About Kuan Yin Apothecary

Kuan Yin Apothecary was founded from a shared devotion to Chinese Medicine and a partnership that began in herbal medicine class.

Inspired by Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion, the brand was created to honor this tradition while making its wisdom accessible through thoughtfully formulated herbal care.

Each formula reflects a commitment to quality, balance, and integrity — crafted with carefully selected ingredients and guided by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Beyond formulation, Kuan Yin Apothecary operates with a conscious approach to sustainability and responsibility, ensuring that each step reflects care not only for the individual, but for the world around us.

At its core, Kuan Yin Apothecary represents the integration of ancient wisdom and modern intention, offering herbal care that is both grounded and thoughtfully made.

Learn more about the founders and their individual paths below.

Daniella Lavian bio picture

CO-FOUNDER, C0-CEO

Dr. Daniella Lavian, DAcCHM

Dr. Daniella began her Chinese Medicine training at Yo San University, a traditional Daoist school in Los Angeles, CA, where she developed a strong foundation in the medicine, Daoist philosophy, qi cultivation, and herbal practice. She continued her education with clinical and medical qigong training at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, TX. She further deepened her understanding of traditional medicine within a modern healthcare framework during her doctoral training at Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, CA.

She holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) from Pacific College of Health and Science, a Master’s in Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) from AOMA, and a BA in Psychology from Newbury College.

With over eight years of experience in energy healing and more than 15 years working with children and families, Daniella integrates her background in energy work with her training in Chinese Medicine. She is the creator of the Compassion Path, a proprietary method integrating trauma-informed guidance, energy work, and Chinese Medicine principles, through which she developed Inner Child Alchemy™ and RRAE™ to support emotional and energetic healing.

As co-founder of Kuan Yin Apothecary, she leads herbal education and in-house formulation, guiding the development of products rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and informed by modern science. She is a member of AAAOM and YAAA.

Michael Lavian bio picture

CO-FOUNDER, CO-CEO

Michael Lavian

Michael began his Chinese Medicine training at Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Toronto, Canada, before continuing his studies at Yo San University, a traditional Daoist school in Los Angeles, CA, where he deepened his understanding of the medicine, Daoist philosophy, advanced qi cultivation, herbal practice, and Tui Na. He completed his clinical training at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, TX.

He holds a Master’s in Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) from AOMA and an Honors BA in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Toronto. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Pacific College of Health and Science.

With over seventeen years of experience, Michael’s work is rooted in disciplined practice and traditional movement arts. He is trained in qigong, tai chi, and kung fu as practices that support health, longevity, and the cultivation of internal balance. He is also certified in traditional Thai massage and instructs qigong, tai chi, and kung fu.

As co-founder of Kuan Yin Apothecary, he works alongside his partner to guide the vision and direction of the company. He leads strategic planning, operational development, and organizational growth, while also playing an integral role in in-house formulation and overseeing small-batch herbal production. His work ensures each product reflects the standards and principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is a member of AAAOM and YAAA.

Dr.Zhenni Jin bio picture

HERBAL ADVISOR

Dr. Zhenni Jin LA.c; DAOM

Dr. Zhenni Jin, L.Ac., DAOM, earned her medical degree from Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and completed postgraduate studies at Hong Kong Baptist University, followed by her doctoral training at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine.

With over twelve years of experience in integrative medicine, her work spans both Eastern and Western clinical settings across China, Hong Kong, and the United States. She specializes in acupuncture, traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and Pediatric Tui Na, with a clinical focus on musculoskeletal pain, women’s health, dermatological conditions, and emotional health.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Jin is a professor at Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College (AIMC) in Berkeley and Austin, where she contributes to the training and development of future practitioners.

At Kuan Yin Apothecary, she serves as an herbal and formulation advisor, offering clinical insight and guidance to support the development of formulations rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.