About Us
I am Tina M. Braimah, the founder of Gracie Deola’s Natural Wellness Remedies. As a midwife and herbalist, I specialize in crafting herbal products that support women's health, pregnancy, and postpartum care. My herbal education is rooted in a blend of self-instruction, ancestral guidance, and formal training from various herbal programs and instructors. My love for midwifery and community herbalism is evident in everything I do, whether it’s gardening, cooking, or nurturing my husband and our four children—all born with the support of midwives. I draw on my intuition and deep knowledge of midwifery and herbalism to provide holistic care to my clients and to create herbal products tailored to their needs. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with others and am committed to honoring and preserving the spiritual and cultural traditions of my ancestors.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are from gathering in my grandmother's kitchen with my mom and aunts as we prepared Sunday dinner together. I was always captivated by the family stories shared during those times, especially the ones I wasn't supposed to hear as a child. One Sunday, I remember them talking about my maternal great-grandmother, Gracie Deola, after whom my mom was named. Somehow, that name stayed with me. When I started my business in 2014 and was searching for the perfect name, "Gracie Deola" came to mind. At first, I couldn't quite remember why it felt so familiar, but I knew it was right. As I've grown in my spiritual practices and deepened my understanding of ancestor reverence, I now realize this name came to me for a reason.
In the African American community, it's common to name family members after elders, both living and those who have passed. For instance, my brothers are named Johnnie and Bruce, after my grandfather and his father, and my daughter is named Elaine after my grandmother. By naming my business "Gracie Deola's," I ensure that my mother and her grandmother are always remembered and honored. It’s a way for me to preserve their legacy and our family history.
Gracie Deola's Natural Wellness Remedies was born from my desire to provide natural products that use the medicine of the earth and the spirit of the plants to heal our community. This work is also a way for me to honor my ancestors and continue the traditions of strong Black women and healers who came before me. I am committed to preserving Black American traditions by offering spiritual products for use in hoodoo, rootwork, conjure, and other diasporic religions and practices. Through these offerings, I hope to support others in their spiritual journeys and maintain the rich cultural heritage of our community.
Our logo features the Akan symbol, Asase Ye Duru, which means "the earth has weight". This symbol represents the importance of the earth in sustaining life and embodies the power, providence, and divinity of Mother Earth. I believe we must honor and take care of the earth to ensure a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable environment for future generations. That's why I am committed to using organic and ethically wildcrafted ingredients in all of my products.
As Gracie Deola's continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to quality, integrity, and authentic community connections remains steadfast. With each product, I aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the healing power of nature and empower individuals to embrace a more holistic approach to spiritual and physical well-being.