Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Chavez.
Hi Alyssa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in my Grandmother’s garden. She was always outside, tending to her plants with care and intention and just as often, she was in the kitchen or on the porch, making sure everyone around her was fed, comforted, and cared for. I was right there beside her barefoot in the dirt, learning how to listen to nature before I even knew I was learning. Those quiet moments rooted something deep in me: a reverence for the earth, a love for plants, and a belief in their power to heal and nourish, just like she did. What started as a simple experiment selling a few handmade tea blends at a local market quickly blossomed into something more. People were drawn to the flavors, the stories, and the spirit behind each cup. From there, Gaia’s Tea Garden was born. Today, my business is a reflection of those early days in the garden: grounded in tradition, inspired by nature, and built with love. It’s more than tea it’s a way to carry my grandmother’s legacy forward, one blend at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but every bump has shaped the journey. I started Gaia’s Tea Garden at just 18 years old, choosing to follow a passion deeply rooted in the time I spent with my Grandmother, rather than pursue a traditional college degree. She was always in the garden or kitchen, caring for her plants and making sure everyone around her was a nourished body and soul. That legacy became my compass. Starting a business so young meant learning everything from the ground up blending herbs, designing packaging, figuring out branding, and navigating finances most of it on my own. There were plenty of moments filled with doubt, stress, and growing pains. I questioned if I made the right choice, or if people would truly connect with what I was creating. But through it all, I held on to the love, care, and resilience my grandmother showed me. Her presence and teachings reminded me that I wasn’t just building a business I was continuing a legacy. The road has been anything but smooth, but it’s been guided by purpose, and it’s made Gaia’s Tea Garden what it is today: full of heart, rooted in culture, and built with love.
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?
Gaia’s Tea Garden is more than just tea it’s a space where culture, healing, and community come together. I specialize in handcrafted loose-leaf herbal blends inspired by ancestral knowledge, nature, and the traditions passed down from my grandmother. Each blend is made with intention, offering not only medicinal benefits but also spiritual support and emotional comfort. What truly sets Gaia’s Tea Garden apart is the heart behind everything we do. Our teas are known for being naturally sweet and flavorful without any added sugar or sugar substitutes. It’s all from the plants themselves, chosen and blended with care to bring out their fullest expression. We’re also proud to offer intuitive tarot readings as part of the experience, creating space for reflection, healing, and connection. And recently, we launched a beautiful collaboration with Xiomari’s Piñatas & More called Tesito’s y Burrito’s where we combine our signature herbal teas with her handcrafted mini piñatas. It’s a joyful, cultural blend of flavors, art, and tradition you won’t find anywhere else. What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is how people feel when they encounter Gaia’s Tea Garden: grounded, nurtured, and seen. Whether you’re sipping tea, receiving a reading, or gifting a loved one, you’re receiving something made with deep intention and cultural pride. At Gaia’s, you’re not just buying a product you’re becoming part of a story rooted in heritage, healing, and heart.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building a network is to lead with authenticity. Don’t be afraid to show up as your full self especially in spaces that often feel intimidating or overly polished. The right connections will be drawn to your energy, your story, and your passion. For me, some of the most valuable relationships have come from simply talking about what I do with love and confidence whether at markets, community events, or even casual conversations. I’ve learned that your network doesn’t always have to be big; it just has to be real. People who understand your vision will naturally want to support and guide you. I also recommend supporting others first buy their products, share their posts, show up to their events. Genuine support often opens the door to mutual respect and future collaboration. And when it comes to mentors, sometimes they don’t look like what you expect. My Grandmother was my first mentor, and much of what I’ve built stems from the quiet lessons she taught me through her actions. So stay open you never know who might help shape your journey.
Pricing:
- 15 for small tea bags
- 35 for large tea bags
- 25 for specialty tea blends
- custom tea blends pricing varies
- tarot pricing varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gaiasteagarden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaiasteagarden/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561172744855
- Other: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/
