Meet Alec Scott: How a Lockdown Escape Grew into The Mushroom Box

Every business has a story, but ours began in a place of quiet discovery. To understand the passion behind The Mushroom Box, we want to introduce you to the person who started it all: our Founder and CEO, Alec Scott.

The Spark: Finding a Purpose in the Forest

Alec’s journey started at a standstill. After graduating from AISCT, the world was suddenly put on pause by the COVID-19 lockdown. Feeling trapped in the "prison that was lockdown," he found his escape by spending months exploring his local forest. It was during this time that he began to notice the incredible world of fungi all around him.

He saw "so many weird and wonderful mushrooms" and began studying them closely. This led to his "aha!" moment: discovering that these fascinating organisms had all sorts of medicinal applications and could grow in just a matter of days. In that moment, Alec knew he wanted to create something that would bring people and mushrooms together.

From Personal Passion to a Healing Mission

So, why mushrooms? For Alec, the connection is deeply personal. "Over my years of foraging, growing and medicating with these incredible fungi, I couldn't believe how much my life began to improve," he shares. From enhancing his gut biome to improving his memory and focus, he experienced the benefits firsthand.

This personal journey forged the core mission of The Mushroom Box: "to spread the mycelium that heals our people, breaks down pollutants in our soil and grows abundantly".

Of course, the path hasn't always been easy. The business has faced a long list of challenges, from manufacturing problems to load shedding forcing complete farm shutdowns. However, the mission has always been the driving force.

This sense of purpose is renewed by stories from our community. Alec recalls a customer who, after going through chemo, was left with severely damaged brain function. After using our Lion's Mane capsules, she has seen tremendous improvements in her cognitive function. "This has been a huge source of motivation for us and our mission," says Alec.

A Final Message: Bridging the Gap

At its heart, The Mushroom Box is about reconnection.

"We've become separate from nature as a society," Alec explains. "Our mission is to help bridge that gap, because nature has all we need in abundance".

From a solo escape into the woods to a thriving community of growers and nature lovers, our story is one of healing and discovery. We’re so glad to have you on this journey with us.