Rooted & Rising: My Journey Through Culture, Wellness, and Global Exploration
From Fashion and Media to Ancestral Healing—A Cultural Heir's Path to Empowering BIPOC Women Through Storytelling, Travel, and Holistic Wellness.
Hey friends & fam!
As more of you start subscribing to our Substack (yes, ours), I keep getting the same question: “Wait… what is Substack?” 😂 Well, think of it as a mix of a newsletter, magazine, blog, vlog, and podcast—basically, it’s a cool new way for writers like me to share stories, ideas, and all the things we’re creating, straight to your inbox.
If you’ve known me for a while, you know I’ve always been a bit of a social media trailblazer—taking pics of my food before it was cool, documenting every trip, and sharing gems with my community before “influencer” was even a thing. But over the years, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with social media (don’t we all?), and now I’m making some major relation-shifts in my life. That includes how I share the things I’m passionate about.
I’m a natural giver—when I find something amazing, I have to share it with the people I love. Substack feels like the perfect space to do just that. It’s a home for my words, my creations, and my unique point of view.
Honestly, writing has been part of me since 1st grade in Mrs. Jarvis’s class in D.C. She saw something in me early on and put me in a special writing program. I’ll never forget sitting on stage at the end of that program, about to accept an award while my Granddaddy, Grandma Toots, and my mother were in the audience. My mom even brought me gifts to celebrate! That moment stuck with me, and from then on, I kept a journal, writing down my thoughts, dreams, and stories.
Fast forward a few years—after discovering Leaves of Grass and spending six transformative months in France—I published my first book of poetry. (And yes, it’s still available on Amazon!)
Anyway, please allow me to (re)introduce myself: I’m Tade' Oyeilumi, and this is just the beginning of the stories I’ll be sharing with you here. Welcome to this next chapter with me. I can’t wait to bring you along on this journey of storytelling, reflection, and creation. 💛
Check out our growing "YouTube” page: Tade Oyeilumi YouTube
Tade' Oyeilumi | Cultural Heir | Entrepreneur | Fashion & Media Professional | Wellness Advocate
Tade' Oyeilumi is a multifaceted professional whose expertise spans fashion, media, entrepreneurship, cultural advocacy, and wellness. Born in Los Angeles, raised in Washington, D.C., and cultivated in the vibrant energy of New York City, with deep roots in South Carolina, she is a true cosmopolitan, embodying a rich tapestry of experiences that bridge multiple industries and cultural landscapes.
Fashion & Media Trailblazer
Tade' holds a degree in Fashion Merchandising Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NYC and later pursued Fashion Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her career includes roles at top brands such as Burberry International, Ralph Lauren, and Children's Puma, excelling in product development, PR, accessories, marketing, and wholesale coordination. She also brought her expertise to menswear as an assistant buyer at Barney’s New York.
Transitioning into media, Tade' worked with CNN, TruTV, and Turner Networks (Time Warner) in roles that spanned executive assistance to international licensing and business affairs, demonstrating her versatility in high-profile, fast-paced environments.
Entrepreneurial Visionary
Tade’s entrepreneurial spirit has led her to found and manage multiple successful ventures, including:
Travel with Zeal – A travel brand dedicated to cultural exploration.
YMA-Inc – A business initiative focused on community empowerment.
By Osunbukola – A brand celebrating Yoruba-inspired fashion and design.
She Shed Industries – A hub for women’s wellness, creativity, and business growth.
She also created Black Women Do Travel, a thriving online community where over 10,000 women of color connect over their shared passion for exploration.
Cultural Legacy & Advocacy
As a second-generation heir to the Yoruba Culture Restoration Movement in the U.S., Ore Ofe Tade' is deeply committed to preserving and sharing Yoruba traditions. She is the daughter of Awo Alaga Adeyemi Efundeji Oyeilumi, a co-founder of Oyotunji Yoruba Village and the African American Day Parade, and Oyafunmike Ogunlano, an actress, writer, dancer, and 40+ year priestess of Oya, best known for her role in Sankofa.
As a Priestess of Sango (33 years), and the First Wife to Alase Oba Adegbolu Adefunmi II, Oba Waja King of the Yoruba of North America, she continues to uphold and evolve the legacy of Yoruba cultural heritage.
Her signature presentation, "Growing up Yoruba Diaspora in the U.S.," explores her unique journey navigating dual cultural identities, from childhood to embracing her role as a culture bearer and educator for the next generation, including her daughter, Omo Oba Princess Adebisola Ajekayin Oyeilumi-Adefunmi.
Global Citizen & Wellness Advocate
With a passport stamped in over 25 countries across four continents, Tade' is an avid traveler who believes in the transformative power of cultural exchange. Her global experiences shape her storytelling, business ventures, and commitment to helping others explore the world.
As a certified doula, women's womb wellness practitioner, and integral breathwork instructor, she integrates holistic wellness, ancestral healing, and mindfulness practices into her work. She leads Ancestral Reign, a wellness and accountability program designed to support BIPOC women in achieving mind, body, and spirit alignment through retreats, challenges, and intentional living.
She is also the creator of the Holistically Healing Podcast, an immersive platform where she explores wellness treatments, alternative healing modalities, and industry leaders’ insights to help listeners reclaim their health and ancestral wisdom.
A Legacy of Impact
Through storytelling, community-building, and cultural preservation, Ore Ofe Oba Re Tade' Oyeilumi honors her ancestors, empowers women, and fosters a legacy of entrepreneurship, global exploration, and holistic wellness that will resonate for generations to come.