Meet Yllari Briceño

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yllari Briceño. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yllari, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a mix of life’s challenges, the strength I inherited from my parents, and a deep spiritual understanding that life is constantly evolving and that we are more interconnected than we often realize. In an increasingly individualistic world, I’ve learned that connection with others is a powerful force that helps us face life’s struggles. I’ve changed and grown many times—sometimes by choice, other times due to circumstances beyond my control. I’ve learned to adapt, though I’m not always resilient, especially when family-related challenges arise. In those moments, I pause, accept my emotions, and allow myself to start over. I choose to believe things can improve.

Growing up during a long period of political violence in Peru, I discovered early on that my inner world could always offer me a sense of safety, even in the most turbulent times. Coming from Latin America, where resilience is ingrained in our history, I’ve seen how we continually reinvent ourselves and find joy in small things, practicing solidarity along the way. I’ve also recognized similar life experiences in people in the United States, particularly those facing hardships. That is the humanity that I choose to see. These experiences have made me empathetic toward others’ struggles. As a lifelong spiritual seeker, I’ve come to understand that true strength lies in seeing oneself as part of a greater community.

In adulthood, I’ve been fortunate to find friends in Peru, in the United States, and beyond, who share similar values—community, honesty, and humility—which further nurtures my resilience. Though staying strong is not always easy, these lessons continue to guide me through life’s challenges.

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

I am a multifaceted professional and spiritual facilitator, dedicated to creating spaces for deep connection and healing. Through Sacred Cacao Circles, Reiki energy healing, women’s circles, rituals, sound healing, and art, I celebrate our sacred bonds with each other, Pachamama, and our ancestors. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s words ‘My life is my message,’ I aim to embody this belief in all that I do.

I am the heart and soul behind Tikay by Yllari, a dream and a calling I’ve brought to life, where I amplify my passion for community connection and share the transformative energy of Mama Cacao with the world. My offering include regular Cacao Circles, a monthly women’s circle, Reiki, and sound healing gatherings in the Princeton, New Jersey area. I also have my Etsy store featuring my graphic art. All of these offerings are ways for me to share healing, community, and creativity.

Currently, I’m thrilled to be planning an upcoming trip to Northern Peru to honor the ancient sacred cacao traditions. Participants will connect with local communities, explore museums, and ancient cacao groves. We will visit the incredible 5,500-year-old Huaca Montegrande temple, where I’m also part of the international communications team. This is the site where the oldest cacao in history was discovered, and where we will offer gratitude to Pachamama through traditional ceremonies. We will also immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, along with many other unforgettable experiences. This trip is a profound opportunity to engage with cacao on a deep, spiritual level, and have a real impact in local communities. I can’t wait to share more details soon.

T’ikay means Blooming in Quechua. It is my intention that we blossom together on this journey of transforming life into a ceremony. Visit my website, tikaybyyllari.com, to stay updated on my upcoming events!

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

1. Balance Between Spiritual Growth and Meeting Basic Needs: I believe that spiritual growth is just as important as meeting our basic needs, and both must be balanced. Spiritual awareness isn’t about living in a bubble where everything seems perfect; it’s about understanding that I am human, deeply connected to the Earth, my community, and divine energy. True spirituality requires embracing the complexities of my humanness, and merging these two realities. I also recognize that life is impermanent, and I am always learning to navigate it.

My advice: Do your best with honesty, an open heart, and your feet firmly ground on the Earth and your community.

2. Cultural and Ancestral Awareness: Growing up in Peru and now being a U.S. citizen has led me to deeply reflect on the importance of honoring my roots, cultural heritage, and the wisdom of my ancestors. At the same time, I hold deep respect and gratitude for the cultures I’ve encountered and the land where life has brought me—where I’ve built my family and experienced the transformative journey of becoming a mother. I feel called to create bridges between cultures, fostering integration and mutual respect. Sharing the traditions of my homeland, while also honoring Pachamama and the Earth’s caretakers, is central to my mission.

My advice: Honor your culture and heritage, while also embracing the new possibilities life offers you.

3. Adaptability and resilience: My life experiences, particularly growing up and facing personal challenges, have taught me resilience. I’ve learned how to adapt and transform in the face of adversity. This ability to embrace change has not only supported my own growth but also allows me to guide others through their own transformations. Resilience works when I remember that, even when something feels impossible to overcome, it will pass.

My advice: Be gentle with yourself, recognize the incredible qualities you have to adapt and face challenges, and trust that these same strengths will help you create new, beautiful realities. Offer help to those in need, accept support when it’s offered, and surround yourself with people who bring goodness into the world.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! Growing up, I was a shy person, and it has taken me years to overcome my fears and make space for this dream in my life. I’m still on that journey. In a world that often overlooks what truly matters, I’m seeking a community of like-minded individuals—cacao ceremonialists, Reiki practitioners, sound healing therapists, nature artists, and indigenous wise grandmothers—to create meaningful work together.

I’m also looking for support in navigating the world of social media to reach more people who share similar experiences and values. Tikay By Yllari is a one-person endeavor, and I’m open to trading services and offerings in alignment with the vision of the giving economy. You can contact me at tikaybyyllari@gmail.com, or through my website, Instagram or Facebook.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tikaybyyllari.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tikay_by_yllari
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tikay.by.yllari

Image Credits

Abigail Johson
Ilona Tuomi
Alyssa Cseh
Casey Waltz
Yllari Briceño