Meet the founder

Hello, I’m Gabriela Lotaif, and Adê de Canela was born from powerful forces that move me: Brazilian folklore, my Arabic ancestry, and my deep connection with Afro-Brazilian Yoruba cultures.

My passion for meaningful adornments emerged at this intersection of stories, bodies, and rituals. As a costume designer, I’ve spent years working with characters, symbols, and materials — always seeking to express what words often cannot. This language of form and intention became the creative seed for Adê de Canela.

So powerful was this call that I chose to launch the project while preparing for my own wedding. Alongside my family and bridesmaids, we wore prototypes from Drop 1 and Drop 2 during the celebrations. Designing and wearing those headpieces — in such an emotionally sacred moment — was a profound gift. That’s the experience I wish to offer: a piece that holds meaning, memory, and connection.

To honour this vision with ethics and consciousness, I sought mentorship, spiritual guidance, and collaboration. I received blessings from a Ialorixá and travelled to ancestral Arab lands to study ancient headdresses. With the support of Moken Studio, I shaped a business model that could sustain beauty, storytelling, and positive impact.

What you see here is the result of many women’s work, intention, and care. I'm deeply grateful for the path that brought us here.