Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Gzz Palacios
Daniela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m Daniela, and I’ve always believed that wellness is about listening to ourselves—our emotions, our bodies, and what we truly need to feel balanced. My journey with Soela started as a personal exploration of well-being, inspired by my deep connection to nature and holistic healing.
Growing up in Mexico, I was always drawn to natural medicine and the idea that healing comes from within. When I moved to Los Angeles, I immersed myself in different wellness practices, studying yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Along the way, I discovered cacao—not just as an ingredient but as something with the power to support emotional and physical well-being. I realized that most people only associate cacao with chocolate and don’t know about its many benefits. The more I worked with it, the more I saw how it could help people slow down, process emotions, and reconnect with themselves.
I started sharing cacao in small gatherings, creating spaces where people could experience its effects in a way that felt natural and approachable. Over time, that grew into Soela—not just as a space for wellness experiences but as a brand that encourages people to bring mindfulness, creativity, and connection into their daily lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of the journey when you’re building something from the heart. Starting Soela was very personal for me—I wanted to create something that felt truly aligned with my vision of wellness, something that offered not just experiences but meaningful moments of connection. But turning a vision into reality always comes with challenges.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with the business side of things. I love hosting experiences, sharing cacao, and creating products that feel intentional, but running a business also means handling logistics, marketing, and financial planning—things that don’t always come naturally to me. Learning to manage both sides has been a process, and I’m still figuring it out as I go.
And of course, there have been moments of self-doubt. When you’re building something unique, it’s easy to wonder if people will connect with it in the way you hope. But every time I see someone have a meaningful experience at a gathering or feel inspired by cacao, it reminds me why I started.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change anything. Every obstacle has helped me refine my vision and grow both personally and professionally. Soela is still evolving, and I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I trust that it’s all part of the process.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating wellness experiences that help people reconnect with themselves through cacao, creativity, and sound healing. At Soela, I host cacao gatherings where people can slow down, release emotions that no longer serve them, and find clarity. These gatherings often incorporate sound healing, which helps deepen relaxation and emotional release, as well as creative elements like painting and intentional flower arrangements.
Creativity is woven into everything I do with Soela. I love working with flowers, carefully choosing each one with intention for every gathering. To me, every detail matters—the colors, the atmosphere, the sensory experience—because they all contribute to how we feel in a space. I also incorporate painting and other creative elements because I truly believe that everyone has a creative side. Sometimes, we just need the right space to explore it. My goal is to create an immersive experience that allows people to feel safe, inspired, and fully present.
Beyond the gatherings, I also offer cacao-based products like cacao tea blends, nibs, and cacao candy, giving people a way to bring the benefits of cacao into their daily lives. I want cacao to be more than just a one-time experience—I want it to be something people can integrate into their well-being routines.
I’m most proud of the way people feel after a Soela gathering. I often hear that they leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and inspired to connect with themselves in a new way. That, to me, is the most rewarding part of what I do.
What sets Soela apart is the blend of wellness, creativity, and intention. It’s not just about offering a cacao ceremony or a sound healing session—it’s about crafting a full experience that engages the senses, encourages self-expression, and provides a space where people can simply be themselves.
Any big plans?
I’m really excited about the future of Soela and how it continues to evolve. Right now, I’m working on expanding Soela beyond experiences by developing a line of cacao-based products, including cacao tea blends, nibs, cacao candy, and cacao pulp juice. My goal is to make cacao more accessible so people can incorporate it into their daily lives, not just during gatherings but as part of their own wellness rituals at home.
I’m also looking forward to hosting more immersive experiences, from larger cacao workshops to retreats where people can fully disconnect and reconnect with themselves in a deeper way. Creating spaces where people feel safe to explore their emotions, creativity, and well-being is something I’m passionate about, and I want to continue expanding on that.
Another big focus for me is growing Soela’s community. I want to reach more people who resonate with this kind of intentional wellness—whether that’s through in-person experiences, online offerings, or new collaborations.
Soela is still evolving, and I love that. I’m staying open to where this journey takes me, but at the heart of it all, my vision remains the same: to create meaningful spaces, whether through cacao, creativity, or community, that help people feel more present, inspired, and connected to themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soela.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soela___________?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://soela.substack.com/?r=564tz5&utm_medium=ios
