Our Story
Karaya Bean is a new premium cacao brand inspired by the rich heritage of an island and its humble, generous people.
Karaya Bean was born from a deep connection to the land, family, and tradition. The story begins with my great-grandfather, a man of humble beginnings who built a life full of love and generosity in the heart of the Dominican Republic. Surrounded by lush cacao and coffee plantations, he built a beautiful, humble home in the countryside where he provided for his family and the local community. Not only did he offer jobs to the people around him, but he also donated part of his land to build a clinic for the community’s well-being.
As children, my siblings and I spent countless joyful days visiting his home, where our mother and grandmother also grew up. We played in the tropical rainforest, where cacao and coffee grew in abundance. We worked alongside him, helping with the harvest, and, more importantly, we forged a bond with him that would stay with me for a lifetime.
At the age of 12, I moved to New York City and never had the chance to see my great-grandfather again before he passed a few years later. However, the memories of his home and the cacao and coffee that still surround it continue to live on in my heart.
Karaya Bean was inspired by a trip I took back to the
Dominican Republic after 15 years. Stepping back onto the land and revisiting the places that shaped my childhood, I realized that the essence of this place had never left me. I felt a deep urge to reconnect with my roots, my culture, and the land where my story began.
This brand is my way of honoring my great-grandfather, as well as all the local cacao farmers who continue to work the land with love and care. Karaya Bean represents a commitment to sustainable practices, fair trade, and quality. We want to offer chocolate in its purest and most ceremonial form, where every bite tells a story of respect for the land and the people who cultivate it.
At Karaya Bean, our mission is to bring the highest quality cacao to the world—made with love, reverence, and a deep appreciation for its roots. Through our product, we hope to invite others to experience the ceremonial cacao that has shaped my life, and to share in the legacy of a man who believed in the power of community and the beauty of the land.
