The Art of Serenity: Tarion Young's Herbal Harmony

A Natural Path to Las Vegas

When Tarion Young arrived in Las Vegas in 2010, his sights were set on the stage. A double major in Theatrical Costume Design and Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance, he had already built a career in entertainment costuming and performance. The city beckoned with an opportunity to pursue a Master’s Degree in Vocal Jazz Performance at UNLV. Though he ultimately chose a different academic path, his passion for the arts blossomed in his adopted city, leading to over 15 years in costuming and performance. Yet, an older, more subtle calling, rooted in the fields of rural Ohio, was quietly preparing him for a different kind of stage — one focused on wellness.

Growing up, folk remedies and the healing power of plants were simply a part of daily life for Young. His mother and grandmother instinctively turned to nature’s bounty, whether it was tea for illness, oatmeal baths for skin irritations, or tobacco for bee stings. “It was just a part of my growing up. I never thought twice about it,” he recalls. The seed of serious herbalism was planted much later, during a conversation with a college voice professor—a cancer survivor who shared stories of an herbalist friend who aided her through treatment. It was then that Young truly grasped the profound potential of botanical allies.

Brewing Calm, One Sip at a Time

Today, Young is the owner and Master Herbalist behind Salt Apothecary and Wellness, LLC, an adaptogenic herbal tea brand dedicated to stress relief and mental well-being. His mission is clear: to serve “anyone and everyone that deals with some kind of stress in their everyday life.” His tea blends, crafted with intention, offer a crucial moment of reprieve in a hectic world. He aims to help people reduce cortisol levels, induce mood boosts, or simply calm anxiety. “The mission of Salt Apothecary and Wellness is to create products that help people get through the day the easiest way possible,” he explains.

One particularly moving encounter cemented the impact of his work. At a farmer’s market, Young shared the benefits of his blends with a couple. Weeks later, the wife returned, visibly emotional. Young’s "Calm and Balance" blend had not only helped her profoundly but had also positively impacted her son, who had been hesitant about herbal medicine. The woman shared how she was able to resume activities she had long abandoned, now finding herself in a much better headspace. The fact that her entire family found significant improvement in their daily lives through Young’s tea deeply resonated. It’s a story that underscores the personal, transformative power of his creations.

The Heart of the Process

For Young, the foundation of his business is service and continuous learning. His advice to newcomers in the field reflects this ethos: lead with love and a genuine concern for people’s well-being. “When you lead with love and care for people and their well-being it changes the way you see your process and your product,” he affirms. This approach fosters a deep curiosity, pushing him to learn everything possible about each herb, its preparation, and its process. He views his work not just as commerce, but as a commitment to helping others exactly where they are on their journey.

Success, in Young’s current view, is measured not by profit margins, but by impact. It is about fostering a community where mental health and well-being are prioritized. He champions the idea that self-care doesn't need to be an expensive or drawn-out ordeal. “It takes very little time to make a cup of tea but with the right blend and a few minutes of their day it can have an amazing and positive effect on their everyday life,” he says, highlighting the accessibility of his offerings.

Building Towards a Wellness Future

While individual connections with customers are paramount, Young also draws immense inspiration from the collective spirit of Las Vegas entrepreneurs. It’s not a single person, but the community of fellow business owners and patrons encountered at farmer’s markets that fuels his drive. These friendships and networks provide invaluable support and understanding in the often-challenging world of entrepreneurship. “Having the support of people who know the process, go through the same thing and patrons who support us week after week inspire me to get up everyday and continue this work,” he notes.

Looking ahead, Tarion Young is poised for expansion. He envisions a future where Salt Apothecary and Wellness offers not only packaged teas but also readily available adaptogenic beverages. Imagine enjoying a refreshing, non-alcoholic wellness drink at a market or event, or easily recreating those calming concoctions at home. His goal is to provide fun, interactive ways for people to experience stress relief and support their mental health, expanding his reach and continuing to build a community grounded in natural well-being.