Meet Adri Jalife

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adri Jalife a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Adri, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I often find myself reflecting on the etymology of words, and “purpose” is no exception. It traces back to the Latin proponere, a fusion of prō- (“forth”) and pōnere (“to place, to put”). When I break it down this way, it sparks a question within me: How do I place myself in life to move forward?
The first thought that comes to mind is that I didn’t find my purpose—purpose found me, and it continues to find me. I believe we don’t come into this life with just one singular purpose, but rather with many, unfolding and evolving as we do. The way I see it, the more open we are to learning, sharing, and experiencing life, the more life itself seeks to express through us. We become vessels, channels through which the universe whispers its teachings and invites others to listen.
It reminds me of Kahlil Gibran’s words: “When you work, you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music. Which of you would be a reed, dumb and silent, when all else sings together in unison?”
If I envision myself as that flute, then my purpose on this Earth—at least through my own journey—has been to learn how to keep the vibration of life’s beauty at its highest frequency. In doing so, I hope to inspire others to find their own resonance, to raise their own vibration, and in turn, inspire those around them. I deeply believe in the ripple effect of high vibration—when one heart sings, others can’t help but join the chorus.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was born in the city of Durango, in northern Mexico—a place I hold dear, even though life led me away from it at a young age. My curiosity and deep desire to explore the world took me to many corners of the planet, but eventually, I returned to Mexico to study Modern Languages in Guanajuato. This path allowed me to immerse myself in language teaching and translation—bridging cultures, traditions, and ways of seeing the world.
After completing my studies, I felt the call to keep exploring. My heart was set on India and Europe, but destiny had other plans: I found myself in San Miguel de Allende, where I crossed paths with a family of permaculturists. Immersing myself in their world, I helped translate their organic farming manuals and assisted in their workshops. That experience completely shifted my perception of life. I learned to plant my first seeds, harvest fresh food, create natural fertilizers, and recognize the medicinal properties of plants. Each new discovery deepened my respect for the connection between the earth and human beings, awakening in me a profound appreciation for ancestral wisdom.
By then, my maternal grandmother—a skilled herbalist who filled her garden with natural remedies—had already joined the stars. Yet, during this time of reconnection, I dreamt of her sharing her recipes with me. In that moment, I understood that my path was intertwined with natural medicine. I began crafting soaps, balms, deodorants, toothpaste, tinctures, and natural oils—creations that, over time, found their way to bazaars, shops, and organic markets, carrying my message of holistic well-being.
My passion for health and wellness soon extended into the kitchen. I discovered the power of Plant-Based cuisine, which focuses on whole, unprocessed ingredients, and was eventually invited to cook for sacred ceremonies such as the Moon Dance and Vision Quest. These experiences deepened my understanding of food as a source of energy, transformation, and healing. It was on this path that I met my dear friend Jesús, whom I consider my elder brother of cacao. Thanks to him, I attended my first Cacao Circle and witnessed the incredible capacity of cacao to open hearts, weave community, and facilitate profound healing.
This newfound curiosity led me to explore cacao’s history, its medicinal properties, and its deep connection with ancestral cultures. During a year in Canada, I spent my days immersed in books and reflections, delving into the wisdom of the Mayan calendar and the cycles of time. As if guided by fate, the right teachers began to appear, leading me to Grandfather Efrén Hernández, guardian of the cacao plantations in Tabasco. Through him, I came to understand that cacao is not just food—it is a bearer of ancestral messages and an essential element in the prophecies of our time.
“We are like hummingbirds,” says the Grandfather, “spreading messages of healing, just as they spread sweetness from flower to flower.”
Cacao transformed my life and gave it purpose: to build community, share its sacred medicine, and restore the tradition of gathering in meaningful ways. More than two years ago, I founded Tierra Santa in the heart of Todos Santos—a space where ancestral knowledge, herbal medicine, cacao, and natural foods converge. Guided by the principles of “simple, natural, and artisanal,” Tierra Santa has become a sanctuary for those seeking connection. We hold cacao circles aligned with the energies of the Mayan calendar, as well as hands-on workshops where, through the magic of the metate, we transform cacao beans into bars filled with flavor, intention, and meaning.
Today, my journey continues—guided by cacao, by the wisdom of the earth, and by the unwavering belief that sharing is the essence of life. And so, like the hummingbird, I will continue carrying sweetness and healing to those ready to receive it.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say three qualities have been fundamental in shaping my journey. First and foremost, honoring my word—doing what I say I’m going to do. There’s a certain magic in the power of our words, and when we follow through with our commitments, we not only strengthen our integrity but also build trust with those around us. On the flip side, when we don’t, it creates energy leaks that can dilute our sense of purpose and credibility.
Second, patience—both with life’s natural rhythms and with myself. Understanding that everything I do is part of an ongoing learning process has been transformative. Growth isn’t linear, and sometimes things turn out differently than expected. But whether an experience is challenging or rewarding, it always offers a lesson that contributes to our evolution.
For those just starting out, my advice is simple: trust the process, be kind to yourself, and recognize that each step—no matter how small—moves you forward. Stay true to your word, embrace the journey with patience, and remain open to the wisdom that unfolds along the way.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’ve had the great privilege of participating in retreats, festivals, and collaborations with incredible facilitators and therapists, sharing cacao circles and workshops. Through these experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of cacao—it has a unique way of opening and closing spaces, setting the tone for deep work, and seamlessly introducing other creative practices like dance, writing, and painting. Even as a simple icebreaker, cacao works its magic, softening our edges, opening our hearts, and bringing us into a state of joyful presence.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue weaving connections and joining forces with retreat leaders and therapists who want to integrate cacao into their work. As a sacred plant medicine, cacao not only deepens our spiritual connection but also reminds us of the profound healing power of community. More than ever, we need spaces where people can come together, support one another, and reconnect—to themselves, to others, and to something greater.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tierrasantabcs
• Facebook: tierrasantabcs
• Soundcloud: cacaosagrado
• Other: email: [email protected], [email protected]
  whatsapp: +529848049883