Let me introduce myself...
Welcome to MYCOfactor. This is the story of why we are here.
Welcome To MYCOfactor
'Functional mushrooms’ are more than an old wives’ remedy, a hyped online trend or the next supplement to take in a hopeful lineup of expensive but who know’s if they even do what they say concoctions. These mushrooms are powerful, bioactive compliments to supporting our health and wellness, and there’s an emerging body of exciting research to prove it. But in a world now flooded with mushroom wellness products, it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s just clever marketing. That’s why I started MYCOfactor.
My name is Rachel, and I’m a scientist and urban mushroom farmer with a deep passion for the biology behind the these bioactive mushrooms and their real benefits to our bodies. I launched MYCOfactor to create the highest-quality functional mushroom products available, backed by actual science and built on a foundation of honesty and transparency.
My Journey: From Molecular Genetics to Mushroom Farming
My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from the world renowned (and very nerdy) University of California San Diego, where I delved into the intricate world of Biology with a focus on the smaller molecules and processes that ultimately drive our bodies to do what they do, the smallest pathways that make us work, or alternatively not work. Although my Bachelors in Biology was relatively broad, I was always fascinated by being able to address health issues at their molecular roots. After UCSD, I furthered my education and lab experience while researching DNA and RNA, earning a Master’s Degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of New South Wales here in Australia. For those of you wondering, my thesis was “p53 and Sp1 Associated RNAs Act as Non-Coding Transcriptional Regulators at Homologous Loci”. Let me know if you want to hear more on that sometime.
However, throughout uni and especially after, the traditional path in scientific research left me yearning for creativity and direct impact. I found it was a lot of the same repetitive tasks, anti-social, boring even. Plus there wasn’t as many job opportunities as back in San Diego so the options were sadly limited. Disillusioned with the prospect of monotonous tasks and limited problem-solving opportunities, I decided to follow another long standing passion: food. I’ve always said, food is science and science is cooking.
This serendipitously led me to urban mushroom farming, where I found the opportunity to create top-quality mushrooms to local chefs, enhancing the culinary scene with farm-fresh ingredients previously unavailable. Mushroom cultivation is after all, in many ways, a scientific endeavor—requiring clean rooms, precise environmental controls, cloning, meticulous lab work and a scientific problem solving thought process.
Circa 2021, at the start of my mushroom journey.
So Why Mushrooms?
My passions truly merged when I discovered that mushrooms like Lion’s Mane contain specific compounds—such as hericenones and erinacines—that can support cognitive function by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Healthline
I’m not a stereotypical fungi enthusiast, or a traditional farmer or a wholistic person per se. I approach mushrooms from a scientific perspective, driven by research and with a commitment to finding the most I can from these unique bioactive compound containing organisms.
A Lion’s Mane grown by our farm in Brisbane. Find out more about Urban Valley.
Science First, Always
At MYCOfactor, I’m committed to being more than just another wellness brand. I bring biology, chemistry, and innovation into every step of our process, from the way we grow our mushrooms organically in Australia to the advanced extraction techniques we use to maximize bioavailability.
For example, our dual-extract tinctures are designed to capture both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds, ensuring a full spectrum of bioactives in every drop.
I believe in transparency, not hype. What you see here is what you get: the best quality, locally grown, sustainably produced, and scientifically crafted mushroom products. No snake oil, no empty promises—just real, tangible wellness benefits backed by evidence.
A Mission of Wellness for Everyone
Mushrooms have the power to support everyone’s journey toward better health, whether you’re a high-performing professional looking for cognitive support, an athlete seeking recovery, or someone simply wanting to feel their best. That’s why MYCOfactor is committed to offering products to suit all needs, from the beta-glucan bounty of Lion’s Mane Pure Powder to the full spectrum containing drops of our range of dual-extracts, and even to future product lines for targeted compounds and non-alcoholic needs.
This isn’t a get rich quick scheme like many of the product advertisements I see that flood my social streams. It’s about creating a movement where science meets natural wellness—where mushrooms can be a trusted and effective enhancement of your wellbeing.
Join the Journey
I’m so excited to share this journey with you. Through this blog, I’ll bring you the latest research, product insights, and practical ways to incorporate mushrooms into your life. We’ll dive into the fascinating science of functional fungi, debunk myths, and share tips for achieving a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Thank you for being here and for trusting MYCOfactor to be part of your wellness journey. Whether you’re new to mushrooms or already a devoted fan, there’s a place for you here.
Here’s to the power of mushrooms, the wonder of science, and a future of wellness that’s as honest as it is effective.
Warmly,
Rachel
Founder of MYCOfactor