Community Highlights: Meet Mary (tomi) Obideyi of Tomi The Encourager

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary (tomi) Obideyi

Hi Mary (Tomi), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
“An overly blessed woman using her God-given gifts to educate, elevate, and empower individuals to be their true and authentic selves.” This mission statement, given to me by God, guides both my personal life and my work in supporting others.

Growing up as a second-generation Nigerian American presented unique challenges. I often felt I had to navigate dual identities—rooted in Nigerian culture at home, yet living in a Western society. My mother, a strong believer in Jesus, raised my sister and me with love, faith, and discipline, for which I’m deeply grateful. Her influence instilled in me the values that shape who I am today: an Encourager.

As a child, I was the classic “nerdy” girl—focused on good grades and staying out of trouble. But despite my positive outlook and desire to please, I faced bullying for my dark skin, ethnic background, and not fitting the mold of what some considered “cool.” This led to feelings of isolation and struggles with mental health, including depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and identity issues. I tried to fit in by changing myself, but it never brought the acceptance I sought.

Over time, I realized that my differences were actually my superpower. The very things that made me feel out of place were gifts that allowed me to create safe, welcoming spaces for others to be their authentic selves. I learned that there’s unity and strength in our differences and that I didn’t need to conform to be accepted.

My faith in God, support from my community, and the help of mental health professionals were pivotal in my journey to embrace my true self. This realization led me to start my business, Tomi The Encourager—an extension of my life’s journey, rooted in overcoming adversity, embracing faith, and fostering a community of care, support, and love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has definitely had its share of challenges. Each struggle has shaped me and strengthened my resolve, making the path to where I am today far from smooth.

One significant challenge was dealing with the mental health struggles that came from trying to fit into a world where I often felt out of place. Growing up as a second-generation Nigerian American, I wrestled with identity issues, feelings of isolation, and the pressure to conform to societal standards that didn’t align with my true self. This led to bouts of depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. Embracing my identity and recognizing my worth was a long and sometimes painful process.

Another challenge was stepping into the role of entrepreneur and leader. I began “Tomi The Encourager” in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially sharing uplifting dance videos on Instagram to spread hope. Although I started it then, I officially launched the business in March 2024. This leap of faith, driven by my passion for helping others, came with uncertainties and fears. There were moments of self-doubt, financial hurdles, and the constant pressure to prove myself in a competitive field.

Despite these challenges, they have been the driving force behind my growth. They’ve taught me resilience, the value of community, and the power of faith. Each obstacle has become a stepping stone, helping me become more authentic, compassionate, and committed to my mission of encouraging others. I am determined to make “Encourager” the new “Influencer” in today’s world. While the road hasn’t been easy, it has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for every lesson learned along the way.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tomi The Encourager is not just a brand; it’s a movement dedicated to educating, elevating, and empowering individuals to embrace their true, authentic selves. Founded in 2020 by Mary Obideyi, known as Tomi, the business offers dynamic keynote presentations and training for diverse audiences, including community organizations, universities, and companies. Tomi’s expertise covers critical topics such as compassion fatigue, mental health, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), health equity, and community engagement and empowerment.

What truly sets Tomi apart is the personal connection and energy she brings to every interaction. She is often described as a beacon of positivity, a compassionate listener, and an empathetic mentor. Tomi has a unique gift for creating safe spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Her lived experiences as a second-generation Nigerian American Christian woman provide her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by BIPOC individuals, particularly women of color, as they navigate mental health and personal identity.

Tomi’s brand is built on a foundation of encouragement, but it extends beyond simple positivity. She recognizes that life is full of challenges, and it’s okay to sit with those difficult feelings. What matters is finding the strength to rise again when ready, seeking help, and continuing to move forward. Tomi’s motto, “progress is greater than perfection,” perfectly captures this philosophy. She believes in the power of authenticity and growth over the pursuit of unattainable perfection.

Tomi takes great pride in the impact she’s made with individuals and organizations, offering personalized health and career coaching, peer support, and evidence-based training in mental health and suicide prevention. Her work is trusted by respected institutions like the University of California, San Diego, the University of California, Riverside, California Baptist University, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Riverside County Department of Public Health and Behavioral Health, and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Through these collaborations, Tomi has reached diverse audiences and facilitated over 200 mental health workshops, promoting well-being and resilience.

“I want readers to know that I, Tomi The Encourager, am here to inspire positive change. My words are not just empty sentiments; they carry weight and impact, encouraging those who hear them to reflect on their own life journeys, take ownership of their paths, and remember that they are deeply loved by God (John 3:16).” Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker to energize your event, training to enhance your team’s well-being, or personalized support to navigate life’s transitions, Tomi is here to support you.

Join Tomi at www.tomitheencourager.com and work with her to create a story of empowerment, resilience, and authentic living.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me are the family and friends that God has blessed me with. Their support and encouragement fuel my desire to uplift others. My name, Tomi (pronounced Toe-mee), is short for Oluwatomisin (pronounced Oh-lu-wa-toe-mee-seen), which means “God is enough for me” in Yorùbá, one of the major languages in Nigeria. This name serves as a constant reminder that I am enough and encourages me to look within for strength and answers. The well-being of both myself and others is vital to me, and my name reinforces the importance of self-care and the understanding that I don’t need anything more to be enough. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” so I make sure to nurture myself in order to effectively support and inspire others.

Pricing:

• Speaker request form with pricing: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4SDTVEkUy

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tomitheencourager.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomi_the_encourager/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrDMh2c5jKcOVp5A1_6ruOw
• Other: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4SDTVEkUy

Image Credits
Femi: @thechigerian- https://www.instagram.com/thechigerian/
Me: Tomi The Encourager
Joy Eniola