Iya Angelique “Sobande” Greer is a 5th generation Master Herbalist, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Consultant and Wellness Strategist based in the Kentucky–Tennessee region. A veteran of the United States Army, she served during Desert Storm before dedicating her life’s work to holistic health, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. In 1992, she made history by founding the first African American School of Herbalism in the United States the NCB School of Herbalism & Holistic Health, located near Nashville, Tennessee.

 
As the visionary force behind transformative initiatives such as the Sacred Waters Retreat, Cook Cure & Conjure, Legacy Tea Blends, and The Afro Botany Immersion Conference in Costa Rica, Iya Sobande has spent over three decades creating spaces where holistic wellness, spiritual growth, and cultural heritage intersect.

Her academic journey reflects both depth and diversity. She earned undergraduate degrees in Communications, Public Relations, and Health & Nutrition from Austin Peay State University. She is also a Certified Natural Health Professional through the Trinity School of Natural Health, a Certified Holistic Health Consultant with the International Board of African Thinkers & Healers Inc., and a member of the Ghana Traditional Healers Association, under the direct guidance and personal mentorship of the late Dr. Llaila O. Afrika ND. Iya Sobande is also a Certified Labyrinth Trainer/Builder and a “Rites of Passage Program Elder & Trainer.”  

Iya Sobande’s contributions have been celebrated on national and international platforms. Her products, services, and teachings have been highlighted in Whole Foods Markets, Traditional Medicinals’ Female Trailblazers of American Herbalism, Black Enterprise Magazine, The National Coffee & Tea Trade Journal, Urban Network Magazine, and even the Country Music Awards Association. She is listed in Who’s Who in Alternative Healthcare and was a board Member for the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent. Iya Sobande has contributed as a guest lecturer across radio, podcasts, and publications worldwide.

 
Her work has had a transformative impact on marginalized communities by creating pathways for the study and practice of Indigenous African Earth Medicine. Through her teaching, writing, and global presentations, she continues to foster spaces of belonging, healing, and empowerment.

A world-traveled speaker, consultant, and the author of the 2013 inspirational book The Gift’s, Iya Sobande currently teaches both in person and online while serving clients through her private practice near Nashville Tennessee. She is the President of the Holistic Professionals of Color Association Nashville/Clarksville Chapter and a Charter Line Member of Sa Ta Nebet, the nation’s first Kemetic Sorority for Holistic Healers.

In addition to her many initiatives, Iya Sobande holds key leadership and advisory roles within sacred and cultural communities. She serves as the Oludare of the Osaynin Egbe for Ile Orunmila Oshun under the guidance of High Priestess Yeye Luisah Teish and has worked as a dedicated Priest for more than 25 years. She is also the Co-Visionary Founder of Ax Blade Calabash, a 501(c)(3) organization through which she continues to shape and expand spaces devoted to healing, tradition, and community empowerment.

Beyond her public achievements, Iya Sobande treasures her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her beloved husband, Baba Akinrinola, share more than 32 years of love, partnership, and commitment. Together they have raised three accomplished daughters and are blessed with seven vibrant grandchildren. For Iya, family remains her most meaningful and enduring work, grounding her life of service with joy, laughter, and legacy.