Manuela Guillén’s journey as an artist began in her childhood in Florida, where she often lay in the prairie grass, gazing up at the ever-shifting shapes of clouds. These daydreams served as the genesis of her artistic career and the inspiration behind her initial series of paintings. However, it was during her college years that she found her true narrative – the story of her parents’ arduous journey from Cuba and El Salvador to the United States. This personal narrative became the focal point of her art.

“I know the story of these places, and they became my stories,” Guillén explained. “It’s a feeling of nostalgia, but also of longing.” Today, Manuela Guillén wears many creative hats – she’s an artist, muralist, painter, illustrator, and educator based in Philadelphia. Her latest venture involves a collaboration with Starbucks, resulting in a new merchandise collection set to honor Latin American culture. This collection will be available in participating U.S. Starbucks stores starting this fall. Guillén’s designs are part of Starbucks’ Artist Collaboration Series, which seeks to celebrate the unique stories of artists from around the world.

For Guillén, community is at the heart of her artistic expression. “I think community comes first for me,” she expressed. “When I want to put my art in the world, I try to put everyone in my mind. My art is about connecting with people and the earth.”

The “Manuela Dream” Stainless Steel Tumbler, a highlight of the collection, features a whimsical self-portrait of Guillén in profile. Her long hair is adorned with colorful nature-inspired motifs set against a white canvas.

The ‘Manuela Heart’ Cold Cup, a 24-ounce design, features a playful and bilingual composition, complete with a heart-shaped straw. A central figure reaches toward the sky, with the sun’s rays forming a bridge between two hands. The scene is beautifully framed with agave plants and two small palm trees, a nod to her early paintings.

 

Another delightful piece is the ‘Buenas Vibras’ Cold Cup, which exudes a joyful mood with doodle-style drawings showcasing an array of colorful plants, butterflies, birds, and a friendly jaguar. Both sunshine and rain are represented on this vibrant cup.

Beyond her artistic contributions, Starbucks, through The Starbucks Foundation, is committed to uplifting communities globally. With over $20 million invested in various causes worldwide in the past year, The Starbucks Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in collaboration with Starbucks partners and other entities who share a commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities.