Mara Giamboi and Yeelen Tavilla are two Dutch-Sicilian creatives who combine their talents to celebrate Sicilian culture through food and visual storytelling. Mara, a (culinary) writer, recipe developer and food stylist, and Yeelen, a photographer and allround creative, both draw deeply from their shared Sicilian roots.
Growing up as a half Sicilian, Mara’s first words were pane e olio – and to this day, she still thinks about food all day long. Much like her Sicilian family, Mara believes in the connecting essence of food and loves sharing the stories behind ingredients, dishes, and cultures. Through writing, styling, or concept development, she finds creative ways to bring these stories to life. Her background in psychology fuels an insatiable curiosity about people and their narratives. Mara is passionate about exploring the heritage and significance of various traditions, creating a space where food becomes a bridge between people and cultures.
Yeelen’s fascination with Sicily goes way back to her childhood, when she spent her summers on her grandfather’s land - affectionately called il giardino - on which he grew his own flowers, plants, and fruit. She remains constantly drawn to Sicily's rich traditions and vibrant atmosphere, a connection that profoundly influences her work. Yeelen strongly believes in the visual and narrative power of the image combined with conscious storytelling. Whether she’s behind the camera, dreaming up creative concepts, or curating the perfect dinner table, she seeks to capture the fleeting, unguarded moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Combining these two, they create content that blends food, imagery, and heritage, offering a vibrant tribute to the rich culture of Sicily.
Contact: info@specialsicily.com