November 19, 2024 |
There’s an unsuspecting hero that has been swept up by the recent wellness wave. This movement is urging consumers to become more conscious of what they’re putting into their bodies and how it affects them. So who is that hero? Meet the humble mushroom. With organic healing properties that can transform your health and well-being, New Zealand-based brand Mother Made (a nod to Mother Earth’s natural healing properties) is here to prove that this mushroom-mania isn’t a classic case of overhype. Founded by best friends Jessica Clarke and Emily Blanchett, the brand focuses on creating 100 per cent natural mushroom supplements that harness the fungi’s restorative and rejuvenating properties, targeting areas such as gut, skin, hair and brain, as well as helping with immunity and stress. Now, the brand has brought its special shrooms over to us in the UK, with a local site launching on November 6, marking the first time the products have been available in the country.
Like many young businesses, Mother Made was born out of the pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns. “For Emily and me, it became a journey back home – a return to our roots and the quiet we hadn’t felt in years,” explains Clarke. “I remember coming across a meme that read, ‘I feel like Mother Nature has sent us to our rooms to think about what we’ve done.’ In a way, that’s exactly how it felt! In that stillness, an idea took root – a vision for something meaningful, a pursuit of health, happiness and connection to share with others.”
This pursuit of real meaning has resulted in a brand you can sink your teeth into, avoiding froth and instead opting for historical support and expert consideration. Drawing on traditional knowledge found in ancient Greek remedies and Chinese alchemy, the brand focuses on mushrooms that fall under the umbrella of adaptogens. “Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body manage stress, whether physical, environmental or biological,” says Clarke. “Taking adaptogens is like putting your immunity through a workout, building resilience and helping you operate at your best.” Explaining what species of shrooms they like the best, the list is plentiful. “Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Maitake and Cordyceps… Each one offers unique support for the daily challenges we all face, from sleep and energy to focus and nervous system support. It’s incredible to think that mushrooms naturally provide remedies for so many of our essential needs.”
Committed to adapting this knowledge to the stresses and strains of modern life, Clarke and Blanchett have worked to ensure the supplements can slot seamlessly into your daily routine by dissolving into a drink or being cooked into a meal. “I have limited time with two daughters,” says Blanchett, “so I love to make a Green smoothie that packs in as many veggies as possible and of course our AM Blend [a three-shroom combo that will set you up for the day with increased energy and boost of antioxidants].”
So why choose the UK as the brand’s next target for expansion? “I moved to the UK just after turning 20, so England always felt like the familiar cousin I’d never met,” says Clarke. “The UK became my second home, and it was only natural to bring Mother Made here next. People have been sliding into our instagram DMs for years for Mother Made to be available overseas so it amazing to finally be here.” With the swelling demand, Mother Made clearly has attracted a loyal band of followers, with Clarke and Blanchett raring to reward them. “We’ve got exciting community events in the works and our sold-out ‘I Love Mushrooms’ tee will be back just in time for Christmas – pre-orders are open now! Plus, we’re soon introducing mushrooms for your skin,” says Clarke. With a genuine passion for ensuring people can be the best version of themselves, the co-founders make joining the mushroom revolution seem easy and downright essential. A quick way to up your energy, concentration and overall vitality, it seems foolish not even to try. Discover more about Mother Made here.
Photography courtesy of Mother Made.
