Ìyánífá Ifásadé Òsùndáyíísí Ifádọ̀yìn Fáyẹmí Ẹ̀pẹ̀ga( Laurita Marie Harrison)

Ìyánífá Ifásadé Òsùndáyíísí Ifádọ̀yìn Fáyẹmí Ẹ̀pẹ̀ga, known in the spiritual and artistic world as Laurita Marie, is a seventh-generation New Orleanian, born and raised in the sacred heartbeat of Tremé — one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the United States. Her bloodline flows with ancestral power and devotion, as she is the four-time great-granddaughter of the legendary Marie Laveau, on her maternal grandmother’s side, and the four-time great-granddaughter of Manbo Thom Kanoe, on her maternal grandfather’s side, a revered Haitian Vodou Priestess and one of Laveau’s own teachers. Through these ancestral lines, Laurita Marie carries an inheritance of wisdom, healing, and cultural guardianship.

Her spiritual awakening began in 2004, when she first felt the quiet call of the Orisa. In 2010, she began her formal studies under Chief Oluwo Obafemi Fayemi Epega, immersing herself in the sacred teachings and spiritual disciplines of Ifa. In 2016, guided by her godmother Manbo Marie Carmel, she received her first initiation as a Manbo,and was given the name Manbo Akwaweewa in Haitian Vodou, opening the way for her to serve the mysteries with humility and love. Four years later, in 2020, she was initiated as an Iyanifa, stepping into her destiny as a vessel of wisdom and transformation. Iya Òsùndáyíísí is also, Leader of Ilé Òṣà Ìrẹtẹ̀ and Iyanifa of Ilé Ìkà Ògúndá. By 2024, her journey came full circle as she was crowned an Ìyálóòrìṣà of Osun and elevated as a High Priestess in Louisiana Plantation Voodoo — fully embodying grace and the enduring spirit of ancestral devotion.

As a spiritual leader, she walks between worlds with grace and purpose. Her work is guided by compassion and the divine rhythm of tradition. Through her priesthood, she uplifts others on their spiritual paths, reminding them of their divine worth and purpose.

Beyond the temple, Iya Ifásadé is the visionary founder of Sweet Storm Productions LLC, through which she merges creativity and spirituality. A playwright, actress, spoken word artist, and poet, she uses art as ritual and performance as prayer. As co-founder and member of Nuisettes Noir Babydolls, she uplifts New Orleans’ cultural traditions, embodying the fierce elegance of Black femininity, resistance, and joy.

A lifelong healer and teacher, her compassion has guided her work with children of special needs, her dedication to women’s wellness, and her ongoing commitment to holistic healing. She is Reiki Level II Certified, and her offerings include ancestral and past life readings, womb wellness, breathwork, and guided meditation. Through these modalities, she bridges the seen and unseen, restoring balance between body, spirit, and destiny.

Òsùndáyíísí ’s calling as a psychic medium and healer continues the sacred legacy of her forebears — Healers, Seers, Hougans, Mambos, Rootworkers, Musicians, Artists, and Culture Bearers. In her, their songs continue to rise. Through teaching, storytelling, and ritual, she honors the divine feminine, uplifts her community, and carries forth the eternal work of liberation, love, and remembrance.

“I am because they dreamed of me. I rose because they prayed for me.”