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)
