Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Parra.

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I’m originally from Querétaro, Mexico, a city in the heart of the country where I lived until I was 17. In 2016, my family relocated to Dallas, TX, to support my sister’s dream of training at Texas Dreams Gymnastics Center in Coppell.

After high school, I decided to move to Germany— because I was fascinated by the culture and had studied the language all throughout high school. So at 18 I relocated to Augsburg, a small town south of Munich in the Bavarian region, where I took university classes and fully immersed myself in the language and culture. Although I loved it, my ultimate goal was to become a lawyer in the U.S so I made the decision to move back and enroll at Penn State,

My path seemed clear at the time, and so everything I did at Penn State was oriented toward one day becoming a lawyer. I joined the Mock Trial club, took courses in Legal Studies, and networked with professionals in the field, gaining a better understanding of what it would take to make this dream a reality. Upon graduation, I began working as a Business Litigation and Real Estate Legal Assistant at Cooley LLP, one of the most prestigious law firms in the country. During my time there, I learned from some of the best attorneys and paralegals, which only deepened my passion for the profession. Unfortunately, my work permit expired, and I was unable to continue working at my dream job.

This unexpected turn of events prompted me to step back and reevaluate my next steps. I used this time to focus on personal growth, particularly in areas I could control—my mental and physical health.

It was during this period of self-reflection that I realized how much effort we invest in our careers while often neglecting the internal work that could make external success feel more effortless and sustainable. I discovered that I didn’t need five cups of coffee to stay energized throughout the day—natural alternatives like nootropics were just as effective without the anxiety that came from over-relying on caffeine.

This discovery led me down a rabbit hole of research into Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and herbal supplementation, revealing a wealth of knowledge that had been utilized for centuries but was largely overlooked in modern wellness.

The wellness industry, however, was overwhelming— with so many products, confusing information, and expensive supplements that weren’t always effective. People had to purchase multiple products to achieve different benefits—one for focus, another for sleep, another for immunity. Many products contained fillers, low-quality ingredients, or ineffective formulations. I knew there had to be a better way.

As my understanding deepened, I started sharing these discoveries with family and friends, who also began experiencing life-changing results. This was the moment when I realized I had stumbled upon something that not only worked but had the potential to help countless others.

Through a long process of searching for a solution to this gap in the market of adaptogens and nootropics – I found the strategic partner I needed. In 2022, we partnered with a mushroom-growing farm in the Pacific Northwest, a team whose expertise, commitment to quality, and genuine passion for functional mushrooms matched my own. Together, we worked tirelessly to develop three core formulas—each designed to simplify supplementation while delivering maximum efficacy. This collaboration led to the creation of Indigo Tonics in November 2023.

At Indigo Tonics, we take pride in using a triple-extraction method to ensure our supplements are potent, bioavailable, and effective. Unlike many mass-produced products, all our formulations are third-party lab tested and crafted with intention. Our mission is simple: to help people enhance their mental clarity, energy, and overall well-being—naturally.

Through this journey—from law to wellness entrepreneurship—I’ve realized that no matter what you do, these three values will take you far:

1. Resilience – Life will throw curveballs, and things won’t always go as planned. But how you adapt and grow from those moments will define your success.

2. Creativity – Whether in business, personal growth, or problem-solving, thinking differently is what sets you apart. The most innovative ideas come from paying attention to what others overlook.

3. Intentionality – Success doesn’t happen by accident. Clarity, purposeful action, and aligned energy create real impact.

At the end of the day, I’m still learning, growing, and figuring things out. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that sometimes, the things that seem like setbacks are actually just redirecting you to something greater.

And that’s what makes the journey exciting.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Definitely not. But I don’t think it’s supposed to be. The best things in life often come from moments that push us beyond our comfort zones, forcing us to adapt, expand our limits, and grow in ways we never expected.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was having to leave my dream job at Cooley LLP due to visa restrictions. At the time, I had done everything “right”—gone to a great school, built experience, networked, and secured a strong starting position that put me right on track for the career I had envisioned. Losing it so abruptly was frustrating and discouraging. Suddenly, I had to rethink my entire path.

Instead of dwelling on what I had lost, I decided to turn inward and focus on what I could control—my mindset, health, and personal growth. That’s when I started diving into biohacking, functional mushrooms, and nootropics, experimenting with different ways to optimize my energy, focus, and overall well-being. What started as a personal journey of self-improvement quickly turned into a deep passion—and eventually, a business.

