Mestizo, a term used to describe individuals of both indigenous and European heritage, resonates deeply with my own story—a fusion of Sweden and the Nahua culture of Central America.

Growing up as the sole mixed-race kid in a white family posed challenges in connecting with my Latino roots. Despite residing in a town with a sizable Latino population, I felt compelled to stifle my heritage to conform and belong. But in my 30’s, everything changed—I made the decision to wholeheartedly embrace every part of me, both Latino and Swedish.

Unearthing my heritage became a mission close to my heart. It led me to converse with my Tio Julio in El Salvador, delving into the depths of our ancestral origins. Discovering our lineage as descendants of the Nahua people, themselves tracing back to the Aztecs, left me awe-inspired. Eagerly, I dove into extensive research, using the creation of this hot sauce as a gateway to explore a facet of my identity that remained largely unknown.

As I dug deeper into the language, spices, and creative processes, I envisioned Mestizo as more than just a hot sauce—a catalyst for conversations among individuals like myself. Those who, for the sake of fitting in, have concealed a part of themselves, longing to reclaim lost time. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of our diverse backgrounds.