We recently connected with Mbele Kongo and have shared our conversation below.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Mbele Kongo, I am a natural born mystic, medium, psychic and healer. I have been practicing spirituality for over 30 years. I am initiated into traditional practices of my ancestors. I use my gifts to help people connect with their own ancestors, and true calling in life. I perform readings for people globally, daily guiding them through past present and future experiences. A good majority of my clients join Mbele University, a series of online courses created by myself to help students learn how to connect with their lineage, strengthen their own spiritual practices and grow individually to be beneficial collectively.

My products are all handcrafted and go through intricate rituals before they are even bottled! Every Oya’s Market potion, oil, candle or incense are unique, and rarely duplicated. That’s why they are all limited edition must haves!!!
Once you mix Mbele University with Oya’s Market you have officially learned how to KEEP YOUR HEAD RIGHT AND YOUR ANCESTORS TIGHT

Alright, Mbele thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Growing up botanicas and magic always intrigued me. I would go to local shops and admire the mysticism but questioned the ingredients! As I got older going to different churches and spiritual events I was told I’m a healer and seer. My interest in herbs and their healing properties sparked an idea to create my own potions. Upon doing this I noticed my spells, baths, tinctures and oils seemed to have more substance and looked nothing like what I saw in stores.

I decided to share my works with family and friends over the years. In 2007, I decided to make it official and sell my products . At first I just as the local juju woman…. but that all changed when Oya’s Market Mobile Botanica was born in 2011. Since then I have provided spiritual services and supplies to a multitude of people in person and online.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In 2015 a friend of mine had a vision of one of my personal dreams and it was at that moment… I knew it was time! I always wanted to be on tv… what kid didn’t? But as an adult I wondered how could I manifest a childhood dream with prophecies of my destiny. Well easy peasy… I’d go out to random eateries in Atlanta and offer free psychic readings to people but they had to sign a waiver for me to record the sessions and post on my social media platforms. Hence the beginning of #RandomReadingsSaturday #VisionFromTheKongo #InTheLifeOfAMedium.

My friend escorted me and she also helped me edit little trailers to post on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. It was so much fun but not gaining the traction that I wanted or had hoped for. Just when I was ready to give up, I got an email from a woman that was actually a talent scout for reality tv. At the end of her session, she asked the purpose behind what I do. Jokingly I replied to be the real Ms.Cleo. I want to be the psychic for Black People on tv.

She chuckled and reintroduced herself and promised to get me on the first show she could… and there I was. Season 10 Episode 9 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta! Boom! My social media has gained traction ever since.

Dreams can and do come true. Believe in your dreams and believe in yourself! Since then I’ve gone on to open an online spiritual learning center, traveled globally to help people with ancestral connection and development through ceremonies and classes.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Ironically Im pivoting at this very moment. My business has grown to a scale that has required me to have a team. While I’m the process of rebranding with my new team, I have had to learn to step away from being so hands on to thinking and operating like a CEO. This means I have had to release the reins and allow the team to handle some of the other aspects of the business. Making these changes has allowed me to truly focus on sharing my gifts, while my team handles the backend.

Contact Info:

• Website: Oyasmarket.com
• Instagram: Oya’sMarket
• Youtube: KongoPrincess

Image Credits
Spellz Productions and Ronnie Hubbard