When Omilaye received her name during an Ifa naming ceremony, she initially resisted it. The name means “she who lives long.” This felt mundane to her until she received a cancer diagnosis six months later. Then, her name took on a new spiritual significance, showing her that, even if her physical body were to transition, her essence would endure through the interconnectedness of the natural world. Nature became her paradise, providing a space for her to deliberately slow down, acknowledge her body’s needs and desires, and connect with the infinite spiritual wisdom surrounding her.

Creating Paradise is an intimate conversation series created in conjunction with the Alliance Theatre's world premiere of Furlough’s Paradise by a.k. payne. This series celebrates Black women breaking free from systemic narratives, creating their own sacred spaces, and finding liberation by embracing their magic. Learn more about Furlough's Paradise at alliancetheatre.org/paradise.