More recently, starting Indigo Tonics from scratch has been one of my biggest challenges. I had no prior background in supplements, product development, or e-commerce, so I had to learn everything—from sourcing high-quality ingredients and understanding extraction methods to branding, product photography, and website design (which I built myself since we were completely bootstrapped from savings). Every day has been about pushing past discomfort and fear, embracing the uncertainty that comes with doing something new. But I’ve reminded myself that every expert was once a beginner.

There were moments of doubt—wondering if I was making the right choice, if people would even care about what I was creating, or if I was wasting my time. But with the support of my family and my now fiancé, I realized that most struggles are just opportunities in disguise. If life hadn’t forced me to take a different path, I wouldn’t have deepened my passion for self-development, wellness, and cognitive performance—something that now feels far more aligned with who I am.

Ultimately, I believe that to accomplish anything truly meaningful, we have to make peace with uncertainty and discomfort. One of my favorite quotes explains it best:

“Love the hand that fate deals you and play it as your own.”

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

At Indigo Tonics, we’re on a mission to make natural wellness simple, effective, and accessible. We specialize in functional health through adaptogens, nootropics, and functional mushrooms, crafting premium liquid tinctures designed to enhance focus, support immunity, and improve sleep—without the downsides of conventional pharmaceuticals.

What sets us apart? Purity, potency, and process. Our triple-extraction method ensures maximum bioavailability, meaning your body absorbs more of the beneficial compounds efficiently. We don’t believe in fillers, additives, or shortcuts—just clean, highly effective extracts backed by scientific research and centuries of traditional use. Every batch undergoes rigorous third-party lab testing for quality, so our customers can trust that what they’re putting in their bodies is safe and effective.

Our three flagship blends—Vita, Serenitas, and Immunitas—are designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines:

– Vita is our brain-boosting tonic, formulated with Lion’s Mane, Ginkgo Biloba, and Bacopa Monnieri for long-lasting focus and mental clarity. No jitters, no crash—just pure cognitive support.

– Serenitas is crafted for relaxation and sleep, using Reishi Mushroom, Valerian Root, and Lemon Balm to help calm the nervous system and promote restorative rest.

– Immunitas is our immune-supporting blend, featuring Reishi, Chaga, and Elderberry to keep your body resilient year-round.

But beyond the science and ingredients, what we’re most proud of is our community. We’ve helped people break free from reliance on stimulants for energy, experience deeper sleep without grogginess, and maintain strong immune health naturally. Our customers aren’t just buying a product; they’re stepping into a wellness movement that prioritizes long-term health over quick fixes.

At Indigo Tonics, we believe in the harmony of nature and science. We’re not just another supplement brand—we’re redefining what it means to take control of your health, one dropper at a time.

Any big plans?

Right now, I’m in an exciting phase of both personal and professional growth, and I couldn’t be more grateful for what’s ahead!

On a personal level, I’m getting married in 2026 to my best friend and business partner, which is something I’m incredibly excited about. Planning a wedding while growing a business is definitely going to be an exciting challenge, but it’s a chapter I’m looking forward to with so much love and anticipation.

Professionally, my biggest focus is on expanding Indigo Tonics—not just as a brand, but as a community.
We just started shipping and selling our products in Mexico, which is a huge milestone! Bringing Indigo Tonics to a wider audience, especially in a country so close to my heart, is something I’m incredibly proud of.

I’m also looking forward to collaborating with other wellness-oriented businesses to bring our shared vision to life through live events, workshops, and unique partnerships. There’s something so powerful about in-person connection, and I can’t wait to meet and learn from others who are on the same path. I’m so excited about developing new products, growing our reach, and continuing to educate people on how small, intentional lifestyle shifts can have a huge impact on their health and well-being.

In addition to Indigo Tonics, I’ve recently taken on a role as Growth Manager for Cleto, a new restaurant in Mexico that I’m developing alongside my family. Cleto is one of the first and only restaurants in the region to prioritize organic, pasture-raised, pesticide-free ingredients with no inflammatory oils. It’s a project that perfectly aligns with my values, and I’m excited to help it grow into a space that redefines what real, high-quality food looks like in the restaurant industry.

So, in short—big things ahead! From personal milestones to expanding Indigo Tonics into Mexico, growing Cleto, building a strong wellness community, collaborating with other conscious brands, and hosting live events, the next few years are going to be full of growth, new experiences, and meaningful connections.

Pricing:

• We currently have two sizes: 1 oz and 2 oz
• 1 oz tincture: $25 on our website
• 2 oz tincture: $40 on our website

Contact Info:

• Website: https://indigotonics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigotonics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094803385041
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-parra-2863831a2/
• Other: My personal linkedin instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michelleparrar/