Cacao Love Story: Chocolatier Nazdira Cuevas
“I am so honored to make this medicine. I truly feel/see how cacao has opened many doors and has helped me connect with people on a heart level. I see how it has guided me to exactly where I am today. ”
Meet Nazdira Cuevas. She is one of Maya Moon Co.’s master chocolatiers, a trained herbalist and certified yoga teacher. Nazdira embodies the spirit of cacao – Ixcacao – to the fullest, sharing her pure heart, joyful spirit and loving care for all life in everything that she puts her energy towards. We are so grateful to have her medicine in our production kitchen!
What was your first experience with cacao?
My first conscious experience with cacao was about a year and half ago. I was immersed in an herbal apprenticeship here in San Diego. We sat in ceremony led by a beautiful woman named Paola. I was hesitant and skeptical as to the power of Ixcacao. We watched her as she poured the sacred cacao drink and we all drank it together. By the end of the ceremony my heart felt so expansive. I had never experienced that before. LOVE AND JOY WAS POURING OUT!!!
How has your relationship with cacao evolved?
After the ceremony I fell in love with cacao. Full on head over heels in LOVE! I started taking cacao at home and meditating. I also started sharing it with my family. Slowly it became part of my everyday routine, not just as a treat. One day I was invited to a gathering of facilitators for Forest Academy. There I was introduced to Maya Moon Co. chakra truffles. I have no doubt cacao brought Kathryn, the founder, and I together. She works that way (Ixcacao). She works in building relationships. I felt very called when I met Kathryn to offer my help. Soon there after she called me and we began working in the kitchen.
What do you love most about making cacao medicine for the community?
What I love most about making cacao medicine for the people is just that. This opportunity is a blessing. I am so honored to make this medicine. I truly feel/see how cacao has opened many doors and has helped me connect with people on a heart level.
What's your favorite experience sharing cacao with children in the community?
My favorite memory of sharing cacao with children has to be when I brought mini cacao truffles to our Forest Academy camp where I teach children's yoga and mindfulness. The children were so receptive to having a mindful experience. We all ate our truffles at the same time, but first we explored all the senses with the truffle. Seeing, smelling, touching, hearing the story of how it came to be and finally tasting. It was such a special and fun experience!
How has cacao impacted you personally?
Cacao has helped me expand my heart. It has helped me connect with myself in ways I was never able to before. Cacao has been such tender heart medicine. I see how it has guided me to exactly where I am today.
How has cacao impacted your relationships?
Wow!
Cacao has been such a blessing in my life. She has guided me and helped me connect with beautiful individuals. As I reflect on my relationships I can truly say that she has helped me create heart connections in ways I didn't know possible. I am so grateful to Ixcacao.
And we are so grateful for you, Nazdira!