While on a mission to make mushroom-based gummies more accessible, cousins Stephanie and Jake co-founded Troop. These gummies use mushrooms like lion’s mane and reishi to aid in stress relief, mental clarity, immunity, and more. Made from all-natural ingredients, Troop gummies are also 100% vegan and preservative-free. Real fruit flavors like strawberry, passion fruit, and mixed berry ensure that these bite-sized supplements taste as great as they make you feel.
Recently, we caught up with Stephanie to learn more about their journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Troop?
During the pandemic Jake, my cofounder and cousin, and I started growing mushrooms together. As we embarked on this journey and started learning about fungi, we felt like we had discovered an ancient secret that no one was talking about. We started to share these mushrooms with our community and people were loving it, but most importantly, it was causing dramatic and positive shifts in their lives.
At that time, the only mushroom products available were in the form of pills, powders, or tinctures. We wanted to create something different; a product we’d enjoy taking every day. So, we set out to create the best quality mushroom gummy on the market, and we succeeded. We chose the name Troop because it means a group of mushrooms that grows together, and it encompasses the fact that this company was born in community, for community — and we’re here to support and empower our troop!
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
“What obstacles didn’t we face?” might be a shorter question to answer. Right before we launched, our manufacturer shut down and we were left to find a new copacker. We now have a custom formula and source all of our own mushrooms so that we can have full control and transparency over the quality of our product. However, this made life very difficult for us. It was a situation that almost crippled us until we finally found our current manufacturer who makes us the best gummies to date. We’ve faced other challenges across the board, however, each obstacle has taught us valuable lessons and strengthened our resolve. We're sure there will be more obstacles ahead, but we're ready to face them with the same determination and passion.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Get creative. Throwing money at the problem is not a solution. Talk to all of the experts that you can, and learn from them so you don’t have to make the mistakes yourself. When times get tough, believe in yourself. Trust that this is happening for a reason, and you will come out stronger. Lastly, starting your own business is a fast-track way to learn more about yourself, including things that can be hard to face. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and if you’re willing, it can change you and your life in ways you couldn’t have imagined. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride. Oh, and also, find a great therapist!
4. What’s on the horizon for Troop?
We can’t wait to launch new mushroom blends that start introducing herbs and adaptogens to our mushroom-based products. We’re also going to be expanding our product line soon!
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
Work/life balance is a challenge! I find it more like a pendulum. Sometimes work demands more time, and I’ve learned to flow with that and allow myself to rest when needed. I’m committed to my morning rituals to stay grounded, and I pursue hobbies like dancing and spending time in nature to remain balanced. I’m inspired by mushrooms every day. They’re powerful and represent so much connection and resilience. They truly are a daily teacher to me.