Meet Zoraida Rodriguez | Iyawoe

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zoraida Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zoraida, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have been in the Yoruba Religion for over 36 years. I come from a family that has practiced within the 21 Divisions (Dominican Voudoo) for centuries. I became an Iyawoe and was crowned at the age of 17, my purpose has always been to help others. I was also born an Iyami Osoronga (Red). Once I moved to Atlanta, I was introduced to Ifa and was initiated 4 years ago. I realized that there was a lack of Botanicas, knowledge, the products that are necessary and the high demand for something that i had mastered. It intrigued me to help people and to provide the knowledge they were so eagerly in search of. Because i know this realm to be my purpose in assisting others with their journey into spiritualism, i decided to open up a store front. Not only where I can sell the products needed in ones journey but also, to provide the platform where i can provide knowledge to those who seek it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The Yoruba religion consists of Faith, consistency, belief and gratitude. I am proud to have received so much knowledge and love from my Saints, Spirits and ancestors. I opened up the store front with a blind eye and jumping in full faith, it has not been easy. Bills pile up and you are forced to keep pushing forward because of the gut feeling that you can and will make a change in someones life. It is still a bit of a struggle but life would be extremely boring if there were no struggles or lessons to push through from. The lessons I have learned along the way have been that dedication, hard work and faith are extremely important, with that anything can be accomplished. I love helping others wholeheartedly and I am not in this to become rich, instead I am grateful that I have a gift that can help, honestly and openly, those who seek my assistance.

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.
Places of interest for me are all the rivers, wooded areas and trails that the city has to offer. Some of the most fun, interesting and exciting people would be The Space Center and Gisels Harmony’s Workshops. They have different circles that they host .Meditations, yoga, sip & paint and even book circles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my family, their roots, my God parents and my ancestors for guiding me into this path of leadership.

Website: www.orishaessence.com

Instagram: orisha_essence