Mother Made by Jessica Clarke

January 14, 2025
Fashion & Beauty
Words:
April Ru Wan

Wellness, sustainability, and tradition might sound like buzzwords in today’s crowded wellness market, but for the co-founder of Mother Made, they’re a way of life. Inspired by her modelling career, sleepless nights, and Māori heritage, Jessica Clarke is on a mission to make functional mushrooms the go-to for natural health. Mother Made is a brand that’s not just about selling supplements—it’s about rewriting the wellness playbook with products rooted in authenticity, indigenous traditions, and modern science. What started with a personal discovery of Reishi for sleep has blossomed into a movement to demystify mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, championing their transformative benefits for the mind and body. With transparency, sustainability, and a no-nonsense approach to education at its core, Mother Made is redefining wellness one mushroom at a time—inviting everyone to feel their best, naturally.

April Wan: Your personal journey with burnout and discovery of herbal medicine is so compelling. Could you share the moment you first realised the transformative potential of mushrooms for your own well-being?
Jessica Clarke: During my modelling days, I was constantly searching for effective sleep solutions. The relentless travel disrupted my circadian rhythm, making restful sleep elusive. It wasn’t until I discovered Reishi that I found relief. It was a time when I was running around New York experimenting with CBD to help my stress levels but I never much liked it for sleep. Discovering Reishi was transformative; it provided restful sleep and genuine rejuvenation by morning. Unlike conventional sleep medications that often left me feeling groggy, Reishi offered a natural solution without the dreaded morning fog.
AW: Mother Made is rooted in indigenous Māori traditions as well as modern wellness needs. How has your upbringing influenced the way you approach the brand’s ethos and product development?
JC: As a Māori woman, my heritage influences every aspect of Mother Made. From the cultivation of our ingredients to our packaging choices and partnerships, each decision is made with care and authenticity. I’m immensely proud to be a Māori female founder. Growing up with kaupapa Māori—the values, stories, and traditions—has instilled in me a profound respect for everything and everyone around me, shaping me into a better leader.
AW: The concept of ‘Wellness Need States’ is fascinating. How did you and your team identify these specific states, and why did mushrooms become the foundation for addressing them?
JC: At Mother Made, we aim to demystify the mushroom world and help educate on the way these cosmic healers can be part of your everyday life. Mushrooms are amazing – each one has a plethora of benefits but they also beautifully align with the wellness ‘needs states’ : Reishi is the sleep mushroom, Cordyceps is known as energy mushrooms, and Lion’s Mane is known to support cognitive function and brain health. There is a mushroom for everything. It’s a one stop shop, which I love.
AW: Many wellness products claim to be ‘natural’ but include additives or fillers. What steps does Mother Made take to ensure the integrity and purity of its supplements?
JC: It’s infuriating to see the lack of transparency in the supplement industry; this was one of the reasons we started Mother Made. Our supplements are crafted exclusively from 100% mushrooms—absolutely no fillers, additives, or synthetic ingredients. They’re certified organic and undergo rigorous third-party testing here in the UK, ensuring we deliver only the highest quality to our customers.
AW: Sustainability seems to be a cornerstone of Mother Made, from growing methods to eco-friendly packaging. Could you tell us more about why this is a personal priority for you?
JC: In today’s world, I don’t think you can launch a business without thinking about sustainability. A decade ago, during my university days, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was taught for less than a semester. Whether it’s our New Zealand roots, generational awareness, or the influence of social media, there’s a growing consciousness that if you have a heart, you tread lightly – leaving footprints in sand, not cement. Importantly, sustainability and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive, they can, and should, go hand in hand.
AW: As someone who transitioned from the fashion industry to wellness, what parallels have you observed between these worlds, and how has your creative background shaped Mother Made’s identity?
JC: As a model, I learned how to look my best, which led me to wellness. Running my own business for 15 years honed my entrepreneurial skills. But what I’m most grateful for is the creativity instilled in me. I spent hours in studios as a mannequin for designers like Alber Elbaz (Lanvin) and Francisco Costa (Calvin Klein), observing creatives like Camilla Nickerson and Pat McGrath at work. Creating at that level requires talent, care, and attention to detail. Mother Made is a supplement at the end of the day, but I aim to create with the same originality, purpose, and intention as those who have influenced me.
AW: Your products aim to simplify wellness, yet functional mushrooms can be a complex topic. How do you balance educating your audience while keeping things approachable?
JC: At Mother Made, we strive to make wellness accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of experience. Our approach is straightforward, ensuring even those new to functional mushrooms can easily incorporate them into their routines. For those more curious or experienced we have incredible in house nutritionists whose insights we share with our community on our website and socials.
AW: Mother Made is expanding into the UK market—congratulations! How do you see this new chapter helping to redefine wellness in a global context?
JC: I hope to spark some curiosity in the holistic space. I truly believe mushrooms have a place in every household! Functional mushrooms are redefining wellness because they are all about preventative health, longevity and quality of life. I believe there’s no need to feel perpetually tired or overstimulated. We’ve harnessed the transformative powers of nature’s little alchemist—the mushroom—to help you feel your best.
AW: If you could leave people with one takeaway about the potential of functional mushrooms, what would you want them to remember about Mother Made and its mission?
JC: At Mother Made, we believe that functional mushrooms are nature’s gift to enhance our daily lives. Our mission is to make these powerful adaptogens accessible to everyone, empowering everyone to take control of their health naturally. Remember, with Mother Made, you’re not just consuming a product; you’re choosing a healthier, more vibrant life.
MotherMade.com
Words by April Ru Wan
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