Meet De’yanna Seoul | Executive Director, Mother, Medicine Woman

We had the good fortune of connecting with De’yanna Seoul and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi De’yanna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I dreamt up Village Of Mothers it became a vision with many moving parts and I also understood it was an extension of me and many others. I call VOM, “The collective dream,” I believe this is what our mothers, elders, and ancestors dreamed of.

I also thought to myself, what will it take to bring it to life? Many thoughts & emotions of excitement, overwhelm, and even doubt was apart of the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As Founder & Execitive Director of Village of mothers, an Organzation that prioritizes postpartum care for BIPOC Mothers & families through holistic care & expert practitioners – I wear many hats however, I do not wish to do it alone. VOM continued to be birthed through the labor of love of 4 pillars. We are a woman led team of mothers who came together and shared the highs and lows of mother + family hood. We started this labor of love right in the center of my home at the time my one bedroom apartment in arts district. Holding space for gatherings, ceremonies, and Mama support groups, within that same year locking in a 6 month residency to expand our vision. Before we all got into this work together we were on our individual paths coaching, educating, and sharing tools with our community and that’s how we found one another, became friends, and intentionally crafted a thriving organization that would allow us to dream out loud for our ancestor’s & other women. In 2022 we held over 40 educational workshops and events.

As new moms, we survived many chaotic life changes and transitions together. We watched our family dynamics shift, moved temporarily when things got tough, and in the mist of that managed to be recognized as a spot light organization for Planned Parenthood South Los Angeles’ Black Health Initiative. We landed dream partnerships & sponsorships with brands that was on our vision board goals.

As i step into another year of serving my community I’ve learned to deepen my capacity to show up, advocate, and dream beyond my circumstances no matter what.

I watched myself soar from single mother to village mother and heal through the sisterhood that was built in community. As a millennial & village mom i feel like my generation is breaking the curse of suffering alone, being afraid to ask for support, and neglecting our deep knowing and intuition. Showing up for our family by passing down and creating traditions that we can be proud of.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is such an exciting question, I love it! It would be a week long holistic wellness retreat-like experience with a bit of childlike play.

Within the week we’d start our morning by going to yoga at Open in Venice & walk to the beach afterwards. Have lunch at Cafe Great White. Visit Thousand Oaks farmers market, hit my favorite vegan spot, Joi Cafe, and go for a hike. Visit the We Works women owned co working space. A village of mothers women’s circle and womb care workshop of course. Visit one of my favorite tea shops in china town as well as Tea House at Shiloh. Explore in nature at the Angeles National forest, and so much more!

For a little fun thrifting all my favorite shops. Crossroads, good will, melrose flea market. A little night life and entertainment going to see some DJ’s spin and dance the night away.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give special thanks to the great teachers and elders in my life a few to name, Chris George who instilled in me the wisdom of my lineage and rich heritage that has allowed me to recognize my gifts.

My mentor Brianna Baker, founder of Justice for black girls that has incredibly impacted me to be free and proud about who I am.

My sisters and greatest teachers Sunumi Brown, Gabrielle Jibril Iman, Imari Gabrielle, & Mikaela De La Myco for every ceremony of initiation they have sat with me through.

and lastly, my children, friend’s, and family who continue to support and pour into me in numerous ways.

Website: Www.villageofmothersla.com

Instagram: Villageofmothers_La

Other: Personal instagram page @muvadivinity

Image Credits
Domia Edward’s Kalynn Majesty rose