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

Hi Mirna, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Ayurveda is an ancient practice that dates back to 5,000 years ago. It has been practiced as the first line of treatment for imbalances such as sleep, stress, mental,digestive,musculoskeletal, dis-ease prevention,pain management. Through ancient healing modalities of incorporating the five elements( air,ether,fire,water,earth,and space, herbs, cooking spices, breathwork, meditation, lifestyle changes, and eating according to the seasons one is able to achieve optimal balance of the mind and body. Ayurveda is not a diet, it is a lifestyle that actually works if one is ready to walk the path to a better version of themselves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I consider myself an entrepreneur, and a student of life. I have always been an overachiever since I was a little sprout, absorbing the necessary nutrients from my environment, is what lead me to where I am today. When I was young I used to pretend I owned an herbal shop. Where I would collect flowers, plants, grass, rocks and place them in small found containers. Then I would run a store where my friends would come “shop” and I would give them herbal remedies. My mom would get upset with me for using all the Band-Aids, that I would use to cover a leaf over my “patient” skin. Fun times. As I became older my fascination for herbalism grew fonder. Reading for fun was a way to self teach. Through reading an array of herbalism books, aromatherapy, holistic care, homeopathy, and other alternative healing modalities. Over the past years, I have gained the following certifications, three aromatherapy formulating , organic skin care formulating ,Ayurvedic wellness educator, and Ayurvedic practitioner.

The hardest challenge was overcoming self doubt, and giving credit to all the negative misconceptions I had made regarding starting a business. I spent months watching different videos to educate myself on business marketing. I studied other businesses on social media, did field research by going to shops and asking questions when the owners were present.
The pandemic brought uncertainty, but one thing that became clear was that I had to find a way to survive and thrive in a chaotic environment. I always knew life had a bigger purpose for me. Plus, one thing that i’ve mastered is at being resourceful. I set a goal to share my love for aromatherapy, natural,cruelty-free skin care and Ayurvedic knowledge. Back in August of 2020, few months into the pandemic is when Mir Elixirs began.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
WOW! Love this question!

Let’s pretend my friend landed at the airport on a Monday.

I would start off by taking them to one of my favorite herbal shops called Wild Terra to purchase some herbs to make a yummy customized tea for us. Then we would drive to the arboretum botanical garden where we would have a tea party picnic, explore the different plants, and observe the peacocks.

Tuesday, I would take them on an adventurous hike that leads to the observatory to checkout the shows at the planetarium.

Wednesday, Go eat at Lotus Vegan for lunch. Then go purchase books at The Last bookstore, then head to Dockweiler beach to have a bonfire at night. But, first make a pit stop at a grocery outlet to find a vegan cheesecake deal.

Thursday, Attend my friends Sprout’s Yoga class that she teaches at Hollywood Boulders, then go to the Getty museum and pretend we are tourist.

Friday, Star gazing in the desert and embrace the full moon. ( YES! there happens to be a full moon this week)

Saturday, Eat at Leonor’s Vegan/Vegetarian Mexican restaurant, so I can introduce my friend to the owner who i’ve known since I was 12 years old.

Sunday, Wii spa to relax and reflect on the most epic week of their lives!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The incredible Ayurvedic doctors over at Southern University of Health and Science where I studies. I would like to recognize Dr. Jay, Dr. Manjusha, and Dr. Anu. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge.

Website: https://mirelixirs.com/

Instagram: @mir_elixirs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirna.viz/

Image Credits
I took all the photos on my phone. 🙂

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.