We had the good fortune of connecting with Tayo Otiti and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tayo, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Having been in the hospitality and PR space for over 20 years, a point came along where i was more interested in nurturing projects i was passionate about rather than being paid to.
Lifestyle – more specifically
travel, fashion and spirits have always been synonymous with my personal brand and i felt there was no better time than now to create a space where they can all serve each other independently or symbiotically. It just made sense.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I became enamored with Mexico and it’s rich culture from my first visit in 2015 to San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City. I made the decision to relocate to Oaxaca in 2020 with a desire to discover and focus on what my true passions were. It came with its cultural challenges which i was more than enthusiastic to absorb and adjust to. It’s been a thrilling ride!
I currently wear three hats (pun intended) in projects I founded /partnered with while there.
Founder OAXEXP.com, a travel site that features a curated all inclusive service for global travelers visiting Oaxaca;
Head of partnerships and communications for Mala Mia Mezcal, a black owned small batch artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca that’s just acquired distribution in NY, DC, LA & Miami.
Founder Estudiofila, a line of hats and unique hand crafted products by Mexican & Nigerian artisans.
Born and raised in Nigeria, my career in hospitality began on the New York City nightlife scene where i worked in promotions, VIP liaison, sales and celebrity outreach in the city’s most in-demand nightclubs.
I relocated to Miami where i held a key role in opening acclaimed venues such as Mokai, Florida Room and Louis.
Seeking an alternate lifestyle and field of work, i moved to Los Angeles to begin a career in public relations where i could put to use the countless years and connections i had accumulated while working in nightlife.
I eventually returned to Miami to lead global and local brands with management and development, strategy and experiential events as a Publicist and PR agency director.
As an entrepreneur, my approach is rooted in transparency and a belief that fostering an environment where respect and meaningful connections serve a higher purpose way beyond the shallow self serving interactions we’re often plagued with.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami offers a little bit of everything for everyone which presents people with unlimited options. I’m a fan of the staples that have maintained consistency over the years.
Eat: Anywhere helmed by Jose Mendin (Casa Isola, Pubbelly, June’s burger), La Locanda, 27 restaurant, Tropezon, Orilla, Macchialina, Bebito’s, Simply Good Pizza
See/Do:
Spa day at Standard Hotel
Perez Art Museum
Rubell Museum
Shop and people watch at The Design District
Rooftop Sunrise Yoga at Club Space hosted by Amanda Digiovanni and the best yoga instructor Jessica Fisher
Karaoke at Casa Tua
Drink & Hang :
Sweet Liberty
Minibar
Broken Shaker
Dante’s Hifi
Medium Cool
La Otra
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Website: Oaxexp.com https://www.malamiamezcal.com/
Instagram: Oaxexp, estudiofila