Our Story🍍
Our story began generations ago in a small pueblo near Juchitán, Oaxaca—the Istmo de Tehuantepec region. During the Civil War of Central America (that ended in 1992 in El Salvador and 1996 in Guatemala), our pueblo became a refugee sanctuary to our Indigenous Maya relatives. Thus, our communities came together forming a strong Indigenous solidarity that still exists today across our pueblo in Oaxaca and El Salvador.
With inspiration gathered from our first-hand experiences as Indigenous artisans, environmental leaders, climate refugees, and protectors of Mother Earth, our hybrid business was born. We are primarily an environmental consultation business that also sells artesanias to support Indigenous artisans.
Piña Soul, SPC was primarily founded to support frontline communities in the environmental & climate justice movement. This is why we invest 20% of our profits towards our Eco-Warrior community grants. Our Eco-Warrior Community Micro-Grants are designed to support grassroots environmental & conservation movements, initiatives, or projects led by Black & Indigenous communities. Additionally, 10% of all proceeds are donated to our Mutual Aid Projects.
Our products are handmade by Indigenous artisans and promote environmental sustainability.
With inspiration gathered from our first-hand experiences as Indigenous artisans, environmental leaders, climate refugees, and protectors of Mother Earth, our hybrid business was born. We are primarily an environmental consultation business that also sells artesanias to support Indigenous artisans.
Piña Soul, SPC was primarily founded to support frontline communities in the environmental & climate justice movement. This is why we invest 20% of our profits towards our Eco-Warrior community grants. Our Eco-Warrior Community Micro-Grants are designed to support grassroots environmental & conservation movements, initiatives, or projects led by Black & Indigenous communities. Additionally, 10% of all proceeds are donated to our Mutual Aid Projects.
Our products are handmade by Indigenous artisans and promote environmental sustainability.
Our Name🍍
The name "Piña Soul" was inspired by the Flor de Piña dance that takes place in Oaxaca and is showcased during the Guelaguetza—a dancing festival that takes place in Oaxaca to honor our ancestors and spiritual beings. It is performed by Indigenous womxn from Oaxaca, but it was a dance primarily created by the Chinanteca and Mazateca Indigenous womxn. The dance showcases the beauty and strength of our Indigenous womxn. The dance is known for the elevated posture the dancers follow (that helps them hold a pineapple on their right shoulder), embroidered huipiles they wear (that are passed down through families), and the permanent smile that remains on their faces throughout the dance. The Flor de Piña dance also embodies the matriarchal societies that most Oaxacan Indigenous communities have followed pre- & post-colonization. It is primarily performed by our Indigenous womxn or muxes.
Our Passion🍍
Our founder's way of life—as a conservationist and artisan—inspired us to continue a legacy of sustainable jewelry & accessories that promote and uplift Indigenous communities. Our products promote sustainable materials that represent our hybrid business motto of "Artisans for Conservation." Because we believe that frontline communities should be aided in any way possible (whether in small or big way), especially as climate change continues to exacerbate their way of life, 20% of all of our profits are invested into our Eco-Warrior Community Micro-Grants.
