Alyssa Mancini’s journey into the world of yoga and herbalism was born out of a need to manage personal stress and health challenges. Initially a high school science teacher, Alyssa discovered yoga in 2011 while searching for a way to cope with the stress of her demanding job. She quickly fell in love with the practice and became a registered yoga instructor in 2013.
Her path took a transformative turn in 2016 when she encountered a local herbal apothecary. At that time, Alyssa was struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and was keen to explore alternative treatments. Intrigued by the potential of herbal medicine, she enrolled in the apothecary’s apprenticeship program and began using herbs to treat her condition. “Within three months, my hormone levels were balanced, and my symptoms had completely disappeared,” Alyssa recalls.
In 2020, Alyssa moved to Connecticut to assist her aging parents, settling in Danbury where she taught chemistry at Danbury High School. At the same time, she kept her eyes on commercial spaces available in the area for potential business opportunities. In April 2023, Alyssa found an ideal location in Sandy Hook, CT, where she launched Herbs Love and Yoga.
“WBDC has significantly impacted me and my business by providing the essential tools and guidance needed to become a more effective business owner," Alyssa notes. She says the support she received from WBDC enhanced her skills and confidence, enabling her to handle various aspects of her business, from managing finances to increasing brand awareness.
When Alyssa first opened her business, she was exploring multiple services such as Yoga classes, Reiki sessions, herbal workshops, and running her herbal medicine shop. But when she started working with WBDC business advisors, she gained clarity. She shares, “The support from WBDC business advisors led me to focus on offering 150 and 200-hour herbalist certification courses as my main service. This shift was crucial for the strategic direction of my business, and has been instrumental in refining my messaging and effectively portraying it across my website, social media, and other marketing channels.”