Our Story

“It all started with an idea to make Christmas presents for some friends. I’ve always liked giving handmade presents because they just seem more meaningful. When I decided to make dry soups in a jar, I was not expecting the overwhelming positive response I got. Soon, everyone was telling me that they had never tasted legumes this way and that it was fantastic. I was so excited to receive such positive reviews, that I decided I needed to do more with this idea.

I’ve always enjoyed creating things for people and using my creativity on a day-to-day basis. I realized that this product was also a great way to help busy young families eat healthier without spending a lot of time cooking. Having an entrepreneurial mind, I quickly began to formulate a business idea. From the start, it was important to me to create a product that is organic, and following the principles of fair trade. I wanted to be environmentally conscious, which is why the soups continue to be made in mason jars; which can be used and reused in so many different ways.

And so, Allin Mikuna was born. I wanted to pay tribute to my Chilean roots by choosing this name which means ‘bon appetit’ in Quechua, a language spoken by indigenous people in Chile.

I want to personally thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I hope you will try our products and your family will enjoy these meals as much as my loved ones have. Gracias!”

-Cristina Valenzuela, founder and C.E.O

Founder, Co-Owner, Product Development

My name is Cristina Valenzuela, founder, and creator of Allin Mikuna Soups. Allin Mikuna was born out of a desire to share my gift with the world. I grew up in a family that loved to cook; we ate Chilean, Spanish, and French meals (my family’s origins). I was always passionate about cooking and baking. But it wasn’t until coming to Canada, and trying different cultural dishes, that I really started to love exploring various tastes. This led me to discover my talent for mixing flavours in harmonious and delicious ways. Today Allin Mikuna has allowed me to create freely and share my talent with our clients. I am grateful to every single person that has made this dream come true.

Co-Owner, General Manager, Sales

I have spent the majority of my life working for different ‘Bosses’. After working in different jobs, I realised being an employee was not for me. When my wife came to me with the idea of starting our own business with the soups she had made as gifts for friends and family, we saw an opportunity to become our own bosses and make something that would help people eat better in a simple way.

With this in mind, Allin Mikuna was born. Combining my managerial and organisational skills with my wife Cristina’s amazing cooking abilities and creativity, we have come a long way. Now, 6 years later, I am so happy with the amazing reviews we have received. We will continue to create better solutions for our customers and community in all.

Marketing, Operations Manager

My whole life, I have been around food. Recipes would get passed down, and I always wanted to help transform raw ingredients into something new. Following this thought, and knowing I would go crazy in a traditional desk job, I pursued the culinary field and have been in the hospitality industry for over 13 years now. Having also an interest in photography and crafts, I take the majority of the photos for our brand. As well as prepare the meals we have going out on our store-front, manage day-to-day social media and serve our wonderful customers, regulars and newcomers. I cannot wait to see what next we have to show.