Where Soul Meets Cacao
Ancestral wisdom in every bar of Arriba Nacional.
“Kuyaya” Means Grandmother – And She Was Ours
Family Inheritance
“She nurtured with seeds, healed with plants, and loved through cacao. This is her gift to us.”
My grandmother Juana, holder and guardian of ancestral wisdom, gave life through seeds, plants, and fruits. She knew nature's rhythm—how to feed the body and heal the soul from what the land offers.
It was with her that I first tasted cacao: the sweet pulp of the fresh seed, the warmth of toasted beans from the crock, and the comfort of cacao powder stirred into hot milk.
Back then, I didn’t realize those memories would come full circle. But today, I know: She planted something in me.
Kindness, respect for nature, and a love for simple, sacred things. So much of the good in my soul—I owe to her. And that’s why our name is Villakuyaya. “Kuyaya” means grandmother in Quechua. This is her legacy, living on through chocolate.
“Kuayaya” means grandmother in Quechua, and in her honor, we carry forward this legacy with love, patience, and pride.
My journey to discovering this philosophy started in my late twenties, as a combination of exposure to various cultures through travel, and enrolling in yoga which awakened my chakras and helped me find the balance that I was looking for.
My inner warrior healed me with the help of ancestral rescue, and my perspective about life changed . . .
Childhood memories with my grandmother, combined with this new perspective helped to create the different flavors of my chocolates combined with the spices and herbs that help give a new sensation with each and every bite!
Spiritual Momentum of the founder
Family Business
My legacy began with Granny Juana, the guardian of ancestral wisdom. She taught me the language of seeds, plants, and healing fruits—and how nature feeds both the body and soul.
It continued with my kindhearted parents, who raised me with love and discipline. They showed me what it means to work with integrity, to honor your word, and to care deeply for others. They taught me to work hard, be honest, and lead with loyalty.
This is the heart of Villakuyaya—a family that walks together at every step, just like the cacao seeds that come together to become a single bar.
And today, that legacy lives on through my son, Sammy.
With every chocolate we craft, he learns where he comes from, and the purpose behind it all:
To honor the past, love the present, and create a better future.
The Future Has Small Feet and Big Dreams.
Sammy reminds us who we do this for. Every bar we craft is a promise to the future: clean ingredients, ethical farming, and a preserved heritage. One day, he’ll hold these stories too—and maybe even the recipe book.
““ Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark””