Latin Life features Fúchila Fresheners and Our Launch Party @ Chacho's Mexican Eatery

Ruben Dario Villa ·

San Jose artist Ruben Dario Villa, a former Apple designer, has just launched a line of air fresheners inspired by Chicano art and culture. Fúchila Freshners was born out of Ruben's observation of the "little green trees" hanging from people's rear view mirrors.  He wanted something more inspiring and beautiful to represent him, so he designed a line of hip, cool, beautiful air fresheners that he could be proud to hang from his mirror.  Curious about the name? "Fúchila" (pronounced Fu-chee-la) is a term describing something that has a bad smell. Therefore, Fúchila Fresheners aims to get rid of that bad smell, while looking beautiful at the same time!

After a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised close to $4,000, Fúchila Fresheners officially launched its online store in January.  With air fresheners inpired by Frida Kahlo and Pancho Villa, there is something for everyone! And at the affordable price of $4.99, you may just want one of each! 

Head to their website for more fun designs!

Want the chance to win some of your own? Join them at their official launch party at Chacho's Mexican Eatery in downtown San Jose on January 31st! There will be live painting session by Francisco Franco, music by DJ TooTall, and raffles to win very own Fúchila Freshener! (fliers via Fúchila Fresheners Facebook)

Modern Latina Features Fúchila Fresheners on their Homepage

Ruben Dario Villa ·

Linda Castillo, Founder of Modern Latina, an amazing online forum, magazine, and community, featured Fúchila Fresheners on her homepage! Check out the article below:

Ruben Dario Villa, a former Apple designer and San Jose artist announces the launch of www.fuchilafresheners.com, a website for Chicano/Latino pop-culture inspired line of air fresheners — Fúchila Fresheners.

Villa’s journey began in mid October when he launched his Kickstarter Campaign to raise funds for his unique idea. “Fúchila” is a Spanish term describing something off-putting with a foul smell. Villa was inspired to create this new line of fresheners with one primary goal in mind – to bring to life the iconic figures we grew up with and with them the found memories of our childhood. In short, Villa strives to make people happy.

“We spend tons of time in our cars commuting to and from work, running errands, and just getting around. I wanted to bring people smiles on a daily basis with my art. This was the perfect way” says Villa, a Santa Clara University graduate. After raising close to $4,000, Ruben was more motivated than ever to make Fúchila Fresheners a reality.

“What you hang from your mirror says a lot about you. We needed something better, something inspiring – and beautiful. That is why I started Fúchila Fresheners.”
On the website, Villa currently has six original designs including historical figures Frida Kahlo and Pancho Villa, pop icons Cantinflas, and Blue Demon, and finally  iconic imagery like La Calavera. With many more designs in development, these little, hanging art pieces retail for $4.99. Villa plans on having them in specialty boutiques, craft stores, and fine carwashes to reach a larger audience. For wholesale inquiries, please contact Ruben Dario Villa at ruben@fuchilafresheners.com.

Villa will be having an official Fúchila Fresheners Launch Party on January 31, 2015 hosted by Chacho’s Mexican Eatery in Downtown San Jose located on 87 E. San Fernando St. The festivities will feature music by DJ Too Tall, specialty drinks, goodies, gift bags, raffles, and other great surprises.

#FuchilaFaces Episode 4: Pancho Villa

Ruben Dario Villa ·

José Doroteo Arango Arámbula aka Francisco "Pancho" Villa (5 June 1878 – 20 July 1923) was one of the most prominent Mexican revolutionary generals of his time and continues to be one of the most iconic images of the revolution and anti-dictatorship. Many legends surround his storied past as the leader of the Villistas including surviving death by firing squad and escape from jail for his crimes. Later in life, President Wilson sent a search party of 5,000 US soldiers to track Villa down, but Villa was never found. To this day, his murder is shrouded in mystery with many conspiracy theories. His image and story remains alive through those who still swear they road with El Gran Pancho Villa.

Anyone in your family brag about knowing him? Órale, let us know in the comments.

Pancho Villa: The Centaur of the North

Assassination of Pancho Villa: The Conspiracy Theory

#FuchilaFaces Episode 3: Cantinflas

Ruben Dario Villa ·

Mario Moreno (August 12, 1911 – April 20, 1993), better known as Cantiflas was a comedic actor, producer screen-writer and overall entertainer who inspired a people with his innovative, lighthearted, yet insightful material. He usually portrayed poor campesinos, or peasants, who was canijo, quick-witted, big-hearted and full of ambition. As a pioneer of Mexican Cinema, Cantinflas' character became associated with the identity of the impoverished people and represented a light of hope as his character, despite many odds against him, succeeded in comedic fashion. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a reminder of his widespread impact into Hollywood. #QueViva Cantinflas!

Check out the trailer to the self-titled biographical drama, Cantinflas released September 2014.

For our more advanced Spanish-speakers, admire his genius in his speech "Si yo fuera diputado"