Yerba Mystica for VoyageLA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Ortega.

Hi Janet, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I officially launched Yerba Mystica in 2021, following a small business I operated in 2020 selling houseplants from my greenhouse.

The 2020 pandemic was a profoundly difficult time for me, marked by the tragic loss of my brother. As I struggled with grief, depression, and mental health, I found solace in my passion for plants, herbs, crystals, and jewelry—interests I shared with my father and brother, who were both gardeners. During this journey, I also found strength in my community. My friends and neighbors supported me through my darkest moments, inspiring me to return that love by connecting more deeply with my community and my Mexican heritage.

With roots in Oaxaca and Guadalajara, I am deeply inspired by the vibrancy and communal spirit of the pueblos, particularly during Día de los Muertos. This tradition is central to Yerba Mystica, as it focuses on grief, community, culture, and spirituality—elements that became sacred to me after my brother’s passing.

In 2026, I continue to carry this message through everything I do. Whether I am attending local markets, participating in community service, or offering tea stations at events, my goal remains the same. I incorporate my culture into every piece of jewelry I create through colors and imagery inspired by Hispanic communities in DTLA, South Central, Boyle Heights, and East LA. I hope my work evokes nostalgia and brings happiness to others, just as these elements helped me heal.
I am exactly where I need to be with Yerba Mystica, growing this business in honor of my late brother and in service to the community that sustained me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building Yerba Mystica has been a significant challenge, but it has provided invaluable lessons. My primary struggles during the early years involved navigating grief following the loss of my brother while managing imposter syndrome. Maintaining the belief that my business would succeed during a pandemic while facing these mental hurdles was difficult.

I still encounter challenges today, particularly regarding how to balance business promotion on social media while our communities face tragic events. However, I view this as a continuous learning process. Given the current situation within our Hispanic communities, I have learned that my role is to advocate and use my platform to help and support my community.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Yerba Mystica, every creation is made with love. My business was born from a desire to find solace in the spiritual side of life and death, reconnect with my heritage, and explore the healing properties of herbs, crystals, and spiritual practices.

I am best known for my jewelry that represents Hispanic culture, my selection of healing crystals, and seasonal Cempasúchil (Marigolds) for Día de los Muertos. I am incredibly proud to have built a business centered on what brings me joy while connecting with people who share these interests.

I want my customers to know that every item at Yerba Mystica has a story. There is a narrative behind almost every piece of jewelry, a remedy for every herb, and a spiritual meaning for every crystal. When you choose an item from Yerba Mystica, you are taking a small piece of my story and heart with you.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Prior to founding Yerba Mystica, I grew and propagated houseplants in my greenhouse to sell. I am constantly learning and enjoy teaching others about the fascinating nature of plants. My botanical knowledge is rooted in my family, particularly my spiritual connection to plants which I inherited from my mother.

In addition to my passion for plants, I enjoy cooking and previously studied culinary arts. My primary expertise, however, is in coffee and tea. I have spent over eight years in the coffee industry and have had the privilege of sharing my professional knowledge with others.

Image Credits
Photography: Xavier Akanmu (@Xmanthatguy)

“Small businesses shine in monthly West Adams Pop-up Sale”

Candles, crystals and community: for small business owner Janet Ortega, that’s what MidCity Mercado, a monthly pop-up in the West Adams area, is all about.

“It doesn’t seem like you’re there to sell or really do business,” Ortega said. “You just feel like you’re at home with family and you feel really safe there.”

Ortega is one of over 20 vendors who sold and shared their products at the MidCity Mercado from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The event features local vendors who sell and share food, drinks, clothing, plants and more.

Ortega’s business Yerba Mystica Botanica, sells an array of spiritual candles, plants, incense and crystals online. The MidCity Mercado is the one event she takes her business in-person. She was inspired to start her online business in 2020 as a way to cope through loss.

“I basically started this brand just to sell stuff that I was passionate about,” Ortega said. “I was going through the grieving process since I lost my brother two years ago, and I just wanted to do something that would make me feel like me again.”

Ortega said her favorite part of MidCity Mercado is getting to connect with other vendors and share stories of their experiences and brand purpose.

“It makes you feel you’re in a safe place, like it’s okay to be you,” Ortega said. “Nowadays, it’s so hard to actually really show off who you really are, but there... no one’s going to judge you. If anything, people are going to welcome you.”

By Jose Romo, Mateo Gutierrez, Sophie Sperber and Rory Burke

April 18, 2022 at 1:29 pm PDT

.• Crystal Guide •.

This crystal guide was created to help anyone who is starting in their spiritual journey. Crystals were the first items that really grabbed my attention into learning more about healing, metaphysical properties, chakras, and uses of stones & crystals. Now, I carry this guide with me to all Markets to help people choose their significant crystal(s). Crystal guide(s) may be updated from time to time, so look out for any changes.

For any other question feel free to contact me on Instagram: @YerbaMystica

Available to Print, Share, and Love