Maria and Laura are the passionate founders of Holy Kakao, dedicated to bringing transformative cacao-based experiences to the community. Maria, a skilled psychotherapist with a deep love for ancient traditions, integrates holistic healing practices into her work. Laura, an artist and wellness enthusiast, excels in creative therapies and experiential workshops.

Their paths crossed serendipitously at a chocolate museum, where they bonded over their shared fascination with the cultural and spiritual significance of cacao. Inspired by their mutual passion, they decided to combine their unique talents to create Holy Kakao, a space where people can connect, heal, and explore through the sacred power of cacao

Maria Veiga, affectionately known as Mama Conception, is a Portuguese psychotherapist, author, healer, and energy reader who has resided in London for many decades. Her profound passion for chocolate and its history blossomed during her tenure managing the chocolate museum, where she taught engaging workshops for both children and adults. When the museum closed due to COVID-19, Maria turned her focus to writing, embarking on a challenging journey due to her dyslexia. Her deep research culminated in "The Little Cocoa Bean," a captivating book designed for readers of all ages to explore the rich history of chocolate.

This year, Maria followed her soul's calling to a transformative retreat in Mexico, where she embraced the ancient traditions of the Mayan and Mexica people. This profound experience reconnected her to her purpose: celebrating Mother Earth and sharing cacao's sacred power to open hearts and counteract the greed in the world. The name Mama Conception was revealed to her during a medicine ceremony, aligning with her original Portuguese name, Conceição, meaning conception—a name given to her because she was born on the day of the Annunciation, March 25.

Laura, hailing from the Netherlands, is an artist, chocolatier, and singer in a Cuban band. Her creative journey led her to London in 2018, where she joined the Chocolate Museum team after relocating from Amsterdam. At the museum, Laura captivated audiences by teaching children and adults the art of painting with chocolate, a workshop that quickly became popular. Since the museum's closure, she has expanded her teaching both in person and online, offering innovative workshops on chocolate tasting with colour, often in collaboration with Hazel Lee, the creator of the Map of Flavours.

Laura's multifaceted talents also shine through her musical endeavours, which she brings into Holy Kakao sessions, creating a rich, sensory experience that blends art, taste, and sound. Her dedication to cacao and creative expression continues to inspire and delight participants, making each Holy Kakao event a truly unique and immersive journey.

Holy Kakao offers a diverse array of events designed to awaken your heart, nurture your spirit, and foster community connection through the sacred power of cacao. Our offerings include:

Join us at Holy Kakao for transformative experiences that blend ancient traditions, creative exploration, and holistic wellness.

At Holy Kakao, our mission is to create transformative and enriching experiences that honour the sacred traditions of cacao. We aim to foster connection, healing, and personal growth through a diverse range of events, including cacao ceremonies, creative workshops, and holistic wellness sessions. By integrating the cultural wisdom of the Mayan and Mexica peoples, we strive to cultivate a community where individuals can explore, heal, and connect with themselves and others through the sacred power of cacao.

Cacao holds deep cultural significance, particularly within Mayan and Mexica (Aztec) cultures, where it was revered as a sacred plant. The Mayans considered cacao a divine gift, integrating it into rituals and using it as currency. Similarly, the Mexica valued cacao highly, consuming it in ceremonial drinks believed to bestow wisdom and energy. Both cultures recognised cacao not only as a nourishing food but also as a powerful spiritual tool, essential for connecting with the divine and fostering communal bonds.