Originally from Brooklyn, Lyani Powers traded the subway for sand and has spent the past decade soaking up the Tampa sun. In addition to being a doula and clinical herbalist, she owns Modern Herbal Apothecary, which offers custom blends, teas, honeys and salves.
ABOUT ME
My grandparents were farmers. My great-grandparents were beekeepers and midwives. In New York, I worked in fashion and interior design for TV production. When I got here, I wanted to slow down a bit, and it made sense to settle into this as my next chapter—especially after I became a mom. So I trained, traveled, studied with midwives and herbalists, and then built a space where people could reconnect with plants, with healing and with themselves. It’s not just candles and soaps—we’re a staffed team of certified clinical herbalists ready to support everything from stress to sleep to chronic conditions.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
For a quick breakfast, we hit Raw Smoothie Co. Their açaí bowls are so fresh and yummy.
For tea, my favorite café is my own—the tea bar at Modern Herbal Apothecary. I get to pour tea and talk plants with good music playing. Some of our favorites are our cereal tea blends, like Apple Jacks with matcha or Fruit Loops and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
For a perfect date night, I like drinks at La Sétima, a movie or comedy show and maybe a late-night beach sit.
Recently, I’ve been enjoying Predalina. I had the branzino and considered writing it a love letter.
I know it’s not new, but I still love the terrarium at Oxford Exchange—bright, classy and they never judge me for ordering fries, avocado toast and Brussels sprouts.
For a family day out, we start with a quick nature walk at MacDill Park. Then it’s a gluten-free breakfast at Craft Kafe in St. Pete, maybe bowling at Splitsville, a movie at CinéBistro and dinner from Bayshore Mediterranean Grill.
Lettuce Lake Park is our go-to for trails and wildlife. We also love exploring different parks and spending time in our own apothecary garden. We have so many different herbs and fruits—we stay busy out there and there’s always something that needs tending.
When visitors are in town, we hit up local markets like Hyde Park Village or the Ybor City Saturday Market. If the weather allows, we kayak through the mangroves or head to the beach. I also love taking folks thrifting and antique shopping in St. Pete and Ybor—because who doesn’t want to meet the local street chickens?
For a staycation, we love to grab a tucked-away Airbnb on the beach. Sunshine and quick access to stuff people forgot to pack equals perfection.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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