We had the good fortune of connecting with Sierra / Summer Mace / Birchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sierra / Summer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2021, during the COVID-19 shutdown, my mom’s two hair salons had to close. She had been a hairstylist for decades and was known for creating nurturing, welcoming spaces. With everything on pause, we both felt the call to create something new, something that aligned more deeply with the shift we were feeling in ourselves and in the world around us. People were craving reconnection: to nature, to healing, to a slower, more meaningful way of life!

We opened our shop as a way to bring more life indoors, a space filled with houseplants, crystals, and earth-centered beauty and healing. That became Gaia’s Garden. Shortly after opening, I felt deeply inspired to begin my formal studies in herbalism, and that path completely transformed our vision for what the space could become.

From that evolution, Lumin Earth Apothecary was born, a mother-daughter-run herbal apothecary, tea bar, and crystal shop rooted in both beauty and plant medicine. My mom brought her gift for creating welcoming environments and intuitive healing, and I brought my growing passion for herbal healing. Together, we built a space that offers more than just products… it’s a place for community, education, and deep reconnection with the wisdom of the earth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our story is rooted in the bond between a mother and daughter- two women with entrepreneurial spirits, creative hearts, and a shared love for creating meaningful spaces and connections. Summer, my mom, has been an entrepreneur for most of her life. She owned and operated two successful hair salons and built a reputation for making people feel seen, cared for, and at home. I also come from a creative background, having started my own vegan juice bar and restaurant at 23 yrs old before discovering my calling in herbalism and holistic wellness.

Together, we brought our strengths into one vision and opened our shop in the middle of a pandemic. Since then, we’ve had to relocate, rebrand, and navigate the many challenges that come with running a brick-and-mortar business in a small coastal town- without employees, and with everything built from the ground up by just the two of us! It hasn’t been easy. Small business ownership is vulnerable, especially in a town as intimate as ours. But we’ve stayed rooted in our purpose and passion, constantly adapting, growing, and finding new ways to connect with our community.

What sets us apart is our heart. Every crystal, tea blend, and herbal remedy we offer is treated with intention and care. Our space is more than a retail shop… it’s a reflection of who we are: resilient, grounded, and deeply connected to the earth and our community. If there’s one thing we hope people take away from our story, it’s that you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to keep showing up, with love, with purpose, and with a willingness to grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to show them all the parts of this place that make it feel like home. I’ve lived here my whole life, so I have so many special places along the central coast that are close to my heart.

Spending time outdoors is a huge part of my life. There’s nothing quite like greeting the day with an early morning hike, whether it’s climbing to the top of Bishop’s Peak, wandering the coastal trails of Montaña de Oro, or strolling the boardwalk through the serene Elfin Forest in Los Osos. Surrounded by ocean air and wild plants, every step feels restorative. After the hike, I’d take them to our local yoga and sound healing studio Lets Get Tuned for a deeply rejuvenating, meditative class to round out the day in perfect balance.

Of course, we’d have to spend a few afternoons at the beach, Morro Strand, Cayucos, or Avila, depending on the mood. Maybe we’d pack snacks, bring some tea, and just be for a while. That’s something I value a lot: slowing down, being present, soaking in the beauty of the central coast.

For a little self-care and deep rest, I’d take them to soak in a private hot tub at Sycamore Mineral Springs. It’s one of my favorite ways to reset, especially after hiking or a long day.

Food-wise, I’d take them to a few of my go-to’s , Hidden Kitchen in Cayucos, Shine Cafe in Morro Bay, Giuseppe’s in SLO, and maybe lunch at High Street Deli in Los Osos. We’d also probably keep it cozy with a few homemade meals at my place or picnic-style lunches with things from the local farmers market.

We’d spend time at Lumin Earth Apothecary, of course. I’d introduce them to the space, share some of our elixirs or teas, and just let them settle into the energy of the shop. I feel like it really reflects so much of who I am and what I care about community, healing, connection to the plants and the land.

Honestly, I’m not the “go-go-go” kind of host. I think the most beautiful way to experience this area is to let the pace be slow and intuitive. Maybe we’d explore Cambria for the day, visit the elephant seals, cold plunge in the ocean and sauna after, or take a drive up Highway 1. Maybe we’d pick some herbs or make something in the kitchen. It’s really about presence and letting the vibe guide the day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We want to give a huge shoutout to our family and our incredible local community, who have supported us through every season of change over the past four years. From opening our doors in the middle of a pandemic, to relocating just eight months into business, to continuously growing and evolving our vision, your love, encouragement, and trust have meant everything to us!

Most recently, we went through a major rebranding, transitioning from Gaia’s Garden to Lumin Earth Apothecary. While it was not an easy shift, it allowed us to align even more deeply with our purpose and the heart of what we offer. Our community showed up for us with so much grace and support during that process, and we’re endlessly grateful.

We also want to give a heartfelt thank you to the herbalism community and the teachers who have guided our path, especially Rosemary Gladstar, whose legacy of plant wisdom and heart-centered herbalism continues to inspire the way we share this work with the world.

Website: https://www.luminearthapothecary.com

Instagram: luminearth.apothecary

Facebook: Lumin Earth Apothecary

Yelp: Lumin Earth Apothecary

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