Home-Grown
New Zealand health and beauty brand, Mother Made, is the love-child of Emily Blanchett and Jessica Clarke. The duo sat down with us to discuss their natural mushroom supplements and all things wellbeing.
Mother Made - what's the meaning behind the name?
Mother Made simply means that all of our products are made from Mother Nature. Mother made instead of man made!
What life experiences led to the creation of Mother Made?
We both led pretty busy lives, constantly burning the candle at both ends while travelling the world. We realised it isn't healthy to supplement your body with a million different things - you're just constantly playing catch-up. We tried medicinal mushrooms abroad and fell in love with their simplicity and how amazing they make you feel. They work with your body, not against it.
“We both led pretty busy lives, constantly burning the candle at both ends while travelling the world. we realised it isn’t healthy to supplement your body with a million different things”
Talk to us about the beauty and wellbeing benefits of the medicinal mushrooms in your blends?
We use six different medicinal mushrooms in our powders and capsules. Each mushroom has a plethora of benefits - they really encompass the saying ‘beauty from the inside out’. Reishi helps with sleep, Turkey's tail for your gut, Chaga to support immunity, and Lion’s Mane to aid in brain function. We believe when you're feeling your best, with energy and a zest for life, you also look your best.
What's your view on wellness in New Zealand at the moment?
We’re loving the shift to the more natural approach in New Zealand at the moment. We're known for being a few years behind the rest of the world with health trends, but recently we've seen huge growth in cool, sustainable, natural products.
Favourite self-care ritual for winter?
Emily: Other than my daily dose of mushrooms, I'd say getting out for chilly morning walks to start my day right. For a treat, I love infrared saunas - nothing like a good sweat out in winter!
Jess: I'm great at my morning routine but it all falls apart by the end of the day. When I'm feeling restless post-dinner, I love making a pot of hot cocoa using raw cacao powder, oat milk, agave and a massive tablespoon of PM powder. I add cinnamon on top. It's so delicious and calming.
This is our dreamiest issue yet, so it's only right we ask about your night-time blend?
Our PM blend is so versatile. It's incredible in hot chocolate and tastes amazing added to cooking. We call it our beauty sleep blend as it has a mix of Reishi for deep sleep, Shitaake for skin and hair, and Turkey's tail for your gut. You wake feeling well-rested, refreshed and revitalised!
Favourite thing about running your business from Aotearoa?
It's the Kiwi 'can-do' attitude and eagerness to help. Everyone that's been a part of our Mother Made journey so far has been recommended through friends and has a passion for what we do. By this, I think we've created something really organic and full of love.
What does wellness mean to you?
Emily: Respecting your body and this will allow you to live a full and happy life.
Jess: Realising that everything is connected and honouring your body when it needs rest or help. It's amazing how great you can feel if you just feed your body with the good stuff.
What dreams do you hope to bring to light this year?
We hope to keep spreading the awareness of mushrooms and educating our mushroom gang on all their benefits. We're also wanting to branch into Australia and look at giving back to the planet, so we are not only sustainable but positive for the planet.
@mothermade_mushrooms | mothermade.co.nz
Interview by Brooke Duder