Humboldt County has long been known for its towering redwoods, rich natural landscapes and deep connection to mushrooms. For Shroomworks, a local wellness brand, that environment is more than inspiration. It is part of the company's identity and the foundation for making functional mushrooms more accessible to everyday consumers.
Shroomworks creates convenient products designed to incorporate functional mushrooms into daily routines, including wellness shots, liquid extracts and barista-style pumps. By offering these different formats, the brand aims to make exploring functional mushrooms simple, enjoyable and easy to fit into everyday life.
Choosing Humboldt as the home for Shroomworks was a natural decision. “We chose to build Shroomworks in Humboldt because it’s one of the most iconic and authentic environments for mushrooms in the world,” says co-owner Shawn Dunn. Surrounded by this environment, the Shroomworks team stays connected to the origins of its work while drawing inspiration from the region's appreciation for nature and quality.
That connection extends beyond the landscape. Humboldt County's community of mushroom enthusiasts, growers and mycologists has helped shape the company's journey, providing opportunities to learn, experiment and introduce products to people who understand the potential of functional mushrooms.
Local night markets have been especially valuable for testing products and connecting directly with customers. These face-to-face interactions allow the team to hear feedback, introduce the brand to new audiences and become part of Humboldt's vibrant small-business community.
Support from local business organizations has also played an important role. Humboldt Made and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) have helped Shroomworks connect with resources, knowledge and relationships that support its growth. For a developing brand, these connections can make a meaningful difference, helping turn an idea into a business with room to expand.
Community collaborations have created some memorable moments along the way. One favorite was a promotional partnership with Wildberries, where employees wore Shroomworks' signature mushroom berets during a buy-one-get-one promotion. The playful campaign generated excitement among employees and helped introduce the brand to more shoppers.
Shroomworks also participated in Humboldt Made's summer scavenger hunts, partnering with eight other local brands to hide boxes throughout Arcata. Participants explored the community, sampled locally made products and had the chance to win boxes filled with goods from participating businesses.
These collaborations reflect what makes Humboldt's business community distinctive. Local brands can work together to reach new customers, share their products and create experiences that celebrate the region's creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
For the Shroomworks team, the connection to nature remains a constant source of motivation. Living and working among the redwoods, in a place where mushrooms are part of the local culture, reinforces why they started the business. Shawn says, “We truly believe that mushrooms have the ability to change our lives for the better. The ability to share these benefits with the world keeps us motivated.”
Looking ahead, Shroomworks is focused on expanding its presence throughout the West Coast. The goal is to establish the brand as a leading name in functional mushroom products while continuing to grow from its Humboldt County roots.
When asked how the community can support them, Shawn answered, “The best way to support us right now is by trying the product and sharing it with others. Word of mouth goes a long way for a growing brand like ours, whether that’s recommending us to a friend, a retailer, or a café.”
Choosing Humboldt means recognizing that the region's identity is shaped not only by its natural beauty, but also by the innovative businesses and passionate people who call it home. Shroomworks brings those elements together, drawing inspiration from Humboldt's mushroom culture while building a wellness brand with ambitions that reach far beyond the redwoods.