Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Weiss.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Broward County, Florida, and I moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend college at UCF. I had no idea who or what I wanted to be at the time, but I knew I needed to do something creative. As a lifelong artist, I naturally wanted to do something in the arts, like graphic design or music. However, I couldn’t see myself pursuing such a career as it would diminish the therapeutic value of my creative practice. So I hopped around, exploring different disciplines until I finally committed to the Molecular Microbiology program within the School of Biomedical Sciences. This decision wasn’t random – my own life experiences passionately inspired it. As a small child, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease that affects the GI tract. Growing up with this condition made me intimately aware of how everything we put in and on our bodies affects our health. While I greatly resented my situation for most of my childhood and teenage years, I now consider it a blessing, an integral part of me that shaped who I am today.
At a very young age, I learned to appreciate the gift of life and my time here, making the most of it while I can. I understood the value of self-care, not just in a physical sense but in a spiritual sense as well. I was hooked when I learned that our microbiome (the collection of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies) was closely tied to our health, especially that of the gut. From then on, I was determined to learn all I could about the human body, the microbiome, and how we could support our health and vitality through our daily choices. I also began diving deep into herbalism, fermentation, and wildcrafting my natural products at home during this time. In my free time, I would experiment with making kombucha, kimchi, herbal tinctures, and teas in my tiny apartment kitchen. Throughout my years at UCF, I dedicated myself to my studies, and in 2022, I graduated from my program with a cum laude distinction. At the time, I was already working as a microbiologist at an innovative startup company, where I did research and development for their signature product line. This new adventure was exhilarating for me, as I got to develop novel test methods for cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field. I put my all into the work – so much that I burnt myself out. By the end of 2023, I was mentally and physically drained, and my health began to decline. I recognized the need for balance, for a return to the healing practices that had once brought me solace.
In stepping back, I rediscovered my love for herbalism, art, and community involvement and rekindled my yoga practice. I spent this newfound free time putting my life back together, doing home improvements, gardening, reading, and crafting everything from jewelry and bookmarks to skin serums and natural perfumes. Soon, I had too many creations to use myself, so I began giving them away to friends and family members, who, to my surprise, encouraged me to start selling them. The idea of having a creative outlet to share my passions with a larger audience seemed daunting yet worthwhile, as it aligned with many of my values and goals.
MoonLab Alchemy blossomed naturally from this reconnection – a reconnection to myself, to the community, and to nature. The brand represents an artful fusion of modern science and ancestral wisdom. Here, I channel my creative energy into formulations that are as nurturing to the spirit as they are to the physical body. My work is constant alchemy, transforming raw materials into finished products and personal challenges into a healing mission. As I continue to build the business and refine the vision, I remain committed to bridging the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary research, honoring both the past and the present in my quest to enhance collective well-being. While our ancestors weren’t infallible, they laid the foundation for modern medicine. I like to think of them as the original scientists, as they tried and tested the same plants and fungi that our science helps to validate or deny today. Through MoonLab Alchemy, I wish to shed light on the lesser-known tales of folk medicine and relate them to our present view of life and health.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No venture is ever a smooth road. Although the business is young, I’ve faced several challenges and setbacks. In truth, though, I feel so grateful for the opportunity to do something like this; the obstacles don’t phase me. My career as a scientist has much to do with this since failure is the name of the game in science. I’ve become comfortable with failure because it usually precedes success if you keep trying. But the most significant challenge I’m facing right now is managing my priorities while navigating the imposter syndrome that often accompanies any solo venture. When you run a business entirely independently, you’re aware of every little detail, which can be overwhelming. It’s also worth noting that this is a part-time gig, as I do other work for money and am continuing my education. Practicing patience and time management is enormous. Another obstacle is financial since MoonLab Alchemy is completely self-funded. When considering my investments, I have to make decisions that are in the business’s best interest in its current state while ensuring I’m not draining my savings!
Let’s switch gears and talk about work. What should we know about your work?
I call upon my science background to inform you of my work at MoonLab Alchemy. My expertise lies in understanding the intricate dance among humans, microbes, plants, and nature and applying this knowledge to create products that deliver clear, targeted benefits. At the heart of my approach is the concept of synergy – the cooperative interaction of different elements that results in a combined effect more significant than the sum of their individual effects. By blending ingredients that amplify each other’s healing properties, I create potent formulas optimized for a specific outcome. I also take quality, safety, and accessibility very seriously, selecting ingredients with minimal side effects and always informing consumers of potential risks. I am also proud to share that all the herbs and flowers used in my formulations are either grown and harvested locally or sourced from reputable suppliers known for delivering the finest quality botanicals.
My diverse work experience gives me a unique perspective. I am a freelance DJ, website designer, content creator, and co-founder of my mom’s newest business venture, ZenVida Yoga & Fitness Studio. Starting ZenVida was my gateway into entrepreneurship, and I’ve handled everything from writing business plans to managing our websites, social media channels, client relations, and payroll. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and confidence to start MoonLab Alchemy.
I am a multifaceted person with many interests in life. I’ve often felt conflicted by the different layers of my personality – my artistic side, my spiritual side, my analytical, data-loving side – and for a long time, I didn’t know how to let them all shine. I felt like I needed to pick one and stick with it. But I’ve realized that life doesn’t have to be so binary and that the experience is far more beautiful when you embrace all parts of yourself. What sets me apart is this blend that makes me who I am, and I’m proud of it. I’m proud of what I have accomplished thus far in business, academics, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. I am by no means perfect (nobody is), but I’m proud of the person I’m becoming – and I think that’s something we all strive for.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Yes, I am a big reader and fan of podcasts! At this time, my top five books that have impacted me most are:
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
- The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton
- The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele
Currently, my favorite podcasts are:
- The Peter Attia Drive
- The Lex Fridman Podcast
- The Plant Path
- Earth Speak
- Huberman Lab
Contact Info:
- Website: www.moonlabalchemy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonlab.alchemy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonlab.alchemy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-weiss-2b6417194/
Image Credits
Laura Weiss, Crhys Meza
