D’IYANU x Baby Yams: Tatyana Ali on Motherhood, Business, & Fashion

A Celebration of Heritage & Style: Tatyana Ali on Motherhood, Business, & Fashion 

This Women’s History Month, join us in celebrating Black women entrepreneurs who inspire and lead. We are thrilled to partner with Tatyana Ali — actress, singer, and founder of Baby Yams. Baby Yams offers handmade, heirloom-quality baby quilts that empower Black mothers. Learn more about Baby Yams

In our conversation with Tatyana, she shares the inspiration behind Baby Yams, her journey through motherhood, how heritage influences her business, and her tips on styling her favorite D’IYANU pieces!

What inspired you to create Baby Yams, and what makes your brand unique? 

I love to sew. During my pregnancies I had so much fun making nursery curtains and quilts. The quilt I made for my youngest son, is the prototype for Baby Yams. During that pregnancy, I was given body butters wrapped in Ankara from a moms group in DC. I had also started working with a black midwife, Racha Lawler, who cared for me and taught me how to heal the trauma from my first birth experience. I was filled with so much hope and I poured all of that into the quilt. My husband and I sewed blessings into the baby blanket. Those blessings are the pattern names of Baby Yams. That blanket started conversations everywhere I went and I thought it would be a beautiful way to spread the good news that there are those who care for us with loving hands. If our community midwives and doulas are supported, then so are we. 

The brand is unique because of its mission and its aesthetic. We deserve to be surrounded by all of the beauty we desire in our nurseries and throughout our homes. 

What has been the most rewarding part of launching Baby Yams as a Black woman entrepreneur?  

One of the most rewarding parts have been the emails I receive from customers. I really feel like it’s becoming a community. The satisfaction and the warmth they feel and the customer service I can provide means everything to me. And when I get to hear from the birth workers who receive the grants??? Those are my prayers answered! Why? Because the more community birth workers, the more choices Black families have. And the more choices we have, the safer we are. 

Can you share a special story or moment that stands out from your journey with Baby Yams? 

I have been learning the whole process of manufacturing, fabric procurement and advertising and marketing as I go. I work with a small but mighty team to push this thing forward. We are still in our very first year, so honestly, everyday something new and memorable happens. 

Our first advertising shoot was with a family. When I saw her wrap her son in one of the Abundance blankets, my heart nearly exploded. We had such a meaningful conversation sharing mom to mom about our experiences. There’s not much space for that in our world. Woman have to carve out that space for each other. 

What advice would you give to other Black women looking to start their own businesses? 

Do it!! It is empowering to take an idea and make it something tangible. You don’t have to know every detail that’s going to happen. Or get stuck in the planning and replanning. Commit yourself fully to the process, use what you have and learn as you go. 

You’ve been a D’IYANU customer for six years—what do you love most about the brand? 

I love that the company is founded by a black woman. I try really hard to keep my family’s dollars circulating in our community. I love that there are items for every member of my family. I love that we can celebrate our heritage and aesthetic through what we wear. I love the colors and patterns. I love the silhouettes. The pieces are so versatile, and the fit is just fantastic. 

What is your favorite D’IYANU piece and print, and how do you like to style it?

Hard to pick one, but I have to say the suits. I love the fit of the trousers. High waisted and a long leg. It makes the booty pop! 😂 Can I say that? Well, it’s true. I wear the jackets with the matching trousers, sometimes with denim or skirts, depending on my mood. They work as a suit jacket or a blazer. They are amazing on their own, buttoned up or zipped. Sometimes I like to pick one color in the suit and use that color in my shoe or shirt. When you wear D’IYANU, get ready for compliments! 

Shop Tatyana’s D'IYANU Favorites 

Shop Baby Yams - Enjoy 20% Off with Code DIYANU20