Starting a business is never easy, but for Amy Rednour, owner of A Fungus Amoung Us, it was a journey of passion, learning, and community support. Based in Spencer, Indiana, this first-generation mushroom farm has quickly grown from a simple home experiment into a flourishing small business that supplies fresh and dehydrated mushrooms, seasonings, extracts, and even mushroom-infused coffee to local stores and restaurants.
A Business Born from Necessity
In April 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy and her husband started growing mushrooms—not just to feed their family but also to give back to their community. What began as an experiment in a storage tote soon became a full-fledged operation. After experimenting with microgreens and other crops with little success, they turned to mushrooms—and discovered they had a natural talent for it.
Their specialty? Lion’s Mane and Oyster mushrooms, both of which have gained popularity for their flavor and health benefits. Lion’s Mane, in particular, is known for supporting brain health, cognitive function, and mental clarity—a reason why it has become a key ingredient in their mushroom coffee and seasonings.
Scaling Up & Overcoming Challenges
Building a farm from the ground up came with its challenges. Educating customers about edible mushrooms beyond the well-known morels was one of the biggest hurdles. Many people were unfamiliar with culinary mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Oyster, so the business relied on education, sampling, and persistence to introduce these unique products to the local market.
As demand grew, so did their need for space. What started in a simple tote evolved into fully automated grow tents with climate and humidity control, allowing for year-round production. Now, the business is looking to expand even further—with plans to increase their grow area, get a commercial kitchen, and add more storefronts and restaurant partners.
A Strategy Built on Quality & Relationships
Amy’s approach to growing the business has been a mix of quality control and strategic partnerships. Whether it’s working with local coffee shops like Jordy's Coffee Corner to supply Lion’s Mane coffee or directly pitching their mushrooms to high-end restaurants, she has found success by focusing on relationship-building and product excellence.
When reaching out to chefs, A Fungus Amoung Us delivers curated sample boxes filled with fresh mushrooms, along with pricing and contact information. This hands-on approach allows chefs to experience the quality firsthand, leading to repeat orders and long-term business relationships.
The Future of A Fungus Amoung Us
Looking ahead to 2025, Amy and her husband have big goals:
- Expand their growing space to keep up with demand.
- Increase distribution to more restaurants and storefronts.
- Invest in a business vehicle to make fresh deliveries more efficient.
- Build a commercial kitchen to expand their product line.
Their passion for mushrooms, combined with a strong business mindset, has set them on a path to continued growth.
Advice for Small Business Owners
For those looking to start or grow a small business, Amy emphasizes the importance of staying visible, building relationships, and constantly learning. Whether it’s through networking events, vendor markets, or even wearing mushroom-themed merchandise to spark conversations, every interaction is an opportunity to grow the business.
The journey of A Fungus Amoung Us is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. From a basement tote to a thriving local brand, Amy’s story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.
Want to Learn More?
Check out A Fungus Amoung Us online on Facebook under Amy Rednour. If you’re in Spencer, Indiana, stop by one of their partner locations or look for their booth at local festivals!
For more inspiring small business stories, stay tuned to the Small Business Squad at BecomeDistinct.com
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N8gRM_g4FFw
Listen and download the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1795322/episodes/16644423
