We wanted to be intentional in our launch of GYV products. When we launched GYV in 2018, it was our goal to explore voices, staples, and scents from Mesoamerica. My wife is from northern Mexico, and I am from El Salvador; we knew there was a lot to highlight and share, so the GYV Hope initiative was born. Our goal was simple, to highlight Mesoamerican beauty and to give back.

We reached out to Latinx designers; we assigned each a fruit to give us whatever design came to mind based on the fruit as well as asking them for a non-profit that they would like to support. We had known Yocelyn Riojas from her work, she is a visual designer, illustrator, artist, activist, the list goes on and on, click here for more info. Yocelyn’s assigned fruit was Passion Fruit and she informed us that she would be supporting Casa Marianella, a non-profit organization. We knew she would create something amazing, but what she sent was way more than that, thanks to her we met Casa Marianella.

“Just GYV has always been a loving supporter of Latinx creatives and the community. As a family-owned brand, they have always been more than welcoming, allowing us artists to use our skills to give back. I’m happy I’ve been able to establish roots for them in Austin, TX, with like-minded people fighting to make tomorrow a little better for everyone because we all share immigrant roots. ” –Yocelyn Riojas

Passionfruit goes exceptionally well with Casa Marianella and Yocelyn’s mission.

Casa Marianella

This plant’s fruit, leaves, and roots may all be used, nothing is wasted. In most of central america, this fruit (maracuya is the acidic version, and granadilla is the sweet version) is served as a thirst-quenching beverage; Fresco de granadilla, its leaves are used in salads, and have traditional medicine use.

Casa Marianella is named for Marianella García Villas, a Salvadoran attorney and human rights organization founder who battled against human rights violations in El Salvador until her assassination by government troops in 1983. Casa Marianella welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services.

Casa Marianella is the only homeless shelter in Austin dedicated solely to immigrants. 65% of our shelter residents, including children, are asylum seekers, many coming to us from immigration detention.

The work that Casa Marianella does is so important for the community, they GYV Love, GYV hope, GYV freedom to those in need, we invite you to share with us their story and GYV your support.

PURCHASE YOUR CANDLE TODAY!