In the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, where every block tells a different story, one entrepreneur is on a mission to bring the bold, healing flavors of West Africa straight to your kitchen table. Marcus Oyelaran, the founder of Oya Spice Co., isn’t just selling hot sauce — he’s preserving a legacy, one jar at a time.
Recently, DealMagik sat down with Marcus to discuss his journey from data analyst to artisan spice maker, his passion for authentic West African flavors, and why he believes bold, healthy food should be accessible to every household — not just specialty food boutiques.
The Myth of the “Mild” Kitchen
For generations, bold spice has been misunderstood — written off as “too intense” or an acquired taste reserved for adventurous eaters. Marcus is here to change that narrative.
“People think spice means suffering,” Marcus explains. “But in West African cooking, spice is medicine — it’s warmth, it’s community, it’s memory. I wanted to create products that invite people in, not scare them away.”
Driven by the loss of his grandmother Adunola and a handwritten recipe he found tucked inside her Bible, he founded Oya Spice Co. on the belief that “bold flavor belongs on every table.” That belief is woven into the company’s core promise: Spice with Soul.
Serving Brooklyn and Beyond with Authenticity
Based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Oya Spice Co. serves food lovers across New York City and ships nationwide through its DealMagik storefront. Whether it’s a home cook looking to elevate weeknight dinners, a chef sourcing unique pantry staples, or a gift buyer wanting something truly special, Marcus’s team crafts every product with the same care as that original family recipe.
The business isn’t just “artisan” in name — it’s backed by rigorous standards. Oya Spice Co. is fully licensed, insured, and holds certifications from the New York State Department of Agriculture and the USDA Cottage Food Program.
Beyond the Bottle: A Full Pantry Experience
While many hot sauce brands stop at a single product, Oya Spice Co. thinks in full meals. Their growing line includes wellness-forward blends specifically crafted to support gut health, digestion, and immunity.
“Our scotch bonnet sauce, suya rub, and egusi spice blend aren’t just flavor enhancers — they’re rooted in ingredients that have been used for their health properties for centuries,” says Marcus. By sourcing from African and Caribbean immigrant-owned farms in the tri-state area, the company ensures that every product is as culturally honest as it is delicious.
The 2026 Vision: Community Over Exclusivity
As Oya Spice Co. grows into 2026, Marcus’s biggest focus remains the same as his first day at a farmers market: keeping authentic, quality food within reach of everyday families.
“Artisan food has a reputation for being expensive and exclusive,” he acknowledges. “But my grandmother fed a whole household on these flavors. That accessibility is non-negotiable for me. In 2026, I’m focused on reaching more families, more renters, more home cooks who deserve real flavor without the luxury price tag.”
The Oya Spice Co. Difference
What sets Oya Spice Co. apart in a crowded Brooklyn food market? It’s the fact that heritage isn’t a marketing angle — it’s the foundation. Marcus’s team focuses on:
- True Cultural Authenticity: Recipes rooted in West African culinary tradition, not trends.
- Immigrant-Owned Supply Chain: Sourcing from African and Caribbean farmers in the tri-state area to keep community dollars circulating locally.
- Health-First Ingredients: No artificial preservatives, no fillers — only clean, whole-food ingredients.
- Community Commitment: 1% of all sales donated to the Crown Heights Community Kitchen.
As Marcus puts it: “Good spice is a right, not a privilege. Grandma Adunola fed everyone who walked through her door. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.”
