The Origin Story
Born From Prayer
Hi, my name is Yasmin Crystal Santos ~ I’m the founder of Altar Native, an herbal mixology brand dedicated to helping people connect with themselves, one another, and the earth.
Altar was an idea that sprouted from prayer back in 2022. But the seed was planted years prior, when I became the full-time caregiver to my mom who had early-onset dementia.
At first, I did everything "right" to meet her medical needs. We saw physicians, neurologists, ran scans, and took prescriptions. None of it helped. In fact, it kinda made things worse… the stress of appointments, conflicting opinions, and horrific side effects from medications – like nausea, insomnia, and even hallucinations.
Feeling unsupported by allopathic medicine (modern Western medicine), I began to look elsewhere and researched “alternative” medicine – holistic methods that help heal and prevent illness, rather than just manage it.
Through this research, I discovered the vast world of herbalism. I learned that there are thousands of plants that have been used for thousands of years to support the body and mind.
I realized that herbalism wasn’t “alternative” medicine. It is the original.
So I replaced all the prescriptions (which had awful side effects) with herbal teas and supplements. Within weeks, my quickly declining mother was more present, responsive, and confident.
Sadly, by this point, the atrophy in her brain had progressed too far to make a real difference. By the time I’d found the plants, it was too late.
By 2020, she became bedridden. At this point, her comfort was my primary concern.
Needless to say, this experience also took its toll on me. I was anxious, stressed, and grieving.
During this time, I stopped drinking alcohol to heal a gut imbalance that had surely arisen from the stress of the situation. By the time I was healthy enough to drink again, it wasn’t as fun anymore. My vibe was just different now. Alcohol was no longer a way I could de-stress, unwind, or socialize. But I needed SOMETHING.
And so did mom. So I prayed.
And the answer I heard was “the plants are there for you.”
I didn't know what that meant, so I started researching and discovered several plants that helped relieve pain and anxiety. Maybe this was a solution ~ for mom and for me. I went to my local smoke shop and purchased three tinctures: CBD, Kratom, and Kava. CBD and Kratom were best for mom, noticeably easing her pain and discomfort. Kava is what worked best for me, bringing calm to the worry and grief.
From my pocket Kava tincture to serving alcohol alternatives
I started carrying a little bottle of kava tincture with me when I went out. I’d order a soda water and add a dropperful or 2, and it did just the trick ~ easing my anxiety and opening me up to connection and mindful social experiences.
It wasn't long before friends started noticing and wanted some, too.
Their responses to the herbs confirmed it for me ~ the seed was ready to sprout.
Building a botanical wellness brand
In 2022, I moved to Austin, Texas - a hub for wellness entrepreneurs and the sober curious community.
Mom had passed the year before, in May, on Mother’s Day, believe it or not. It was quite beautiful, actually. ♡
With my caretaker chapter behind me, it was time for me to live out my life as a 20-something year old in a new city.
As I entered into the wellness and spiritual circles in Austin, people around me already knew about kava and always wanted some! So I started bringing bigger bottles and mixers to share.
I was working at Meta at the time, a very comfy job that provided me with a lot of financial security and free time. But I wasn’t satisfied. I was being called to something more… I just didn’t know what.
So again, I prayed. To be guided.
My prayer was a very non-dogmatic form of prayer; just a convo between me and my creator, whatever that may be. I spent months praying this same prayer: “Please guide me toward the greatest good.”
And one day, right after I prayed, my mind flooded with ideas for this business. I mean, everything just came through in an instant ~ the name, the branding, the business model.
The path wasn’t clear, but I had an idea, and I could see a few steps ahead.
After a few weeks of workshopping it all in my mind and sharing with friends (who didn’t really get it lol), I committed.
And thus, Altar Native was born. I spent all of 2023 developing the brand, formulating recipes (aka “kitchen witchin”), and really getting clear on the vision. We launched as a cater bar for private events in early 2024 and began receiving bookings within a few weeks.
Roots had begun to form.
The future of herbal alcohol alternatives
I write this now, in 2025.
It’s 2 years later, and I’m still figuring out exactly what Altar Native is meant to be.
Altar itself, like adaptogens, evolves as we do.
We’re moving away from the cater bar concept into products and consulting. Events will always be part of our story; they just won’t be the main offering anymore. But who knows? Products were never part of my plan… so things might change. Again.
The prayer remains: guide me toward the greatest good. And the message still echoes: the plants are there for you ~ for me, for you, for all of us.
All I know is that God is in control and I am the vessel through which this will be done. Happy to be :)
Anyway, that’s the origin of Altar Native.
If you’ve read this far, thanks for being part of this story.
In peace + purpose,
Yas ☾