Home | Mary Oluonye

Travel Deeper. Write Boldly. Live Fully.

Hello! I’m Mary O.

Welcome! I’m a writer and passionate about writing books, guides, and articles that inform, empower, and inspire.

I write about diverse topics, but I am most passionate about writing about writing, people, places, travel, and living well, focusing on matters of particular interest to Africans and African Americans.

So, whether you are starting a new writing project, planning a travel adventure, or seeking ways to live the life you want for yourself, my guides are created with you in mind!

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Travel Blog

Inside Ghana’s Centre for Plant Medicine ResearchFebruary 6, 2026
For years, I’ve been curious about plant medicine, not the vague, unregulated kind, but the scientific kind. The kind that asks real questions, such as: That curiosity led me to Ghana’s Centre for Plant Medicine Research, a national institution quietly doing rigorous, evidence-based work at the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science. What I….
A Soft Haven in Accra: My Afternoon at Yena’s NestJanuary 10, 2026
When I stepped through the gate at Yena’s Nest, I felt like I was walking into someone’s home. It felt that way, because I was. There was no stiff reception desk, no forced smiles, no sense that you were just another passing guest. Instead, Yena and her husband, K.K., welcomed me like an old friend….
The Neighborhood AwakensJanuary 5, 2026
The day begins early here. Before the sun rises, the neighborhood is already stirring. The Imam’s call to prayer floats through the dawn between four and five, answered by the shuffling of early risers. From my armchair by the window, book in hand, I listen. Good morning greetings drift in English and Twi. Parents coax….

Writing Inspiration

Why Reading Helps You Start Writing After 60October 15, 2025
Before you pick up that pen or open your laptop, I have a little secret to share: Don’t start writing, start reading. Sounds backward, doesn’t it? But it works.Sometimes, before you dive into your story, you just need to fall in love with words again. Reading reminds you why you wanted to write in the….

Mary’s Picks

Mary’s Pick: Pure Shea Butter – Raw Goodness
Why I Love It: Let’s be honest. As we age (gracefully, of course), our skin needs a little more tender, loving care. Enter shea butter, my secret weapon. Unrefined. Earthy. Medicine for the soul of the skin. No additives, no perfume, just nature doing its thing. Pure, raw shea butter melts onto the skin like….
Book Recommendation- The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo
If you’re looking for travel inspiration packed with adventures, let me put this beautiful book on your radar. The Catch Me If You Can is not just a travel memoir – it’s a remarkable celebration of culture, courage, and curiosity. Jessica Nabongo made it her mission to visit all 195 countries. In this book, she….
Restaurant Recommendation- Tatale Vegan Restaurant in Accra, Ghana
If you’re searching for flavorful, plant-based food while in Ghana, Tatale Vegan Restaurant absolutely belongs on your list. This warm, welcoming spot takes traditional Ghanaian flavors and weaves them into creative, 100% vegan versions. As a traveler who loves cultural experiences and great food, I’m always excited when I find a restaurant that captures the….

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