Habboo (I’ve been a  Newlyweds fan for years, so that was a real pinch-me moment) - along with so many others who have discovered HOLY CACAO

• Turning on ads for the first time and reaching so many new faces.

• Watching our community edge closer and closer to 10k followers on Instagram.

The Challenges That Shaped Me

And then there’s burnout… yes, even me, the founder of a wellness brand who is trying to do her best to help others feel like the best versions of themselves, hit a wall.

For a while I struggled with the irony of that. How could I be the one suffering with severe burnout, hormone imbalances, and a body that wasn’t even absorbing nutrients properly?

But that chapter turned out to be one of the most important parts of this journey:

• I was recommended HOLY CACAO’s bone broth cacao myself during this time - the most surreal full-circle moment.
• Just like our first blends were born from my own health struggles, new products are now emerging from this latest low point, products I genuinely wanted and needed to support my body and help me feel like my best self.
• I learnt self-love. Severe hormonal acne and practising Mel Robbins’ “let them” theory taught me to stop attaching my worth to my looks, and instead fall in love with my energy, personality and who I am at my core.
• My health crumbling reaffirmed what HOLY CACAO stands for: our health is everything. I came out stronger, with more drive than ever, and with an even deeper passion for building this brand.

What’s Happening Behind HOLY CACAO

One of the biggest milestones so far: one year after launching, HOLY CACAO is no longer just me - there’s now a small but mighty group of people working behind the scenes to bring this vision to life. We’re still in the transition stage, but I can’t tell you how excited I am for what’s ahead.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This is only the start of HOLY CACAO’s journey, but what an incredible first year it has been. I want to take time to thank you personally for being here, for every order, every message, and every kind word. It’s because of you that I get to live this mission and build something I truly believe in.

The first year has been incredible, but it’s only the beginning and I can’t wait to keep building this brand and sharing it with you.

With all my love,

Claudia 🤎