We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rocio Villavicencio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rocio, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve always felt that my purpose was to help others. I’ve spent over 10 years working in the hospitality industry, always focusing on making a positive impact in people’s lives. But it wasn’t until late 2020, after a car accident left me unable to work, that I truly found my calling. During that difficult time, I was depressed and lost, but something shifted when I started exploring homemade self-love and care items. It was then that I realized that my calling was not only about helping others but also about creating tools for self-love and healing. It became clear that I needed to start my own business.
With just $400 on a credit card, I decided to start my own business. That’s how Casita Miel y Canela was born. Over the past four years, the business has grown and changed, and I’ve realized it’s not just about self-care products. I come from a line of curanderas on my mother’s side, and that connection to my ancestral wisdom has always been with me. I’m also a medium and bruja, and those gifts guide the work I do today.
Now, I focus on offering spiritual products that help people on their own journeys of healing and growth. For me, it’s not just about physical self-care, but also about spiritual hygiene— taking care of your soul as much as your body.
Looking back, I see that my purpose has always been there, tied to my heritage and my desire to help others heal. It’s been a journey of rediscovering myself and aligning with the work I was always meant to do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Rocio Villavicencio, and I am the creator and magic behind Casita Miel y Canela. I was born and raised in Little Village, Chicago. I am a medium, curandera, and bruja, as well as a practitioner and initiate of Ifa Lukumi. I come from a lineage of mediums and curanderas on my mother’s side, a heritage that has deeply shaped my work and spiritual path. Growing up, my parents would often take my siblings and I to curanderas for spiritual cleanses and remedies.
Casita Miel y Canela was founded in late 2020 and was named in honor of my guardian orisha, Oshun. At Casita Miel y Canela, I offer spiritual services such as limpias (spiritual cleanses) and provide various spiritual tools, including oils, homemade florida waters, baths, and other remedies. These offerings are designed to guide individuals on their spiritual journeys, supporting them in maintaining spiritual hygiene while promoting healing, spiritual protection, and balance.
My offerings can be found online at casitamielycanela.com, on Instagram @casitamielycanela, and in Pilsen, Chicago at AngMir Hecho Con Cariño Boutique. You can also find me and my offerings monthly at Witch-O-Rama. A witch market hosted by Érica Mascio in Blue Island, IL at Blue Island Beer Company.
This past summer, my soul sister, Melissa Barrios of Healing Without Limits Apothecary, and I formed a duo called Conmigo. Conmigo is a tribute to our grandmothers, who paved the way for us to continue their work of supporting others through our spiritual gifts. In 2025, we plan to host events offering limpias, readings, reiki, and spiritual products—all dedicated to the sacred matriarch. More details and dates will be shared soon!
This past December 13th, I celebrated the 4-year anniversary of Casita Miel y Canela, a milestone that holds deep meaning for me. It is truly an honor to have built a community that trusts in my work and the magic I offer. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to share space with those who believe in me. I will forever stay committed to supporting their spiritual well-being.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, lifelong learning, and community.
Resilience has been one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned. It’s never too late to start working on your dreams or goals. Life often presents challenges and setbacks, but it’s important to push forward, no matter the obstacles. The journey might not always be linear, but persistence is key. My advice for those just starting out is to embrace challenges as learning experiences and remember that success rarely comes overnight. If you stay committed and keep moving forward, progress will follow. Never give up.
Lifelong learning has also been invaluable to my growth. I’ve found that studying and reading have expanded my knowledge in ways that make me feel more confident and capable. But learning isn’t just about books. It’s about being open to new perspectives and wisdom. For those starting out, I’d encourage them to never stop being curious. Read, study, and take every opportunity to learn, whether from formal education, life experiences, or those around you.
A critical part of my journey has been being part of a supportive community of healers, brujxs, and mediums. The collective wisdom shared in these circles has shaped my path, and the guidance of elders has been invaluable. If you’re early in your journey, I would recommend seeking out mentors and connecting with like-minded individuals. Being in community provides both a sense of belonging and the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest growth has been in offering workshops and hosting events. This has allowed me to share my knowledge and practices with others in a more visible and meaningful way.
As a healer, my purpose is to give people the tools and knowledge to start their healing journeys. I’ve been focusing on expanding what I can offer. This journey has helped me deepen my own understanding while finding better ways to support others on their spiritual paths. It’s been rewarding to help others grow, while also learning and growing myself.
I’m excited to continue this journey, as it’s opened up new opportunities for personal growth, connection, and collaboration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://casitamielycanela.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casitamielycanela
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casitamielycanela
Image Credits
Charlene Reynoso
Victor Villa
Laura Villavicencio
Zaylene Mendoza
Fernando Carrillo
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