Meet William Padilla-Brown | Environmental Researcher & Permaculture Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Padilla-Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t meticulously planned; it evolved organically from simply sharing my life online. I posted videos about all the things I was passionate about, from foraging to farming, but it was the mushroom content that really took off. The views, interactions, and curiosity people had about fungi made me realize there was something special there.

In 2015, I decided to take the leap and make it official. I hopped on LegalZoom, incorporated, and got to work. I started small, growing oyster mushrooms on spent coffee grounds collected from local cafes. It was a perfect low-cost, high-value model that allowed me to experiment without breaking the bank. I began selling fresh mushrooms at my local farmers market, building relationships with my community, and learning the ins and outs of running a business.

But my vision was never just about selling mushrooms. From the beginning, my goal was to create something bigger, a business that could fuel ecological research and fund projects with a positive impact. I saw mushrooms as the perfect bridge between sustainability and science. Over time, I kept reinvesting and upgrading, moving from fresh produce to high-value supplements and extracts. Each step has been about adding layers to the business that generate income and support more profound research into ecology and conservation. It’s been a wild journey from coffee grounds to cutting-edge supplements, but every step has been about turning passion into progress.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been immersed in this space longer than most, especially considering my age. I’ve spent over a third of my life dedicated to the work I do. But the journey hasn’t been easy. When I started, I was often the youngest person in the room and, many times, the only person of color in scientific, agricultural, and mycological spaces. That kind of isolation can be challenging, but it also fueled my determination to succeed.

One of the biggest hurdles has been access to resources. I haven’t had the option of relying on traditional loans or credit, so I had to get creative with self-funding. Community has been my greatest lifeline. By networking and building meaningful relationships, I found opportunities to travel, teach, and work all over the United States and even internationally in Europe and London. These experiences taught me how to run a business, communicate effectively, and adapt to any environment.

What sets me apart is my persistence and my holistic approach to ecological work. My business is not just about selling a product; it’s about bridging science, sustainability, and community. I want the world to know that this journey is about more than mushrooms, it’s about using what we learn from nature to create lasting change. The lessons I’ve learned along the way, from resilience to resourcefulness, are proof that when you invest in community and follow your passion, the impact can reach far beyond what you ever imagined.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my best friend visits, I want them to experience the perfect blend of nature, good food, and unique local culture. We’d start with hiking in Topanga Canyon, where the trails offer breathtaking views and a deep connection to the wild. After working up an appetite, we’d head to Little Sister, one of our favorite restaurants.

A trip to La Jolla is a must, not just for the beaches but for the hidden coves and tide pools along the coast. There’s something magical about exploring the marine life and feeling the ocean breeze. We’d also make sure to stop for fresh cane juice; there’s nothing better than something refreshing and natural after a day in the sun.

For a change of scenery, we’d head up to Lake Gregory. It’s an amazing spot to escape the hustle and actually get into some trees. It offers a peaceful, rejuvenating experience with plenty of opportunities to swim, kayak, or just enjoy the calm. We’d also stop by Porto’s Bakery in the Valley for some delicious pastries and Cuban treats, it’s a local staple and always worth the visit.

Throughout the week, it’s about balancing adventure with relaxation, making memories in the outdoors, and connecting over great food and conversation. California has such a rich mix of nature and culture, and I love sharing that with the people closest to me.

Website: mycosymbiotics.com

Instagram: Mycosymbiote

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-padilla-brown-b6803956/

Twitter: MycoSymbiote

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/itscosmic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067647559665

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MycoSymbiote

Image Credits
Clinton Bolduc Gordon Walker