Community Highlights: Meet Mike Picano of MikeOlogy Labs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Picano. 

Hi Mike, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My mushroom company, MikeOlogy Labs, began when my mother suffered a stroke while teaching kindergarten. She was a small-town teaching legend and worked in some of our toughest neighborhoods for 46 years. She was already battling dementia, and we could see her vibrant attitude slowly fading. 

Our Family was, and is, still reeling from the loss of my dad and uncle from cancer. These events took a toll on our relationships, and I wanted to right the ship of sadness that was consuming us. 

I began researching the medicinal benefits of mushrooms and other natural remedies. It wasn’t long before I started growing a myriad of mushroom species to help myself and other combat the PTSD, depression, dementia, and other mental health issues plaguing society. 

I started with creating Lion’s Mane supplements to help my mother reduce her cognitive impairment, and moved on to treating myself through micro dosing. My goal was to omit pharmaceuticals and create healthy habits by growing my own organic foods in my apartment. Now, growing my business into tinctures, supplements, microgreens, and other healthy food in a small urban setting is my passion and I would like to educate other to do the same. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The science of mycology is a fickle one. It is a slow process that can be railroaded overnight through contamination and simply missing a single step in the grow process. I have lost countless batches, but aim to never repeat the same mistake twice. 

As you know, we’re big fans of MikeOlogy Labs. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MikeOlogy Labs comes from combining my name with the study of fungi. To me, it is more than a catchy name. It is me “putting my name on it” to remind me to take immense pride and to finish what I started. 

I pride myself in growing beautiful gourmet mushrooms, concocting the purist tinctures, and hand-making the best supplements and spices. 

With laws and opinions changing daily when it comes to treatment of mental health issues, I want to be known as a small company with a big heart. My goal is to educate and promote the safe, legal, and healthy use of organic foods to combat the scourge of mental health issues plaguing society. 

The future is bright for MikeOlogy Labs. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I was raised in a hard-working family that prides itself in honesty and constant learning. I took from that what I wanted and have made a reputation for myself that includes integrity, hard work, and a zest for life. I refuse to take life seriously, but I take great pride in my work and will continue to grow as a human. 

Contact Info:

• Email: MikeOlogyLabs@gmail.com
• Website: www.MikeOlogyLabs.com
• Instagram: @MikeOlogyLabs

Image Credits
Mike Picano