Celebrating the People of Hyvä: A Community Like No Other

I recently connected with some incredible people—the people of Hyvä —during my visit to Meet Magento 2024 Netherlands. We've been knowing Hyvä so long now, but have you ever thought of knowing people behind the success? They aren’t just developers or marketers and advocates of a new Magento/Adobe Commerce frontend; they are the heartbeat of a thriving, dynamic community that’s shaping the future of eCommerce—or should I say Magento? Interacting with these talented individuals reinforced the reasons we are all drawn to Magento: the strong community, the unified vision, and our collective drive to create something truly remarkable.

The People Behind Hyvä’s Success

Hyvä’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and it wouldn’t be where it is today without some exceptional people working tirelessly behind the scenes. Here are a few of the brilliant minds whose commitment has made Hyvä theme for Magento a success:

• Willem Wigman:Who knows, the frustration of helping his wife with Magento frontend leads to the birth of Hyva! The visionary creator of Hyvä, Willem’s dedication to building a lightweight, high-performing frontend has transformed Magento/Adobe Commerce development. His approach to simplicity and efficiency is the foundation of Hyvä, and he remains a guiding force for the community.

  

  Meeting Willem twice, okay first time, he hardly recognized due to the large pull of peers at MM24IN, but knowing me that I came just for the sake of Hyva team at MM24NL, it was felt like connecting with someone whose vision and warmth fuel this project’s heartbeat.

• Vinai Kopp:Does this person need the shoutout? Those who have been to Magento know him to his guts! As a respected Magento educator and developer, Vinai’s support has given Hyvä tremendous credibility. His commitment to best practices and performance helps make Hyvä a trusted solution for developers worldwide.

  

  Meeting Vinai, same as MM24IN, when I was not sure what if a non-delveopment background buddy will talk! As he all over knows every in-outs in Adobe Commerce/Magento. But hey, I was wrong. He was so generous, it took me a while to find him out. Thanks to Thein-lan who made it possible. Meeting him, I can see how generous one should be with so much of knowledge and yet available to favor community in all his ways.

  PS: Vinai is not only ours favourite, but Ben Marks told, Vinai is his fav too!!

• John Hughes: A passionate advocate for Hyvä, John brings a wealth of Adobe Commerce and B2B experience and has been a driving voice for Hyvä’s expansion. His dedication to making Hyvä Enterprise accessible and impactful for businesses is invaluable to the community.

  

  Meeting John, the backbone at Hyva, he might be less familiar with me TBH, but he is surley keeping his head high when it comes to making Hyva compatible, reach and resourceful when it comes to Enteprises. So yes, the take away is, be that shining star. I was a bit shy to take the pitcture as if he is going to AMA about code! Lol! John, let's take a good picture next time. :)

• Thien-Lan Weber: How is a drummer supposed to be Hyväan?? Thien-Lan’s energy and dedication to Hyvä’s growth are unmatched. Her community engagement and marketing expertise have helped Hyvä gain visibility and attract developers and businesses from across the globe. Ahh, I see she is creative to the core, and that's a plus when it comes to besting strategies!

  Should I call her a lady luck?? Even though I met her at the pre-party, she was so welcoming, and yes, an active listener who knows everything with proofs!! Meeting her felt like talking to someone who’s always been a supportive partner in this journey.

  

• Sanne Bolkenstein: As the Commercial Director, Sanne leads Hyvä's Sales and Partnerships, driving growth in new markets. She was the first person I connected with at the Hyvä team. A well-known figure in the Magento ecosystem, particularly in the Netherlands, she specializes in building strong business relationships. If you’re looking to get onboarded, I recommend having a conversation with her.

  Not everytime Thein-lan rocks the dance floor, I saw Sanne steals the show as far as it comes to me! Meeting Sanne felt like connecting with a friend whose openness and energy light up the room. She was just like a charm to have around.

• Rebecca Brocton: The go-gater sharing the hot and fresh Hyva hotcakes with the world! Rebecca’s focus on inclusivity and community-building has helped create a welcoming environment for anyone interested in Hyvä. Her warmth and enthusiasm unite people, making Hyvä more than just a project—it’s a place where everyone from the community can feel at home.

  So, it's like meting her accidentally, ouch! I like the one with this girl! She is so full of life, welcoming and making sure that every community members are welcomed. She was as sweet as her hot cakes!!

  

It has been the best meeting as I got the chance to meet these lovely people at Lief, Amsterdam. The team is now 17! It includes some amazing people who keep the community alive and support each and every person in the best possible way. You can count Willem Poortman for Checkout, Danny Uranka for Hyva UI, Andreas as their newly appointed operational heads, and Jearon for security compliances. The list of their full team is here.

Why Hyvä Matters to Us All

The people behind Hyvä bring skill and expertise and a shared vision that inspires everyone involved. They have redefined what Magento/Adobe Commerce can be by developing a modern, fast, efficient front end, directly impacting user experience and development ease. But beyond the technology, the heart and soul of the Hyvä community truly sets it apart. Each individual has a unique story, motivation, and commitment beyond coding; it’s about creating an inclusive, supportive environment where innovation can thrive.

My Takeaways and Inspiration

Meeting the people of Hyvä was a refreshing experience. It reminded me why I love being part of the Magento ecosystem. Each person I connected with taught me something new: your dedication, good listening, the importance of community, or the impact of shared goals. At Navigate Commerce, we have always been passionate about providing the best solutions, and Hyvä aligns perfectly with our commitment to performance and simplicity. This is why we continuously advocate for them and have become a Hyvä Gold Partner. As we kick off 2025, sharing insights from our learning with the Hyvä team for the upcoming Hyvä Commerce is essential.

Want to know Priyal?

Come on, I won't pitch, neither I did at any events :D

Leading Sales and Client Services at Navigate Commerce, I, Priyal, bring nearly a decade of experience in sales and relationship-building. Known as the "backbone" of our team, I focus on fostering strong client connections and ensuring every need is met with a personal touch.

I’m passionate about advocating for my clients, balancing my role with my love for family and cooking. My commitment to trust and teamwork guides every interaction, and I’m grateful to support our clients and partners on their journeys.

In Gratitude to the Hyvä Community

The journey of Hyvä is only beginning, and it’s exciting to witness. The people behind Hyvä—Willem, John, Thien-Lan, Vinai, Rebecca, Sanne, Andreas, Jeroen, Willem Poortman, and many others—represent the very best of what the Magento community stands for. They are making waves in the eCommerce industry, and their work has created new possibilities for developers and businesses everywhere.

If you’re considering Magento/Adobe Commerce for your eCommerce needs, I encourage you to explore Hyvä. It’s more than a technical solution; it’s a passion-driven innovation powered by people who genuinely care. To everyone who makes up the Hyvä community—thank you for inspiring us all to do better, dream bigger, and build with purpose.