Our Story - From Bean to Being

Image: James Hardisty

How It All Began

I like to think Gemini began when Ben, my youngest brother, gave me a book about nutrition. I found it so fascinating, and I wondered why on earth we all don’t know about this. The book literally changed my life and inspired me to transform my diet and lifestyle.

This all soon led to the discovery of the cacao bean. I leant about its incredible health benefits and asked a simple question:

If the cacao bean is so healthy then why is chocolate unhealthy?

This is when Gemini was born, and it inspired me to create chocolate using all the knowledge I learnt from that book Ben gave me.

Healthy chocolate that tastes good

It didn’t occur to me to actually learn how to make chocolate. So at first it was terrible, but through lots of trial and error it became chocolate that was healthy, but also edible.

Better for You,
Better for the Planet

I like to think that over the years the chocolate has become better than edible and it’s now about far more than just healthy chocolate. Sustainability, connection, community, creativity and spiritually have also become very important to me.

I love chocolate, but it’s these values that truly inspire me.

The Beverley Shop

In December 2023, Sam opened the Gemini Chocolate shop and café on North Bar Within, Beverley a destination designed to let people experience chocolate on a deeper level.

Through our glass wall, you can watch the chocolatiers at work. Our friendly team are always happy to talk about the ingredients we use and why we use them, and you might even get to meet Sam himself. It’s not just shopping, it’s connection.

Upstairs @ Gemini

Not long after opening, we hosted our first immersive movie night complete with food, drinks, laughter, and the scent of warm chocolate. It was such a success that Upstairs@Gemini was born.

Our cosy event space now hosts everything from Creative Writing and Art History talks to Tarot Circles, and creative workshops all carrying the same spirit of warmth, community, and a touch of Gemini magic.

More Than Chocolate

For us, Gemini has always been about more than what’s on the shelf. It’s about creating something that brings people together, something that inspires connection, creativity, and care for the planet we all share.

Because at the heart of it all, we believe chocolate should make you feel good, we believe in chocolate to live for.