Tales From My Kitchen Table with Gemma Ogston
Take five minutes with Mama Shrooms founder Gemma Ogston (@gemma.ogston) and discover how her love for food and wellness began in a lively household of five siblings, cooking from the age of eight. Her passion for functional mushrooms turned into a mission to make them simple and stress-free, creating a perfectly balanced, one-a-day capsule. For her, wellness is about balance, kindness, and small rituals, like winding down with a spiced turmeric latte infused with her night-time blend.
Tell us about your earliest memory of food or cooking that sparked your love for it...
My earliest food memory is growing up in a big, lively household with five kids. With my mum working long hours as a nurse, often on night shifts, we all learned to cook at a young age. By the time I was eight, I was making most of the family meals, learning to batch cook on a budget and experimenting with ingredients to create new dishes. I’d even pretend I was hosting my own cooking show while I worked in the kitchen. Cooking has always been such a big part of my life—it’s where my love for food and creativity really began.
How did Mama Shrooms come to life, and what inspired you to start creating these unique mushroom-based products?
My mushroom capsules were born out of a desire to make functional mushrooms simple and easy to use. I’ve been taking them daily for eight years and have become completely obsessed, spending years studying, writing, and hosting workshops about them. The biggest feedback I heard was that people felt overwhelmed, unsure of what to take and when. When I hit 45 and entered perimenopause, juggling countless supplements myself, I knew I had to simplify things. That’s why I created a one-a-day capsule: a trusted, perfectly balanced blend made from top-quality mushrooms. It’s one less thing to stress about in an already busy world.
What’s your approach to wellness and self-care, and how do you incorporate these values into your products and lifestyle?
My approach to wellness is all about balance, simplicity, and being kind to yourself. The wellness industry can feel overwhelming and extreme, but as a busy working mum with teenagers, I’ve learned to embrace what’s realistic. Some days, it’s not about a gym session but a quick walk, a stretch, or a quiet moment with a comforting drink. I focus on small, meaningful actions - fresh air, gratitude, slower movement, or catching up with a friend. It’s about doing what you can, when you can, and not beating yourself up if it’s not perfect. Life is busy, so my mantra is simple: make it count and be kind to yourself.
And that’s exactly the philosophy behind my products. They’re designed to be simple, easy to use, and completely free of complication - just one small capsule packed with powerful ingredients. You can trust that it’s doing incredible things for your body, without adding more stress or effort to your day. It’s all about supporting your wellness in a way that fits seamlessly into your life.
For someone new to adding mushrooms into their routine, what advice would you give them for starting slow and building a daily habit?
If you’re new to mushrooms, start with a blend that feels right for you and take it consistently, one capsule a day. Keep it simple by avoiding other new supplements at the same time and track how you’re feeling. Maybe keep a journal or use a sleep tracker to monitor improvements in your energy, mood, or sleep quality. After a month, look back and see the difference, it can be amazing!
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Taste that most reminds you of relaxation or calm?
Chamomile for sure I have a great recipe for a chamomile rice pudding, its incredible and makes me feel so chilled.
Favourite soundtrack for your winding down moments?
Sade.. Love her
You’ve got a moment to relax before bed, what’s your go-to bedtime drink?
My soothing bedtime turmeric + spiced Latte
If you were to introduce someone to Mama Shrooms for the first time, what would you recommend they try?
I’d ask what their main issues are - sleep, energy, stress, etc. If sleep’s a problem, I’d recommend the Night blend (reishi works wonders for rest). For energy and focus, the Day blend is great with lion’s mane and cordyceps. Personally I use both daily for overall wellness and feel fantastic, best self-care ritual after a long, busy week.
What’s your favourite place for a quiet moment?
My bedroom is my sanctuary. I usually go to bed earlier than anyone in my house and love to get cosy in clean bedsheets with a sleepy drink and good book. Bliss
Favourite evening snack when you're in need of comfort?
Dark chocolate. Greek yoghurt with granola and honey or peanut butter on toast
The wellness habit you're most passionate about cultivating in 2025?
Must be cold water therapy. I love an ice bath and a good friend of mine runs a beach sauna and I go most weeks for hot and cold therapy and if I’m feeling brave a dip in the sea. You just feel incredible and glow from the inside. Nothing beats it.