Our story
"In the summer of 2020, I craved something different. Normally a part of on-the-ground wildland firefighting efforts, I was needing something that allowed for more creativity, independence, and renewal, so I took a job as a fire lookout (something I've always wanted to do) overlooking my hometown and forest, high in the Sierras. It turned into quite possibly the best summer of my life- one filled with Nature's beauty of powerful thunderstorms, quiet starry nights, lingering smoke, breathtaking sunrises, and incredible sunsets. Being there gave me the opportunity to hone in on other aspects in my life that fire had overshadowed- primarily herbalism. It was here that Mountaintop Apothecary really came to fruition and the desire to turn it into a business and community entity was born. Here is where I expanded my knowledge of local plants' medicinal uses, planned foraging outings, practiced sustainable harvesting techniques, and extensively experimented to formulate what are now Mountaintop Apothecary's key products. Here is where I found the truest version of myself and found home again in the Lost Sierra."
Tenaya (Founder, Lead Herbalist)
Meet the makers
Tenaya
founder, lead herbalist
Tenaya grew up in the Lost Sierra and formed Mountaintop Apothecary after spending the summer of 2020 in a fire lookout overlooking the Sierra Valley, after years of fighting wildland fire. She now lives in the shadow of her lookout in the town below it with her husband and dogs, and can usually be found at the nearest wildflower field, alpine mountaintop, or hot spring when not tending to Mountaintop Apothecary's garden or formulating products.
Luna
herbalist
Luna came to the Lost Sierra in 2018 and fell in love with the endless trails, incredible views, and vast array of plants and wildlife. When not in Mountaintop Apothecary's garden or helping Tenaya create new products, he can usually be found out on the trail, in the woodshop, working on a wildfire, or in a nearby hot spring.