Our story

I’m Yohan Vekea, a proud Solomon Islander who took a leap of faith in early 2024, leaving my home in the Pacific to start a new life with my wife, Vanessa, in Australia. Armed with nothing but passion, a heart full of dreams, and the belief that food has the power to connect us to our roots, I set out to create something special that honors my heritage and brings a taste of home to the world.

In fact, here are a few ways I might be able to help:

• Craving a connection to your roots, but feeling homesick and distant? I’ll help you reconnect to the islands through the foods that made you who you are.

• Miss your island staples, but don’t know where to find them in Australia? I’ll bring them to your doorstep and remind you of the comfort of home.

• Want to share your island culture and flavors with your community? I’ll show you how food can bridge the gap between countries and create lasting connections.

When I first arrived in Australia, I was overwhelmed by the change. It wasn’t the city life or the busy streets — it was the feeling of missing my family, my home, and the island flavors that always brought us together. That’s when I realized: I wasn’t just missing food; I was missing my culture, my identity, and the sense of belonging that comes with it.

This realization sparked the creation of Guale Garden.

Guale Garden is more than just a business — it’s a way for me to stay connected to my roots and share that same sense of belonging with others. We specialize in taro, an island staple that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Through this venture, I aim to bring a piece of the Solomon Islands to Australia, especially for those of us who find ourselves far from home, longing for that familiar taste of the islands.

I wasn’t born with all the answers. I didn’t have a fancy business degree or a trust fund to back me up. But what I did have was a deep love for my culture and an unwavering belief that food has the power to heal, connect, and create community.

I grew up in the Solomon Islands, where family, community, and shared meals were at the heart of everything. My journey to Australia was a huge step, but I never lost sight of where I came from or the values that shaped me. Every meal we shared, every gathering, was a reminder of what it means to truly belong.

Now, with Guale Garden, I’m on a mission to bring a little piece of home to those who are craving the comfort and taste of the Solomon Islands. Whether you’re an islander who feels disconnected or someone curious about island cuisine, I want to help you experience the joy and connection that food brings.

You might have seen me sharing my story with friends, family, and my new community here in Australia, but what I truly hope is that through Guale Garden, we’ll build a space where we can all share, celebrate, and find comfort in the foods that connect us to the people and places we love.

Let’s break bread together. No matter where you are or where you're from, you can always find a way to stay connected to the things that matter most.

Welcome to Guale Garden — a taste of home, no matter how far you’ve traveled.