I warmly welcome you to my shop!
"With love, respect and humility towards the people who have preserved their culture and traditions and who share them with us."
Ava
Here you will find ethically sourced and handcrafted cocoa, lovingly handcrafted by indigenous women from Guatemala.
If someone had told me three years ago that I would be running my own online shop for ceremonial cacao today, I would probably have smiled in disbelief. And yet here I am – full of gratitude and enthusiasm.
My trip to Latin America changed my life forever. Through a series of seemingly chance encounters, I met Cecilia - the founder of Ruk'u'x Ulew [Roo-Koosh-Ouh-Leh-Ou], the women's collective from which I now get my cocoa.
One day she needed support in her project – and so I began to help out regularly in the collective. A deep connection quickly developed with the women there, until one day they even gave me their traditional “Traje” – a moment full of pride and honor that touched me deeply. I was fascinated by their culture, their wisdom and the way they viewed cocoa not just as a product but as a sacred medicine. The stories of these women still accompany me today and are deeply anchored in my heart.
It quickly became clear to me that I wanted to support the warm-hearted people and their Mayan culture.
Ruk'u'x'Ulew
Ruk'u'x'Ulew was founded in 2016 by Cecilia, an indigenous woman and mother of three children. Together with 15 wonderful women, she lovingly produces ceremonial cocoa by hand, which is appreciated far beyond the country's borders. I feel honored every day to work with her. She has a huge heart, an infectious smile and prepares the best cocoa for you - with lots of love & lots of chili ;)
With this ceremonial cocoa you are not only doing something good for yourself, but you are also supporting the wonderful indigenous women's collective Ruk'u'x Ulew.
Each bean is...
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Carefully fermented and sun-dried
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Lightly roasted over an open wood fire
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Peeled by hand
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Ground with love and freshly packaged
This traditional process gives the cocoa its unique, rich and deep flavor – a pleasure that not only nourishes you, but also connects you with a centuries-old culture.
My vision:
I believe in a direct connection between origin and consumer - in transparent trade routes, fair wages and sustainable materials. My goal is to connect the traditional craftsmanship and wisdom of indigenous communities with conscious people in Europe and around the world.
This shop is more than a business for me - it is a mission from the heart. I run it with love, care and a deep desire to support these wonderful women.
Thank you for being part of this journey
With every order you help ensure that the wonderful women of Ruk'u'x Ulew can continue their valuable work. You are not only supporting me, but also a community of women who produce this special cocoa with their hands and hearts.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support – it means so much to me and the women.
All the best to you!
Your Ava
Cecilia
