Today we’d like to introduce you to Javier Donquiz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Since I was a young adult, I’ve always felt motivated to create something of my own. Back in Venezuela, I went to dental school, and at the time, I thought that would be my only path in life , the one thing I would do forever. But when I moved to the States, I realized I could actually follow my dreams and build my own path. Every experience since then, studying, working in different industries, and building real connections with all type of people, gave me a little piece that now comes together in this project.
The name is inspired by the Warany tribe in Venezuela. Warao means “people of the canoe,” reflecting their deep connection to water. I grew up in a small bay town in northern Venezuela, surrounded by water and nature , that connection feels like home to me, and it’s exactly what I wanted Warao to represent. Everything about the brand, from the merch to the events to the workouts, everything is inspired by nature and designed to ground people back to their origins.
Our very first event started as my birthday celebration but quickly became the soft launch of Warao. Seeing the people who are part of this vision come together that day was powerful. It showed me that Warao is more than an idea. it’s a living project, just beginning, built to grow and move like the water it’s inspired by.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was far from smooth. Building Warao meant battling practical and emotional obstacles: limited time and resources, the uncertainty that comes with leaving a safe route, and the constant voice of impostor syndrome telling me I wasn’t ready or that this project was too big. On top of that, many of my ideas were rejected or I was told I wasn’t good enough, those moments made the doubts and demons grow louder and felt like some of the biggest rocks on the road.
What helped was chipping away at those fears one step at a time and leaning on the people who believed in me. My boyfriend Juan has been a constant, reminding me of my strength, celebrating the small wins, and holding space when doubt gets loud. My mentor Chanty pushed me, guided me, and kept my vision steady. Friends who are now part of Warao, family memories of home, and the water that grounds me all turned into fuel. It’s still a work in progress, but thanks to these beautiful souls and the steady grind, what once felt impossible is now real and growing, and that makes the struggle worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Warao People?
What should we know?
Warao is a people-first practice: we reconnect people to nature and to each other through short movement, grounding rituals, intimate events, and thoughtfully made merch. Everyone is invited, from beginners to longtime wellness seekers.
What do you do / what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We specialize in nature-inspired, grounding experiences: short outdoor movement sessions and flows, pop-up gatherings and soft-launch events that feel intimate and soulful, breathwork and mobility workshops, and a small merch line rooted in comfort and durability. People know Warao for its warm gatherings that leave folks feeling calmer, present, and connected.
What sets you apart?
Three things: the deep inspiration from my Venezuelan bay-town roots and the water; an intention to ground people back to origin instead of pushing performance-first; and a collective approach, Warao is built with the people who join it. We prioritize intimacy and authenticity over scale.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
That Warao is becoming a real family where people from all backgrounds show up authentically. I’m proud of the relationships formed, the thoughtful design in our products and programming, and how every event honors nature and human connection.
What do you want readers to know about your offerings/services?
Warao offers moments to pause and remember: short grounding workouts and movement flows, pop-up beach/park gatherings, workshops on breath and mobility, and a curated merch line. Each offering is crafted to be accessible and deeply grounding, bring curiosity and show up as you are.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
It’s always difficult to answer because so many small things bring me joy, but if I had to pick the heart of it, it’s serving people. I love creating moments that make someone’s face light up, that natural glow when they’re genuinely happy. In those moments you can see the child inside them come alive: the kid who dreamed of flying, who ran outside on the first day of summer, who felt endless possibility.
When I help people reconnect, through movement, breath, grounding rituals, or just a warm, honest conversation, and they rediscover that playful, hopeful energy, my heart fills up. That childlike joy is magnetic: it makes everyone softer, braver, and more present. Building Warao to create those moments, to invite people back to themselves and to nature, is what brings me the deepest happiness.
Pricing:
- events- depending on the type $20
- Croptops $35
- T-shirts $40
- Hat $30-$35
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @waraopeople
