cacao guardians

core team <3

  • Certified in economics, holistic health, psychotherapy, and epigenetics

    I carry the roots of many lands within me—India, Mongolia, Romani, the Balkans, Greece, Albania, Latin America, Turkey, and more. I honor all these cultures that shaped my bloodline, yet I don’t define myself by borders. I am an Indigenous Earthling—born of the Earth, for the Earth, belonging everywhere and nowhere at once.

    Cacao Guardians started as a tiny seed back in 2021 in Guatemala, when my two weeks holiday turned into a 4 years (and counting) journey.

    Throughout the last 4 years of living on these lands, I immersed myself more and more in the heart of Guatemala's diverse culture and ancient wisdom, eager to learn and contribute.

    Is here where I found out that the scientific name of Cacao is “Theobroma Cacao”, which in its meaning is very similar to my name, Theodora. What a coincidence, or maybe not? :)

    Living in Guatemala, I see firsthand the struggles and triumphs of cacao farmers and the incredible strength of women collectives within the Mayan community. This inspired me to form deep connections and work closely with these amazing individuals.

    I envision Cacao Guardians as a bridge, uniting the wisdom of cacao, the dedication of Mayan indigenous farmers, and the demands of our modern world.

    It's about connecting cultures, supporting the indigenous community, and ensuring the sustainability of cacao cultivation.

    My goal is to integrate economic viability, holistic well-being, and epigenetic insights into every aspect of cacao production, distribution and practice.

    Now, years later, that tiny seed has grown into a thriving community, reflecting my deep love for Mayan culture, respect for traditions, importance for holistic health practices and appreciation for the knowledge that I am allowed to receive every day.

    Cacao Guardians stands as a testament to diversity, unity, sustainability, and a harmonious fusion of ancient practices with western urban lifestyle, leaving a positive impact on local communities and resonating across the global stage.

    Deep Gratitude to our Core Team, to all our Cacao Guardians around the world, to our farmers and women collectives, to our teachers and spiritual guides, and to all of you for every single purchase, showing us your love, believe and support on this journey <3

  • I’m an indigenous earthling.

    Born on Earth in the Milky Way Galaxy, in a place called the Philippines. Raised in the United States, and subsequently lived in countless different countries. 

    Identifying into a single nation or culture is simply too limiting — I am a native of Earth, as we all are. This is the basis from which I understand our unity with each other.

    Professionally, I am an Artist. I have a decades-long background in graphic design. My artistic disciplines have a foundation rooted in meditation and flow practices.

    When I’m not working or spending time with my family, I’m creating music, studying martial arts, and hiking.

    Why cacao? Because it teaches you to break down those crusty barriers we put up that causes us to separate from ourselves and others.

    Cacao says, “Relax, bud. Everything’s gonna be alright.”

  • As a community builder and holistic practitioner I believe that we can achieve huge personal shifts and impact the world even more strongly and sustainably when we are surrounded by people who share the same values, beliefs and inspirations as us.

    With the support of Mama Cacao, her healing, love and acceptance, and being surrounded by people who feel her magic, I hope that we shift the idea of going solo towards being together through the community of Cacao Guardians.

  • My intention with Cacao Guardians is to feel the beauty of community within my self so that I can support other beings in finding their way to their tribe. In finding the connection within myself I want to guide other people to be connected with them selves, with community, with nature, with the universe.

    Life definitely is a ceremony! And I feel honored to have the possibility to exhale this beauty of life into universe.

  • Cacao means to me LOVE, MAGIC and CONNECTION.

    My name is Maxi, I live nearby Potsdam and love love love to connect with Cacao. I’m a yoga teacher, working with shamanic tools, tarot and theta healing® .

    My big vision with my work is, to connect people with themselves and especially with mother earth.

    My mission is, to give pachamama as much back, as much I got from her… guidance, love, food, connection… everything.