Many of us are searching for ways to connect to the motherland, and after my conversation with Toddre’ DeLaura Monier in episode 18 of the podcast, I can see even more clearly how fashion and cultural connection can uplift the spirit and strengthen our identity.
Toddre’ isn’t just a fashion stylist—she’s a visionary who shows us that style is about so much more than what we wear. It’s about healing, empowerment, and honoring who we are.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through her story of homecoming and the ways she curates experiences that celebrate the beauty and power of Black identity.
Also, don’t forget to head on over to the podcast and listen to episode 18.
Answering the Call of Ancestry
Toddre’s connection to Africa didn’t start with her move to Nairobi. It began years ago when she was a student at Indiana University, where she minored in African Studies and discovered a deep passion for the continent.
As she told me, “I’ve been coming to Africa since I was 18.”
Her early experiences were powerful—volunteering in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe and monitoring South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Those moments planted the seeds for a life rooted in service, creativity, and courage.
After years of living in Los Angeles, Toddre’ felt restless. A job layoff became the push she needed to take a leap of faith.
She sold everything, moved to Zanzibar, and what began as a one-year plan grew into a multi-country journey across Tanzania, Uganda, and ultimately Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital.
Living in Nairobi: A City Full of Possibility
When Toddre’ described Nairobi, I could feel the energy in her words. The city is alive—modern and cosmopolitan, yet deeply connected to heritage.
She lives in a middle-class neighborhood filled with green spaces, bustling markets, and neighbors from all over the world.
What stood out most was her view that Nairobi is more than just a place—it’s a possibility. With global organizations like the UN shaping the city, there are challenges like gentrification, but also opportunities to reimagine how tradition and innovation can exist side by side.
Why Fashion Is More Than Clothes
Fashion has always been at the heart of Toddre’s journey. What started as a dream of owning a women’s shoe store turned into Wild Women Wear Red, a boutique in Washington, D.C. that quickly became more than a shop—it was a safe space for women to feel powerful and have real conversations.
Now in Nairobi, Toddre’ curates fashion and art tours that go beyond shopping. Whether it’s exploring local boutiques, thrifting in open-air markets, or meeting artisans, she personalizes each experience to reflect her clients’ style, budget, and curiosity.
She also champions upcycling, encouraging people to give secondhand pieces new life while supporting sustainability and local designers.
As she told me, “Fashion can be someone’s armor…putting on luxury makes people feel good.” For Toddre’, fashion is not about trends—it’s about empowerment, healing, and identity.
Moving Abroad as Self-Care
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Toddre’s reflection on mental health. She was honest: “A lot of people are just not okay,” she said, pointing to the social and political climate in the U.S.
For her, moving abroad was both healing and liberating. And she encourages others to consider it too—whether temporarily or long-term—as a form of self-care.
Through her fashion tours, Blacksit consultations, and digital guides, Toddre’ is creating pathways for women of color to explore new possibilities, reclaim their joy, and discover the expansiveness that comes with reconnecting to ancestral roots.
Words of Wisdom for Creatives and Seekers
Before we wrapped up, Toddre’ left us with encouragement I know many of you will feel in your spirit: “For people who are creative in any way, just find the time to sketch, paint, upcycle…support local designers.”
Not every passion has to become a business. Sometimes it’s enough to simply follow what lights you up and brings you joy.
Toddre’s journey is a powerful reminder that homecoming is not just about geography—it’s about healing, identity, and transformation.
If you’d like to learn more about her work or book one of her unique Nairobi experiences, visit her platform, Beauty Is Universal.