Help Us Keep Our Chocolate Factory From Closing

Hello! My name is Kenesha, and I am the creator behind the One More Cocoa brand. One More Cocoa is a gourmet chocolate company that takes pride in crafting delicious chocolate creations using only the finest ingredients. We carry a delicious line of artisan chocolate bars, bonbons, and truffles.

One More Cocoa started from my deep love for chocolate and my Jamaican Heritage. Named after the Jamaican proverb “one one cocoa, full basket”, meaning one step at a time,  it has been our guiding principle, throughout our chocolate journey. After launching my online store in May 2021, I opened my first brick-and-mortar in downtown Whitby at 116 Athol St in September 2021.

"During the beginning of the pandemic, some people completed puzzles, others learned to bake bread; Kenesha Lewis, however, became a chocolatier and went on to open her own chocolate shop in Downtown Whitby: One More Cocoa. "

Our dedication has garnered a lot of attention, with features on Etalk, The Foodnetwork.ca, the Toronto Star, and HelloFresh, and we made it to Oprah's Favourite Things List 2023!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI93m2w4KBw

Struggles & Setbacks 

Despite these successes, we've faced significant challenges in the past four months, enduring financial difficulties and operational hurdles. We navigated through a series of setbacks from October to today, learning from each. The dream that blossomed into One More Cocoa also brought with it heart-wrenching challenges, including a critical financial blow, impacting our inventory and ability to expand our team, resulting in substantial financial loss and operational strain. All these setbacks nearly crippled us. Yet, we stand on a precarious edge, with the threat of losing everything casting a long shadow over our achievements. 

I've soldiered on, driven by an unyielding passion for chocolate and the community we've built around it. The recognition we've gained, the increase in foot traffic, and the opportunities knocking at our door are glimmers of hope in the face of adversity.

I'm reaching out with an open heart for your support in this critical hour. The vision for One More Cocoa is vibrant and alive with potential, from expanding our reach in Canada and the U.S. to enchanting new customers with our chocolate creations. 

I'm reaching out for support to raise $60,000. It's a lifeline that will empower us to sustain our team, innovate our product line, and share our story across Canada. We dream of nurturing a community bound by a shared love for chocolate, where every bite of our creations weaves a tapestry of love, shared moments, and enduring memories. Chocolate, for us, is more than a treat; it's a vessel of love, a bridge connecting hearts, and a symbol of the sweet, enduring bonds we cherish.
 

Our Ask

I'm seeking support to raise $60,000. This funding will enable us to maintain our staff, develop new products, and expand our market presence across Canada & the US.

Your support will provide;
Enhanced Financial Security: The funding would provide a financial cushion, allowing for greater stability and flexibility in navigating day-to-day operations and unforeseen challenges.

New Product Development: With additional resources, we will come up with new chocolate creations and flavours, potentially expanding our product line and appealing to a broader customer base.

Regional Presence: Allocating funds for targeted marketing efforts can help in reaching new markets and increasing brand recognition beyond our current geographical scope.

Streamlined Operations: Utilizing some funds to integrate technology into our business processes will result in more efficient operations & inventory management.

New Staff: Allocating resources to bring in new team members enhances our workforce and contributes to our community's economic growth.

Preparation for Growth: The funding will be instrumental in setting the stage for future growth, whether it's expanding to new locations or increasing production capabilities to meet growing demand.

Strategic Partnerships: We would be able to invest in strategic partnerships and collaborations with other businesses to enhance our brand's visibility and attract a wider audience.

The impact goes beyond the initial allocation—it's about creating a foundation for long-term growth and sustainability. It's an investment in the ongoing success and evolution of One More Cocoa.

We want to create a community of chocolate lovers, who can use our chocolate to share with their family and friends and create memories. Chocolate is a medium for love, sharing and compassion.  

Thank you for continued supporting One More Cocoa – we wouldn't be here without you!

Kenesha