Entry No. 2 — the Tampa file — filed under: botanica
Botanica Yemaya Olokun
Founded by an 8th-generation Hoodoo practitioner and crowned Olorisa priestess, this sacred space grounds itself in traditional Yoruba and African American folk magic traditions.
The story
Tucked into Suite 2 along 1st Ave North, this is not one of those pastel-hued crystal shops selling aesthetic tumbled quartz and sage bundles to casual tourists. Botanica Yemaya Olokun is a working sacred space grounded in Yoruba, Ifá, and traditional African American Hoodoo practices. It was founded and is run by Iyanifa Ifakemi, an 8th-generation Hoodoo practitioner and crowned Olorisa priestess who brings deep ancestral lineage directly into the shop.
The shelves here are working tools for practical folk magic and spiritual maintenance. You will find custom hand-prepared cleansing oils, specialized ancestral altar supplies, and spiritual herbal baths from their proprietary Supernaturally You line. Nothing here is mass-produced for shelf appeal; the herbs, roots, and ritual items are blended with deliberate intent according to traditional African-diasporic protocols.
You didn't hear it from us, but if you step inside seeking help, leave the casual skepticism outside. Consultations with the priestess are rooted in direct ancestral veneration and traditional divinatory framework—practical spiritual work for people who know exactly what they are looking for.
What it's like
Tucked away in a modest St. Pete commercial suite, stepping inside instantly hits you with the heavy, grounded scents of burning resins, steeped roots, and ritual oils. The space is small, quiet, and deliberate. You'll find curated shelves of dressed candles, custom-blended herbal bath jars, and spiritual washes. Expect a respectful, quiet atmosphere where staff treat the supplies with ritual seriousness. It isn't a gift shop, so go in with clear intent, and always confirm their current hours before driving over.
The move: Select a custom-blended spiritual herbal bath from their Supernaturally You line or consult with the priestess for ancestral altar supplies and hand-prepared cleansing oils.
- 📍 St. Petersburg
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 3110 1st Ave N Suite 2, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Culture Shock Oddities & Tattoo Studio — A 1.8-mile drive down the road moves you from traditional sacred folk magic to dark macabre curiosities and taxidermy.
- Temple of Love and Healing — Pair these two for a fascinating contrast between Yoruba Hoodoo lineage and long-standing Christian Spiritualist mediumship, located 2.6 miles away.
- Dirty Laundry — Just a mile away in the Grand Central District, grab a quiet drink behind a hidden washing machine door after picking up your ritual oils.
- FloridaRAMA — Located less than a mile down 1st Ave, shift from deep ritual folk traditions into a sprawling, surreal world of immersive Florida art installations.
Good to know
What spiritual traditions are represented at the botanica?
The shop specializes specifically in traditional African American Hoodoo, Yoruba spiritual practices, and Ifá traditions.
What kind of items can I purchase here?
They offer hand-prepared cleansing oils, custom spiritual herbal baths from their Supernaturally You line, ancestral altar supplies, ritual candles, and raw herbs.
Can I schedule a consultation with the priestess?
Yes, spiritual consultations and ancestral guidance are available through founder Iyanifa Ifakemi, though booking ahead via their website is required.
Where is the botanica located?
It is located at 3110 1st Ave N, Suite 2, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp
last checked: 2026-07-21