Alumni Student Spotlight: Lesley Vernon of Appalachian Alchemy

Student Spotlight: Lesley Vernon

From HERBalachia Graduate to Herbal Business Owner 

Meet Lesley Vernon, a proud 2016 graduate of the Herbalist Lifestyle Program, and the passionate founder of Appalachian Alchemy! Lesley’s journey into herbalism is rooted deeply in her upbringing in Bristol, TN, where she was surrounded by nature, gardening, and the outdoors. With a family history tied to the land and a lifelong love for plants, Lesley’s path was destined to intertwine with the world of herbal medicine.

We had the pleasure of catching up with Lesley and learning more about her experience in the program and how it led to the creation of her herbal business.

Q: Lesley, tell us a little bit about yourself. What drew you to the Herbalist Lifestyle Program?

Lesley:I was born and raised in Bristol, TN, where my family has deep roots in the Appalachian Mountains. My grandparents were gardeners, and my mom was always encouraging me to explore the outdoors. Nature has been a huge part of my life since childhood. I’ve always felt a strong connection to plants, and when I heard that HERBalachia was opening in Johnson City, I jumped at the opportunity! I had no idea what to expect, but I was thrilled to connect with nature and like-minded plant lovers. It felt like the perfect next step for me.

Q: What was your favorite part of the program?

Lesley:From day one, I was captivated. I remember our mushroom class with Rodney of Appalachia Fungorm, where he shared such a personal and moving story. It was so supportive and emotional. We had a class on the safety of herbs with Seth McLaughlin of Ageless Integrative Medicine & Laser Skin Care, who was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also hilarious. I also loved our plant energetics classes with Julia Thie. She is truly magical. One of the most powerful experiences for me was the native traditional studies with Cindy Quay, which was deeply spiritual. The variety of instructors and the opportunity to learn from so many perspectives was invaluable. I am still in touch with River, our plant spirit teacher, who is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. The experience was truly life changing.

Q: How have you applied what you learned in the program?

Lesley:I started incorporating everything I was learning into my life right away, and my health has been at its peak ever since. The program helped awaken a deep, inherent wisdom within me. I was on fire to share plant medicine with the world! One of my classmates and I even created our first formula, Ripple Salve, which we still use to this day. That moment was so magical for me. It was the spark that led me to start Appalachian Alchemy, which is now celebrating its 7th year! I create small-batch herbal remedies and guide others through plant medicine, teaching them to connect with the earth’s healing power.

Q: What would you say to someone considering the Herbalist Lifestyle Program?

Lesley:If you’re thinking about enrolling, do it! HERBalachia was hands down the coolest summer of my life. Not only did I learn about plants, health, and the natural world, but I also gained lifelong friends and a supportive, loving community. The world needs more herbalists who are passionate about the future of our planet. Plant medicine is not just alternative medicine, it is traditional medicine passed down through generations of healers. It is a calling that we must preserve for future generations. When you are learning about plants, you are not just gaining knowledge, you are remembering and reconnecting with something deep within.

Q: Where can people learn more about your work?

Lesley:You can connect with me through my website and social media: Appalachian Alchemy Website Facebook Instagram

Q: Anything exciting coming up that you'd like to share?

Lesley:Yes! I currently lead classes at Serenity Knoll, SeedKeepers Forest School, Shakti in the Mountains, Integrated Health Concepts, and now HERBalachia too! The best way to stay informed about upcoming workshops and events is by signing up for my monthly newsletter, where I announce all of my classes and Facebook events. This year, my Seasonal Herbal CSA is an opportunity to receive small batch, seed to bottle handmade herbal remedies while deepening your understanding of how to use them with confidence. Each season, you will get fresh, locally grown herbal products crafted to support your body in alignment with nature’s rhythms. Along with these exclusive remedies, you will receive valuable information on their uses, benefits, and preparation methods, helping you integrate herbal medicine into your daily life. Spaces are limited, with HERBalachia students and alumni receiving first priority. Be the first know by signing up for the Appalachian Alchemy newsletter. enrollment is coming soon. 

We’re so inspired by Lesley’s journey and the incredible work she’s doing with Appalachian Alchemy! Her story is a beautiful reminder of how the Herbalist Lifestyle Program can ignite a passion for plant medicine and lead to real-world transformation.

 Keep an eye out for more Student Spotlights and updates from the HERBalachia community!🌿

Introducing the HERBalachia Alumni Spotlights Series!

Introducing the HERBalachia Alumni Spotlights Series: Celebrating the Journey of Our Graduates

At HERBalachia, we believe that the Herbalist Lifestyle Program is more than just a course, it’s a transformative experience that sparks passion, knowledge, and connection to nature! It’s a journey that not only enriches lives but also shapes the future of plant medicine and healing. And now, we’re excited to introduce a new way to celebrate this journey: the HERBalachia Alumni Spotlights Series!

Through this series, we will be shining a light on the incredible graduates of the Herbalist Lifestyle Program. These are individuals who have taken the wisdom and skills learned in the program and turned them into real world change; whether through herbal businesses, community outreach, wellness education, or other forms of plant centered work.

Each spotlight will showcase the unique paths of our alumni, offering a deeper look into how they are using herbalism to positively impact their lives and the world around them. From their experiences in the program to their current endeavors, we’ll highlight the diverse ways these herbalists are weaving plant medicine into their personal and professional lives.

Why Alumni Spotlights?

Our alumni are the heart and soul of HERBalachia, and their stories are a testament to the power of plant medicine and the profound transformation that comes with it. We’re incredibly proud of their accomplishments, and we want to give you a glimpse into the remarkable work they’re doing. Whether you’re a current student, someone considering enrolling, or simply someone who shares a love for plants, we hope these stories inspire you.

What to Expect

In each post, we’ll dive into:

• The journey of the featured alum: Where they came from, what inspired them to pursue herbalism, and what they’ve gained from the program.

• How they’ve applied what they learned: Whether it’s starting their own herbal business, integrating plant medicine into their wellness practices, or teaching others, we’ll explore how their knowledge has shaped their current work.

• Where you can find them now: From herbal product lines to workshops, courses, and events, we’ll share the ways you can connect with these herbalists and support their endeavors.

  
  

The Impact of the Herbalist Lifestyle Program

The Herbalist Lifestyle Program has always been about more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s about creating a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for herbalism and holistic health. These spotlights will provide a window into the real-world impact our program has had, showing how it’s not just about learning, it’s about building and cultivating community rooted in nature’s healing power.

We’re kicking off this series by sharing the story of Lesley Vernon, a 2016 graduate and the founder of Appalachian Alchemy, a thriving herbal business that creates small batch herbal products. Her journey is a beautiful example of how the program can ignite a passion for plant medicine that leads to lasting change. Check out the full interview with Lesley on our blog!

Stay Tuned!

We’re thrilled to share these inspiring stories with you and can’t wait for you to meet more of our incredible alumni. Whether you’re just starting your herbal journey or have been walking it for years, we hope the HERBalachia Alumni Spotlights will inspire you to connect more deeply with your community and your own healing path.

Don’t miss out on upcoming spotlights, make sure to check back regularly to learn about more graduates and the amazing things they’re doing with their HERBalachia education!

Until then, stay wild and rooted in plant wisdom.

If you're interested in being featured, please email info@herbalachia.com to initiate the conversation!