Today we’d like to introduce you to Enobong Tommelleo

Hi Enobong, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My name is Enobong Tommelleo and I’m a first-generation Brit born to Nigerian parents. I fell in love with an American and now I currently live with my husband and two children in Chicago, IL. I’ve always been very artistic since childhood and found my artistic voice in the performing arts for many years. I trained as a dancer and have performed in the West End production of Wicked and the German production of Disney’s The Lion King.

But I have also always had an affinity for the visual arts and literature. Growing up, it always felt like the work by artists from Africa and the African diaspora was seen as an afterthought. Teachers showcased the works and talents of white artists from all over Europe and America, and then would remember I was in the room and find one example (often the same example) of a black artist in that space. The black artist was nearly always American.

My breakthrough moment happened while working in the cast of the Lion King in Germany. About 90% of the cast were black, from South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, all over the diaspora. My time in that cast taught me so much of the diverse artistry black people all over the world and how much of this artistry has roots in Africa. This made me seek out works by artists from Africa, both old and new, in the performing, visual, and literary arts, and sharing my discoveries with others has become a passion of mine. It has also been the source of inspiration for the work I create today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It definitely has not been a smooth round. I’m not formerly trained in the visual arts and design so overcoming imposter syndrome has been a huge hurdle for me. But one of the biggest hurdles is time. I have a 3-year-old son and an 10-month old daughter so finding the time to create new designs and work on business admin and strategies can feel impossible at times. To be honest, I don’t get a lot of sleep.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

When I felt stuck creatively in the performing arts space, I would always turn to the visual arts and literature. Books are a big passion of mine but I struggled to see myself and my culture represented in the books I read growing up. As I got older, I discovered more authors from Africa and the diaspora and it was like a whole new world opened up to me. A love of books often goes hand-in-hand with a love of stationery. Us bibliophiles love taking notes. When I searched out notebooks and bookmarks to add to my collections, the designs out there were good but they didn’t speak to me. I wanted stationery that matched the bold and vibrant prints popular in traditional African clothing and I couldn’t find it anywhere: so I decided to make it.

Pounded Yam Productions is a stationery and lifestyle company deeply rooted in African traditions. The patterns are inspired by popular African fabrics, the characters celebrate Africa and the diaspora, and the products inspired black creativity. Pounded yam is a Nigerian staple. It’s our bread and butter. Pounded Yam Productions is about celebrating all that makes us African, whether we are born in Africa or Africa is born in us.”

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?

Covid-19 really emphasized the importance of family and showing up for people. I come from a nomadic family and although we are close, we are spread out all over the globe. Moving to a different country felt like a great idea in my 20s but the reality is that once you have kids and in moments like the Covid-19 crisis you realize how important it is to have family nearby. I’m very lucky that my mum moved walking distance from my house in 2020 and the crisis brought all of my family closer together emotionally even though we live far apart physically. It also taught us to be more free in discussing the important and serious things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.poundedyamproductions.com
• Instagram: @poundedyamproductions