Tagua Jewelry Seeds of change Deep in the lush rainforests of Ecuador grows the Amazonian palm tree, home to one of nature’s most extraordinary gi s, the tagua seed. Encased inside the fruit of the palm, o en called the “tagua coconut,” these seeds begin so and milky but harden over the course of nearly a year into a dense, ivory-like material. When fully matured, the coconuts fall naturally to the forest oor, where they are gathered by hand in a harvest that sustains the land without harming the trees. Once polished and carved, the seeds reveal a luminous nish so similar to elephant ivory that they are known worldwide as “vegetable ivory.” For generations, artisans in Ecuador have transformed these seeds into jewelry and decorative art, turning a humble coconut into timeless beauty. Roots in Ecuador Enter Soraya Cedeño. As she traveled the world, she carried a deep love for her culture and her people, always determined to one day give back to the gi ed artisans of her hometown. at determination, enriched by her experiences abroad, would ultimately take shape in the creation of Tagua Jewelry. For Soraya, who grew up in a small coastal village of Ecuador, the tagua seed was more than a material. It was part of her cultural fabric, a symbol of artistry, resilience, and connection to the earth. Years later, a er immigrating to the United States and building a career and family, she would carry this memory back into her life in a powerful way. What began as a childhood familiarity with artisanship became the inspiration for a business that now spans continents. And so, on a quiet, manicured street in a pristine commerce park in Jupiter, the story of the Amazonian palm tree continues in an entirely new form, Tagua Jewelry. Here, Soraya has built a company that honors her heritage while creating a global stage for sustainable fashion and fair trade.
Yet it was her son, Matthew, who reshaped the family’s path. Matthew is nonverbal and attends the Ernie Els School for Autism in Jupiter. For him to qualify, the family relocated to Palm Beach County. What began as a necessity blossomed into a blessing. e move not only gave Matthew the support he needed but also positioned Soraya to grow a company that now touches lives across continents. The Birth of Tagua Jewelry In Jupiter, Soraya reconnected with her roots and envisioned a way to merge her heritage with her professional skills. Drawing on her lifelong connection to Ecuador and her deep commitment to advocacy, she saw the potential for jewelry not only as fashion but also as a vehicle for change. As Founder and Creative Director, Soraya brought together her dual passions, supporting her hometown artisans and helping families a ected by autism. With a long history of working closely with local and national autism foundations, she had spent years raising awareness and seeking creative ways to generate donations. Out of that mission came a simple yet powerful idea, a puzzle piece bracelet cra ed from tagua, symbolizing both autism awareness and the artistry of her native Ecuador.
Every piece of Tagua jewelry carries not only beauty but also a story of culture, community, and hope.
We’re not just creating jewelry. We are creating opportunities.
A Life Rewritten by Faith A er immigrating to the United States, Soraya began her career in marketing with Harte Hanks Marketing Services in Miami. In time, she married, settled in Jensen Beach, and started a family. She later worked alongside her husband in his family’s printing and publishing company, where she gained the hands- on operational experience that would later guide her as an entrepreneur.
e success of that bracelet became the catalyst for something far greater. What began with just three artisans in Ecuador soon grew into Organic Tagua Jewelry, a family-owned and operated company. Today, the brand partners with more than 100 artisans, providing digni ed employment where values
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