Donovan Tinsley, owner of Soul de Alma, was born and raised in Harlem, NYC. His love for cooking came from watching his parents, family, and church members prepare food for gatherings, both small and large. These experiences taught him that food was a key component to creating and fostering community.

While competing in speech tournaments, singing in the choir, and participating in church plays, he discovered his love for the performing arts. This interest led him to attend Talent Unlimited High School for theatre. As a junior in high school, he became interested in marketing, which led him to Rhode Island, where he attended Johnson and Wales University and obtained a bachelor's degree in Advertising and marketing communications.

While living in Rhode Island, he used his love of cooking and humor to build community and lifelong friendships away from home. As he entered adulthood, Soul de Alma was born in 2023, evolving from a mere idea in 2012 into a beautiful blend of all his favorite things.

Join Donovan as he embarks on this empowering journey of self-love and exploration.