It was 22nd August 2022 - 980 days ago - when I had a fateful meeting in South Africa. That’s when I met Cullen - a visionary in the world of mushrooms and a true mycological wizard - who would soon become not just a business partner, but a brother.

Over a coffee, we began shaping the vision - to bring the same mental clarity, focused energy, and alignment I had discovered to others facing the overwhelm of modern life in bustling Dubai.

More of this South African story unfolds in my next letter - so before we begin - let’s jump further back in time…the date is the 15th Jan 2020 (1931 days ago to the day), location: Singapore.

My Mushroom journey story all began with a work trip to my employer’s company HQ, working as a Senior Financial specialist, having just secured a new job; the need to ensure that I impressed the top management and getting an approval over the probationary period, was a lot to take in, especially with my high-performance mindset and the self-added pressure.

Covid had just been declared in China, and fears were rising across Singapore about possible lockdowns and travel restrictions. With overwhelm, mental fatigue, and uncertainty setting in, I found myself stuck in the office feeling home sick so I decided to take a walk and follow a colleague's suggestion to visit an all-vegan restaurant that his wife loved. 

Little did I know that this day would set the course for where we are today as a company 5 years later - and it all began with a Lion’s Mane Curry!

Sweet little Chinese ladies serving canteen styled Singaporean and Chinese fusion dishes - my attention drew to what looked like a Chicken curry - I couldn’t believe my eyes - a fleshy meat that had the texture and tasted like chicken. As someone experimenting with the vegan diet - I was instantly hooked!

Arguing with the ladies in disbelief - how could this possibly NOT be chicken? “‘Mushroom! Mushroom!’ they insisted in unison, pointing to a sign with a furry white object: Lion’s Mane Mushroom”.

Still in disbelief, I Googled this incredible fungal specimen and was stunned - it had ALL of the answers to what I was struggling with - supporting mental clarity and flow state, reducing mental fatigue and anxiety. I needed this miracle cure! This was exactly the moment in my life which kick-started my fascination (obsession) and magical journey into the Fungi Kingdom!

That Lion’s Mane curry didn’t just nourish my body - it rewired my life’s path. I left that little canteen not just with a full belly, but with a burning curiosity that would grow into a purpose.

In the next edition, I’ll share how one bottle of Lion’s Mane extract and a powerful manifestation turned everything upside down: from finance professional to full-blown mushroom enthusiast and wellness entrepreneur in the UAE.