The Native Botanical
Scipia (formerly Yazoo Yaupon) was founded in Clarksdale, Mississippi, by Oliver Luckett and his husband Scott Guinn when they returned to the Deep South after successful careers in California and Iceland. A moment of serendipity occurred when a visiting ethnobotanist made a life-changing discovery of native Yaupon growing wild in a family backyard.
Always entrepreneurial, Scott and Oliver partnered with dear friends to create a brand that honors this native botanical. We aim to help rebuild our beloved region by inspiring a new generation through example and inclusion.
"We plan to create jobs and help elevate and revitalize a region long considered the Cradle of American Culture."
For thousands of years, this region was home to numerous indigenous peoples who dried Yaupon leaves and brewed them into a spiritual and ceremonial beverage.
By basing Scipia in the heart of this region, we aim to make our community a major hub for Yaupon farming and production. Along the way, we plan to create jobs and help elevate our local economy. We are proud to tell the story of a 100% native botanical with deep roots in American soil.