Your first recipe for a bold, flavorful brand.
Join other nutritionists, wellness coaches, chefs, and food brands already cooking up success with Kakao Studio.
THE KAKAO CULTURE
A Story Rooted in Cacao
Hi! I’m Mary Navarro, the founder of Kakao Studio.
I’m from the Dominican Republic — the 9th largest cacao producer in the world. My grandfather was a cacao farmer in the northwest region of the island, while I grew up in the capital city. Every time he visited, he brought me a ball of raw cacao dough.
The cacao was bitter, but my mom transformed it into the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. That memory has stayed with me: the idea that something raw and simple, when crafted with love and by the right hands, could become something beautiful and nourishing. That is the heart behind Kakao culture.
Why Kakao Studio Exists
My grandfather’s love for cacao taught me that passion and care are what create true quality. I carry that same lesson into design and illustration. Just as he produced cacao with heart, We create visuals with creativity and purpose — so our clients can experience the same joy I felt with every cacao ball he shared.
Kakao’s mission is to help women entrepreneurs in the nutrition, food, and wellness industries go from raw to wow, with branding, illustration, and design that fuels recognition, amplifies differentiation, and makes their businesses stand out.
Our vision is to become a driving force in an industry led by women, yet one where they remain underrepresented, underpaid, and underfunded. We’re here to plant the seeds of change—making it easier for women to be seen, chosen, and remembered.
The Culture We Live By
Our Philosophy
At Kakao Studio, design isn’t just about making things look pretty, it’s about creating something meaningful, rooted in strategy, crafted with love for the process, and built to last. We specialize in branding and design for nutritionists, wellness professionals, chefs, food brands, and creative entrepreneurs who want to stand out with purpose.
From brand identity and packaging design to editorial layouts, digital content, and visual storytelling, we bring ideas to life with bold, flavorful, and soulful visuals that connect emotionally and drive recognition. Our work blends aesthetics with strategy, ensuring that every color, shape, and texture tells your story, resonates with your audience, and helps your business grow.
Whether you’re launching a new wellness brand, reimagining your food business, or publishing your first book, Kakao Studio is your creative partner for strategic, authentic, and lasting design.
