Meet Vivian Perez | Multigenerational Herbalist & Indigenous Death Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am first generation Mexican who grew up in the midwest in a bicultural environment, meaning that at home we spoke Spanish and when I went to school I spoke English. Culturally I was raised to understand the Mexican community through my parents and extended family. As a child, I would visit Mexico every year and understood a slower pace of life that was in connection to the earth. Tending to the land, visiting my uncle’s ranch, sitting with my great grandmother enjoying different remedies through her hands, I assumed that this was something that everyone did. Learning through them and from my observations, I learned to offer a hand when someone needed it and in my senior year of college when I had a mental health crisis, this was the catalyst for the start of my herbal studies. It was a way for me to survive what I was being forced to heal within myself.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart is that I am a self taught learner, meaning that I did not have the funds at the beginning to pay for an herbalist course that would eventually call me a clinical herbalist. Instead, I used the library to begin my studies, I figured that would be a good place to start to see if this was what I wanted to focus on. Every book I picked up, the more I searched for ways to bulk up my understanding. Notebooks filled with notes, laptops with folders that would store workshops that I’ve taken, and I had an insatiable hunger to learn more. When I had moments of financial abundance, I would join a course and thats how I was able to fund the different programs I wanted to learn under. I never once felt othered because I wasn’t considered a “clinical herbalist”, if anything I was accepted because what I knew was learned through my family. The experiences I had were hands on, I was taking the remedies myself and learning these plant relationships without someone telling me what I should feel. Then, using those experiences, it was through my studies that backed what I already knew. My biggest honor was being told by my instructor Adrian that he “admired that I chose a different path and that I trusted my own knowledge.” It felt like I was a part of the collective and that I wasn’t any less than someone who could afford to learn through a program.

As an herbalist and Indigenous Death Doula, I use herbs that would be considered “simple” and by that I mean herbs that are more for nervous system support and nourishment to the body. I believe that as a society we are always on the go and are excited to reach the goals we make for ourselves, but we don’t know how to rest properly. Hence when I have consultations, I ask questions to unwrap where the individual is and start them on herbs that are meant to nourish the system. Once we try that route, if we need the “heavy hitters” then, I recommend something stronger. Some of my favorite plant allies to work with are: nettle, rose hips, oat tops, marshmallow root, cinnamon (canela), hibiscus (jamaica), cat nip, tulsi, and of course others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are going down to Federal to eat all along that area, cause if you run with me, we are feasting and sharing. We could go to Kahlo’s for some aguas frescas to take on our drive up to the mountains, Cultura Chocolate for some cafe de olla, Tony Pho to chat with Tony and enjoy our pho. Star Kitchen for dim sum and Chada Thai for thai. We would hit up the Westwood area to see what markets are open, and visit Ana Marina for jewelry to look fly for the week. We would take a drive up to the mountains to grab some water (I won’t say where cause you have to come with me to find it). Convivio Cafe to visit the staff and enjoy a nice cortado. Ruby’s Market to say hello to Michelle and grab any items made from local vendors. City Park farmer’s market to visit the homies at Dos Caras when I’m not vending at Rebel Marketplace which is run by James. Get Right’s for caneles or any pastry really. Alchemy Ritual Goods for our ritual needs. When we want to not do anything cause we’re tired, pack some sandwiches and head to a park to enjoy the shade from the trees and giggle over something silly. In this household, we support small businesses whenever we can so I would find a great week of activities that would be based in community that may not even be announced. I know the good spots, befriend me and we’ll see where I take you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first thank my parents who have supported every change that is against the traditional norm that they grew up from, mi abuelo Alfonso y bisabuela Angelina who walk alongside me in the ancestor realm, mi tia Chacha who has taught me that nourishment is a form of love, as well as mi Mami Cuca (as I endearingly call her) who gave me my love of singing as well as plants. Pat who is now an ancestor of mine, and Kathleen who strengthens my spirit. My voice professor Michelle Crouch who held space for me and allowed me to learn music in Spanish. My piano professor, Charles Schmidt who made me laugh when I would finally practice. My literature professor Kelly Daniels who I reconnected with briefly when he did a book tour in Colorado during the pandemic. Berenice from Hood Herbalism, Adrian from Mountain Herbalism, Herbal Academy, and Sarah Corbett from Rowan + Sage. Catherine Perry who is a wise woman herbalist that mentored me in my first apothecary job in Colorado. Elizabeth Filkin who connected me to my first apothecary job and constantly mentioned how I would end up working in that field. Tímya who I had the honor to learn under, Sarah who grows such beautiful herbs and is a powerful herbalist, Laura Masterson who has been a joy to be in community with. Mayra Aviña who is my comadre and soul sister, I thank the spirits every day for our friendship. RMMFI who connected me with the best mentors ever: Kristin, Chris, and Emmie. Victoria who is the CEO + Founder of The Latina Owned Collective who connected me with so many chingonas who I am collaborating with presently. Convivio Cafe owners Kristin and Vivi who have supported and celebrated my wins through these last two years of my business. My new friend Ethan that shares a love of plants with me. Corinna with Ignite Your Aura who celebrates and offers business advice. My friend Gruv who shows up in pure love. Julian Donaldson who has been a pillar of support in my entrepreneur endeavors. The brother duo, Alejandro y Alberto, in Dos Caras who have believed in my magic since day 1. Lastly, my ancestors, angels and guides who I thank every morning for guiding me on my path.

Website: https://www.magiabotanica.net

Instagram: @_magia_botanica

Other: email: vivian@magiabotanica.net

Image Credits
Headshot taken by my friend Gruv.