“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”  ― Linda Grayson

Baking and chocolate go hand in hand. For Gitana Singh from Delhi, baking has always been her therapy and a souce of relaxation. A generous soul, Gitana loves gifting the goodies she makes, to friends and family, all the while experimenting with new flavours and toppings. This gave her the idea to start her handmade chocolate venture called “Cocoa Bark Series” last summer. With a wide variety of experimental combinations to choose from, Gitana makes a wide variety of customized chocolates – exactly the way her customers want it. So let’s get to know this multi-talented chocolatier a little bit more.

Today, we chat with Gitana Singh, a young musician, foodie and entrepreneur from Delhi. She talks about her handmade chocolate venture, “Cocoa Bark Series” and her journey as a stage artist. Read on to find out more about this lovely soul.

• Hey Gitana! Thank you for speaking with us. Tell our readers a little about yourself.

My name is Gitana Singh. I was born in Delhi and have pretty much lived there all my life, with a few short periods away and tons of travel. I run a boutique chocolate bark brand called ‘Cocoa Bark Series’ and also love music and theatre. I dabble with some occasional shows and gigs, whenever time allows me. I am also, somehow, managing to give my time to work as and with a Success and Leadership Coach to help people get the best results from different dimensions of their life.

• Tell us more about ”Cocoa Bark Series’. What and who inspired you to start this chocolate venture of yours.

I’ve always loved cooking and baking and often found myself spending time in the kitchen. Be it after a long workday or when I feel stressed, baking has always been therapeutic and it totally relaxes me!

“I was in this quest of making things and finding people to give it to, and I decided to ask my family what kind of chocolate they would like. I gave them a bunch of different toppings and flavors to pick from and found myself experimenting with all kinds of techniques and combinations to create their perfect chocolate bark!

Cocoa Bark started in the tail end of the summer of 2017. The most special part about it is that the flavor and toppings of every single bark is customized and made exactly the way the customer wants it.”

Inspired by the flavours of the middle east, White Chocolate Bark with Rose and Pistachio, handmade by Gitana.

A vivid mixture of tangerine, peppermint, mint and strawberries swirls on a white chocolate bar by Gitana.

“It’s been mainly through word of mouth that more and more people started ordering their unique combinations. I can’t be more grateful and thankful to everyone around me that has made Cocoa Bark a reality.”

 

“Boxes of Love” Special Valentine’s Day Chocolates made by Gitana.

• How have your roots and upbringing influenced your work or working style?

“My parents have always encouraged me to do what I love and what makes me happy. It’s inculcated so deep within me, that every day I wake up happy and with the feeling that I am really passionate about what I do and I can’t wait to do it.”

Gitana (2nd from right) with her Mum, Dad and elder brother, Prithvi at a wedding party.

Gitana having a lovely Father and daughter dancing moment with her dad.

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Because no wedding is complete without my Father Daughter Dance 💃🏼#thoseheelswerepainfulthough . Thanks for the perfect song @therevisitproject 🎶"How could I dance with another, when I saw her standing there" . . . #wedding #weddingdance #brunch #wintermorning #liveband #fatherdaughter #fatherdaughterdance #ballroomdance #mydad #daddysgirl #dance #dancefloor #family #thebeatles @ina.160

A post shared by Gitana Singh (@gitanasingh) on Dec 1, 2017 at 9:33pm PST

• Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? 

I have always wanted to be a bunch of different things. I don’t think I have ever had a road map and ever saw myself doing one particular career or job. But rather, I have always been drawn towards doing what makes me feel happy and feel right.

Gitana displays products from ‘Cocoa Bark Series’ at Christmas pop-up market.

White Chocolate Matcha and Candy Cane Bark – a special Christmas combination made by Gitana.

• What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your journey so far? What have been some key learnings as well?

The biggest challenge for me has been putting myself out there on social media. I never liked the idea of sharing every detail or photograph with everyone or making my profile public, but now I think it’s really not that scary.

White chocolate bark with Lavender and Pink Peppercorns.

People like following brands and the story behind it. I’ve learned that instead of just putting up pictures of my product all the time, people are more interested in the story and all that goes on behind the scenes. These are things that are real and relatable… even if it means showing off my goofy self at times! 😉

Gitana in her happy place – at home with chocolate and her dog Ziffer.

• What else do you offer under ‘Cocoa Bark Series’ and where can we buy our own? 🙂

The main thing I sell is chocolate barks which are very thin, unevenly hand broken pieces of chocolate. They are completely customizable. You can pick from a range of different flavours to make your own combination of textures and toppings. I also make cakes, chocolate pies, ice creams, and more as and when I get requests.

“You can see all the pictures on my Instagram and directly contact me via DM or order online to get your own box!”

Dark chocolate salted caramel pie and white chocolate mixed berry pie by Gitana.

Nutella and sea salt brownies with caramel drizzle by Gitana.

Hot chocolate mixes, perfect for the winter season by Cocoa Bark Series. Don’t forget to check out the Cocoa Bark Series website to place your order for the festive season!

• What else keeps you busy? What’s brewing on the music and theatre front?

I love music and I love singing and I always try to keep this part of me alive by doing performances and shows whenever possible. I’ve studied opera for 5 years, spent a summer at Berklee School of Music, given Trinity music exams, worked as a production manager for 4 years, backstage management, performed in plays, operas, concerts, etc… I have cherished each opportunity I’ve gotten. My next show is Aladdin, which will be in Mumbai where I’ll be performing on stage as well as working backstage!

Gitana on stage singing at her friend’s wedding day.

Gitana singing Adele’s “Someone like you”

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I've never uploaded a video of myself singing, and the sound quality in this video really sucks… BUT here's to the one song I'm always made to sing, and to the people who are always there to listen ❤️

A post shared by Gitana Singh (@gitanasingh) on Apr 5, 2017 at 9:53am PDT

Keep up with Gitana’s work by following her on Instagram.