Who We Are
We believe we are all storytellers.
Sometimes, curiosity draws us inward, inviting us to listen to our own stories.
Other times, it brings us together through a good question, a little play, or a shared memory.
Because every story has the power to bring us closer.
Meet Yelka: Our Founder
Before Kume House was born, our founder, Yelka, was a young girl growing up in New York City, listening to her baba (father) speak about the power of stories. He often reminded her of their Finah heritage—a lineage of Mandeng storytellers, poets, and historians from West Africa who carried culture forward and made meaning from life’s most difficult moments. For him, storytelling was a responsibility, a source of connection, and a way of life.
Years later, when Yelka began therapy and started telling her own story, her baba’s words took on new meaning. She began to understand how stories shape what we believe about ourselves and how we relate to others. Giving language to her questions, joys, and transitions helped her see storytelling as a way to connect—with herself and with the people around her.
Kume House grew out of that understanding.
Yelka wanted to create a modern home for the wisdom she inherited—a place where thoughtful tools and shared experiences could spark curiosity and make room for stories.
Today, that vision takes shape through journals, games, and gatherings. Each is an invitation to pause, play, ask a question, or share a memory—and, through it, grow closer to yourself and others.
“KUME”
The Meaning Behind the Name
In the Mandeng language from West Africa, the word “kume” holds multiple meanings. One meaning is “conversation.”
Our tools and experiences are an invitation to have your own kume—meaningful conversations with yourself and others.
Five-Star Rating from our Customers
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“Firs journal I’ve eve actually “finished”!Just ordered my second. Really well thought-out structure that gives me an outlet for self-processing and creativity.
—Kat F.
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“I bought my first Kume journal in person, and have had such a wonderful experience using it, I had to buy one for my sister. Aside from the high-quality beauty of the book itself, the info in the front, and the quotes on each page are really helpful in settling my mind and expanding my understanding. Though using the journal, I’ve had a much easier time recognizing patterns in my thoughts about myself, and the prompts really push me to reframe and treat myself with more kindness and clarity. It’s “wonderfully” therapeutic. If you’re on the fence about the purchase, go for it, you truly won’t regret it, and it might be exactly what you need”
—Mary H
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“Absolutely incredible journal! I ordered it as a gift for our company’s Employee Advocacy group, and it was a HUGE hit! Thank you for creating such a beautiful and functional product.”
—Angie B
