Welcome to The Cage Spotlight – a ongoing column where we highlight interesting people doing cool thing in the Los Angeles community.
Kicking off this series with an absolute baddie/ recording artist and entrepreneur Bri Miller.
1. Introduce yourself. Who are you and what do you do in Los Angeles?
Hi! My name is Bri Miller, I’m a creative and a business owner. I’m a songwriter, producer, and recording artist who also has a passion for health and wellness. I just recently launched a mushroom coffee business called Shroom Babe.
2. You’re both an artist and the founder of Shroom Babe. How did your creative path lead you to starting a mushroom matcha and coffee company?
Being an artist means building your brand, and being your own boss. The same principles that apply to running any business. I’ve always loved creating at a young age, whether it was music, web shows, short films, you name it. I love that I get to use my creativity with this brand, especially on the content side of things.
3. What inspired the idea behind Shroom Babe? Was there a specific moment when you realized you wanted to build it?
I’ve always been passionate about natural ways to nourish the body, and just so happen to be an avid matcha drinker. When I discovered mushroom coffee, I immediately was intrigued. I’m big on coffee alternatives, and ways to make things we enjoy every day healthier and more affordable. I was already making my own matcha lattes at home, creating & trying new recipes. My boyfriend Drew was actually the one who reminded me that we could utilize our recourses and connections to build our own brand. With both of us working in the music industry, we already have access to talented videographers, and other creatives that are continuously helping us build this brand and take it to the next level.
4. For readers who might be new to functional mushrooms, what makes mushroom matcha special compared to traditional matcha or coffee?
Functional mushrooms have been used for centuries in wellness practices around the world. Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Reishi are celebrated for their natural healing properties. I personally have always been fascinated/amazed by the power of mushrooms, so I was super eager to learn more about them and how I can source out the best quality mushrooms for our blends. These mushrooms when sourced properly blend seamlessly into powder form, and pair well with organic arabica coffee. Making an instant coffee blend that’s less caffeinated far more beneficial for the body than a normal cup of coffee. The taste of Shroom Babe coffee is smooth and rich, but not quite as bitter as regular black coffee. As far as matcha goes, it’s also been widely appreciated for its health benefits for centuries. Matcha that is ceremonial grade, is the highest quality shade-grown tea powder from Japan’s first harvest, and contains the most L-theanine (natural stress reducer). Adding functional mushrooms to our ceremonial grade matcha just means even more benefits, and superior texture and taste compared to average low quality matcha powder.
5. What is the philosophy or feeling behind the Shroom Babe brand?
I would say the philosophy behind shroom babe is that wellness doesn’t have to be boring. You can elevate your daily ritual with high quality ingredients, and flavors you love. Because you shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste for healthy alternatives, and vice versa. Shroom Babe is also for people who want to invest in something they can trust. We’re not a million dollar company trying to make an extra buck. We’re just artist’s, who are extremely passionate about what we create. We’re gonna put our heart and soul into it, it’s just who we are.
6. As an artist, how does creativity show up in your business?
Creativity shows up in many areas of Shroom Babe, from the packaging to the content surrounding the brand, everything is original. So far I’ve had the most fun coming up with different recipes, and showing people all the creative ways to enjoy our product. Whether it’s a barista level latte, a simple cold foam, a delicious martini, or even baked goods, there are endless ways to use our blends. We’re currently in the process of working with other creatives to bring the brand to life, and are so excited to share the outcome with everyone. Wellness does not have to be boring!
7. What does a typical day in your life look like right now while building this brand?
A typical day in the life of building Shroom Babe is pretty chaotic. Although we have a pretty solid team and direction of where to go as a company, there are new unexpected obstacles we have to overcome every day. As with any start up, you can’t predict the curveballs that get thrown your way. But, our passion and dedication for the brand keeps us moving forward, and pushes us to keep finding new ways to grow.
8. Are there particular rituals, routines, or habits that keep you grounded and inspired?
There are so many rituals/ habits that keep me grounded and inspired. Being a creative with ADD my gears are constantly turning, and my brain has a hard time keeping up with itself. Exercising regularly makes a huge difference for me productivity wise. Pilates is my go to for an all body workout, that requires minimal time out of my day. Ideally I love going on hikes/being in nature but with my busy schedule, at home Pilates and stretching does me wonders. I also believe that carving out time for my creative passions serves as an outlet, and allows me to get my mind right. I always try and get some fresh air/ sunlight, even if it’s only for 10- 15 minutes, I truly think it makes a huge difference mentally. Especially when you work out of your home, a change of scenery can do you wonders, so traveling when I can is also very crucial for me to stay inspired and not burn myself out. There’s so many things that help me stay grounded and inspired, these are just a few.
9. Los Angeles has a unique creative energy. How has the city influenced your work or your approach to building something new?
Los Angeles has got to be one of the most unique places in the U.S. It truly is the Wild West, and I’ve learned to normalize nothing being normal. if you’re a creative you will always be able to find a way to make connections, and the opportunities for collaboration is endless. I think with anything you’re building from scratch, it’s essential to have a solid foundation. And there’s no better place to source out talented passionate people than LA, because everyone here is trying to be a part of something iconic.
10. What have been the most exciting or unexpected moments since launching Shroom Babe?
I think the most exciting/unexpected moments since launching shroom babe has been the amount of support from not only close friends and family, but from our peers and people we barley know. Having people who want to support/be a part of Shroom Babe solely off of the potential they see is huge. We need all the help we can get, and when it’s coming from people who have something to offer big or small, it really does mean the world to us. Shroom Babe started as just me and Drew. Since launching 3 weeks ago we have been offered various opportunities to work with some pretty amazing people. We’re looking forward to the opportunities to come.
11. What is something people might be surprised to learn about mushrooms, wellness, or starting a small brand?
I think people might be surprised to learn how long mushrooms have actually been used in wellness practices. While it just recently started becoming a trend in the U.S, other countries have been using mushrooms in every day wellness practices for centuries. This is nothing new, it just is finally getting the love it’s deserves in the United States. I think now more than ever with the help of social media, we are able to educate ourselves about these ancient alternative wellness practices that are becoming more and more popular. Social media and modern technology while having its set backs, ultimately is super useful when starting your own business, and either spreading information/getting your brand out there. Now is the time to start that business you always wanted to.
12. What are you currently inspired by—artists, places, music, books, or people?
Currently, I’m inspired by my peers who worked hard to create their own business. Starting this business has shown me it’s not easy, but it’s definitely rewarding. It’s not for everyone, but if you love being in control of your destiny and making things happen for yourself, it’s worth it. Watching people around me build their brand, whether it’s with music, art, or whatever it is they’re trying to sell, the ones who succeed never gave up. Despite the doubt, and unavoidable challenges that will come with any business, they persevered and found a way to make a name for themselves. I give my upmost respect to anyone who finds a way to do so and stay true to themselves and what they believe in.
13. Where do you see Shroom Babe going in the next year?
I see a lot of big things for Shroom Babe in the near future. We’re not your ordinary wellness brand, Shroom Babe is a lifestyle. Showing people that you don’t have to be boring to better yourself. We’re here to show that it’s never to early to start your health journey, and you can have fun doing it. We really just want to take this to the next level, and are optimistic that Shroom Babe will grow to be bigger than we ever expected.
14. Where can people find you and try Shroom Babe?
To try Shroom Babe today you can visit our website at www.mushroombabe.com, or follow us on our socials to be a part of the journey. Where we will continue to educate people on the benefits of mushrooms in a fun and entertaining way 💕 I can’t wait to show people the endless ways to use Shroom Babe as a part of their daily ritual✨
