Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Folade Speaks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Folade, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents did something beautiful ~ they each exposed me to nature and spirit in their own unique ways. My dad introduced me to plant medicine when I was just five years old, taking me to herbal shops and teaching me the value of holistic health. I basically grew up in health food stores. My mom was deeply connected to the sun, astrology, and self-nurturing. I vividly remember watching her soak for hours in a clawfoot tub, bathing like a goddess ~ it was an early lesson in the sacredness of self-care. My grandmother grew our food, fished, preserved, and taught me how to make what we needed from scratch. Her motto was, “If it’s food, beauty, or healing ~ and you can make it yourself ~you should.” I was also surrounded by spiritual balance: both of my grandmothers grounded me in Baptist tradition while giving me the freedom to be the metaphysical child I naturally was.
Although I was exposed to Baptist traditions, both of my grandmothers allowed me to be the metaphysical child I naturally was. One of the most powerful things my grandmother did was affirm my name ~ a Yoruba name given to honor my Ancestors. She told me I could not be baptized until I was old enough to choose for myself. That freedom to choose shaped everything. My spiritual walk has since led me home ~ to Isese, the traditional path of my lineage. That choice, rooted in respect, love, and earth medicine was the greatest gift my family gave me. I carry all of that into my wellness work ~ honoring ritual, nature, healing, and spirit.

Folade, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Maker, Spiritual Medium, Somatic Mind-Body Practitioner, and Reiki Master Teacher specializing in Tibetan Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki. Being deeply committed to holistic healing, I founded my practice to nurture and create wellness solutions that support the mind, body, and spirit. I integrate intuitive guidance with energy healing in order to hold space for spiritual, emotional and mental growth in the most natural ways possible.

My wellness brand offers a unique fusion of body care and spiritual healing, blending high-quality wellness products with the transformative energy of Reiki. Each product is carefully crafted to nourish the body and skin while infusing the environment with a sense of balance, harmony, and spiritual well-being. Through this holistic approach, it is my wish to enhance both physical and energetic wellness, creating a deeper connection between self-care and soul care.

No matter what I do ~ whether it’s Reiki, mediumship, somatic work, or handcrafting wellness products ~ my intention is always to solve problems through care, connection, and intention. As a Maker, my love for creating was deeply shaped by personal necessity. I’ve had psoriasis since I was four years old, and I began experimenting with herbs and ingredients through trial and error to soothe and support my skin. Over time, that turned into a deeper calling. Making products became more than just self-care ~ it became a ritual, a study, and a way to offer healing to others. Everything I create carries that lineage of resilience, plant wisdom, and personal transformation.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My advice is simple but deeply rooted: know your people. Take the time to understand what they’re naturally good at and what lights them up ~ then let them thrive in those roles. Whether it’s a one-time task or a lifelong calling, the things people want to do and do best are the things that will grow not only the individual, but the team and the entire business. Leadership isn’t about control ~ it’s about trust, clarity, and creating an environment where people feel seen and supported. A strong leader strikes a balance: they earn respect while curating a peaceful, nurturing, and mentally healthy environment. Wellness shouldn’t be an afterthought ~ it should be woven into the daily rhythm of the workplace. When people walk through the door feeling respected, valued, and excited to contribute, the entire energy of the team shifts ~ and that’s where real, sustainable growth begins. With everything I do, I am a wellness practitioner and Black woman first. Out of those three lineages, grace lives no matter the work, and I advise upholding these values for the work space for the greater good of everyone.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would absolutely, 1000 percent, do this again, but I would start with my own land, a horse, a garden and an orchard. I would literally start from the ground~ UP…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://AdeWellness.com
• Instagram: ade_wellness

Image Credits

Reiki Infused Mermaid Soap: Photo Credit J. Alan Love
Reiki Infused Black Cameo Soap: Photo Credit J. Alan Love
Folade preparing flower petals: Photo Credit Ori Speaks-Love

All other photos Folade Speaks