An ode to the penny café
Because the revolution starts in the coffee shop
Community-run.
Culturally rooted.
Built to be replicated.
Designed to evolve.
What if we could solve the world’s problems over coffee?
What if the idea of belonging was woven into a physical structure at its inception? What if it wasn’t novel to for different generations, social classes and nationalities to sit around the same table - because that’s just how community works?
This isn't a new idea. For centuries, cafés have served as meeting grounds for change, microcosms of movements and inclusivity. Xoco Kalli carries that spirit. It's a community-run café and cultural hub in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
The café pilots new ways to create real community spaces that we believe can ripple outward, far beyond this town.
What is Xoco Kalli?
Xoco (SHO-ko) = Fruit + Kalli (KAH-lee) = House
In Nahuatl, it means "House of Fruit" — a name rooted in flavor, culture, and care.
Daily gathering spot for food, connection, and conversation. A venue for local vendors of organic produce, soaps, and cheese.
After-school art, parenting circles, workshops, music, cultural teachings, a toy and book lending library, a community exchange 'free store.'
Quality art and craft supplies hard to find locally to save a trip to the city. Local artesanía for sale by members.
Why Valle de Bravo?
It's a love letter to our home
Valle de Bravo is a stunning blend of nature and culture. Mountains and Monarchs. Artisan and organic produce markets. Fresh air and waterfalls. Sailboats and paragliders. High end shops and restaurants and simple tiendas, side-by-side. Not to mention goats and cows, chickens and ducks, and thoroughbred horses.
The municipality was officially granted Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) status in 2005 for its beautiful natural surroundings and historic architecture. But like many beautiful places, Valle is deeply divided. There are weekend rancheros and generational families. Artists and elders. Expats, farmers, and laborers. All in one place, but rarely in one room.
We need spaces that cultivate human relationships across those lines. Because relationships don't happen through proximity alone. You can live beside someone for decades and still be strangers.
Real friendship happens through regular interaction, resonance, and shared presence. It takes space, time, and intentional design. Like our magical butterfly neighbors, we are working together not just to survive, but to spread beauty over impossible distances.
Xoco Kalli provides a bridge between communities. A space where toddlers and farmers, artists and abuelas, rancheros and musicians, business people and drivers, weekenders and teachers all belong.
Xoco Kalli Framework
Who’s Behind This?
Who we are and why we are building this
We’re a multicultural family building something we believe in.
I’m Zoë, a mother, creative visionary, community-builder, and ceremonial woman. I’ve spent years working in wellness, education, grassroots organizing, and systems change. Xoco Kalli is a container for all the things I care about: food, art, shared space, mutual care, and creating something that feels like it matters.
This is my husband, Aztekoyotl, a Mexika dancer, medicine man, and keeper of ancestral knowledge. He holds a doctorate in education, teaches pre-Hispanic philosophy, and is a ceremonial leader.
We have a blended family of four daughters, with two wild, brilliant little ones and two tamer older teens who remind us every day why this matters. You’ll see them painting in the garden, dancing in the kitchen, or passing out flowers during open mic. They are all fully part of this dream, just like we hope your children will also become.
With your help, we hope to cocreate Xoco Kalli as a blueprint for more spaces like this in communities around the world.
Join the Circle
This space is built by community, powered by micro gifts. Xoco Kalli is made possible by neighbors, friends, chosen family, and people like you who believe in shared spaces, intergenerational connection, and doing things differently. There are a few beautiful ways to get involved:
The Community Registry
Like a baby or wedding registry but for the community center. We’ve made a list of items we need, from paint buckets to pizza ovens to playground slides. Pick what speaks to you, and help us build this space from the ground up.
Become a Member
Put your name on the map, literally. Our lifetime membership is a symbolic one-time contribution that helps us grow and connects you to a global circle of support. You get a vote. Some cool perks. And a place at the table.
Make a Donation
Want to support the whole vision? Your one-time or recurring donation helps us pay rent, fund new programs, and keep everything running with care and integrity. Join our team of visionary financiers.