From a young age, Lauren Gockley discovered her passion for culinary arts. This passion eventually led her to become a renowned chocolatier and the co-founder of Coda Signature, a leading cannabis-infused confectionery brand. Her journey is one of dedication, artistry, and innovation as she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cannabis confections.
The Early Years: Discovering a Love for Culinary Arts
Lauren Gockley’s journey into the world of cannabis-infused confections began with a passion for culinary arts that was nurtured from a young age. Growing up, Lauren found herself drawn to the kitchen, where she spent countless hours alongside her grandmother, a caterer who instilled in her a deep respect for ingredients and the joy of cooking.
As Lauren explored her interests, she initially considered a career in music but soon realized that her true calling lay in the culinary world. She appreciated the defined rules of baking science and the opportunity to express her creativity through pastry. This led her to work as a raw vegan chocolatier, where she honed her skills in crafting delectable confections using medicinal herbs and unconventional ingredients.
Training at the World-Renowned l’École du Grand Chocolat
When it came time to take her passion to a serious level, Lauren went for the best the world had to offer an aspiring chocolatier. During her time at l’École du Grand Chocolat, Lauren had the opportunity to learn from some of the most skilled and experienced chocolatiers in the world. The intensive training program covered every aspect of chocolate-making, from selecting the finest cacao beans to creating intricate and visually stunning confections.
Lauren’s training at l’École du Grand Chocolat not only provided her with a solid foundation in the technical aspects of chocolate-making but also ignited her passion for exploring the artistic possibilities of this versatile medium. She learned to appreciate the nuances of flavor, texture, and aroma that could be achieved through the careful selection and blending of ingredients
The experience at l’École du Grand Chocolat also exposed Lauren to the rich history and cultural significance of chocolate, deepening her appreciation for the craft and inspiring her to push the boundaries of what was possible in the world of chocolate-making.
Rising Through the Ranks
Lauren’s experiences working in Parisian pastry shops and renowned restaurants in the United States were crucial in shaping her approach to chocolate-making and her overall culinary philosophy. Working alongside some of the most talented chefs and pastry chefs in the industry, Lauren learned the importance of attention to detail, consistency, and creativity in crafting exceptional confections.
At Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Bank in Houston, Lauren honed her skills in creating desserts that were not only delicious but also visually stunning. She learned to balance flavors and textures to create truly memorable dining experiences for guests.
During her time at Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York, Lauren was exposed to the highest standards of excellence in the culinary world. She witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion that went into every dish, from the sourcing of ingredients to the flawless execution of each recipe. This experience reinforced Lauren’s commitment to using only the finest ingredients and striving for perfection in every creation.
Being named one of Dessert Professional’s Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America was a significant milestone in Lauren’s career. This recognition not only validated her skills and dedication to her craft but also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the industry. It served as a testament to her ability to innovate and push the boundaries of chocolate-making, setting the stage for her future endeavors in the world of cannabis-infused confections.
The Birth of Coda Signature
In 2015, Lauren co-founded Coda Signature in Colorado with a clear vision: to set the standard of excellence in the cannabis industry. By combining her culinary expertise with a deep understanding of the potential of cannabis, Lauren sought to create a range of infused edibles and topicals that were unparalleled in their artistry, consistency, and quality.
As the Chief Innovation Officer at Coda Signature, Lauren drove product development, refined manufacturing practices, and ensured strict quality standards across all product lines. Her collaborative approach and extensive knowledge of culinary chemistry and flavor profiles resulted in award-winning creations that delighted both cannabis connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Sourcing the Finest Ingredients
Lauren’s commitment to using only the best ingredients led her to forge a partnership with Republica del Cacao, an Ecuadorian chocolate company recommended by the renowned French chocolate brand Valrhona. Before finalizing the partnership, Lauren took a trip to Ecuador to visit Republica del Cacao’s facilities and see firsthand the care and attention that went into their chocolate production.
During her visit, Lauren toured the factory, explored the cacao fields, and even visited the farm in the Andes mountains, where the cows were milked by hand to produce the dairy used in the chocolate. This hands-on approach allowed Lauren to gain a deeper understanding of the entire process, from the sourcing of raw ingredients to the creation of the final product.
By personally visiting the source of her chocolate and building a relationship with the suppliers, Lauren ensured that Coda Signature would have access to the highest quality ingredients for their cannabis-infused confections. This dedication to sourcing the best ingredients has become a hallmark of Lauren’s approach to chocolate-making and has set Coda Signature apart in the industry.
Crafting Intentional Flavors and Experiences
Lauren’s approach to developing new flavors for Coda Signature’s cannabis confections was rooted in the desire to communicate an experience to the consumer. Each flavor was meticulously crafted to evoke a specific moment or memory, using layered flavors and high-quality ingredients to transport the consumer to a particular time and place.
From the nostalgic “Coffee & Doughnuts” bar to the tangy and creamy “Cream & Crumble,” Lauren’s creations showcased her ability to deconstruct a concept and reassemble it in a way that surprised and delighted the senses. Her commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients, such as single-origin chocolate from Ecuador, ensured that every bite was a testament to quality and intentionality.
A New Chapter: Coda Joins the Canvas Family
In April 2024, Canvas 1839 Group, a prominent company in the cannabis industry, announced its acquisition of Coda’s material operating assets. This strategic move brought together Lauren’s culinary artistry with Canvas’s scientific expertise, led by Chief Science Officer Kyle Hammerick, promising exciting innovations in the cannabis market.
Under the Canvas umbrella, Lauren continues to steer the ship for the beloved Coda chocolates, ensuring that the brand’s commitment to quality, consistency, and efficacy remains unwavering. The acquisition has opened up new opportunities for product development and multi-state expansion, allowing Lauren to bring Coda’s exceptional confections to a wider audience.
A Future of Innovation and Excellence
As Lauren embarks on this new chapter with Canvas, she remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cannabis confections. With a focus on innovation and a passion for creating products that delight and deliver on their promises, Lauren is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Through her journey, Lauren Gockley has demonstrated that the perfect union of culinary artistry, scientific precision, and a deep understanding of the potential of cannabis can yield truly exceptional results. As she continues to lead the way in crafting premium cannabis confections, Lauren’s story serves as an inspiration to those who dare to dream big and pursue their passions with unwavering dedication.
