Meet Alaina Devenney-copico | Nutritionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alaina Devenney-copico and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alaina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was a spontaneous but deeply meaningful journey. It all began when I came across a study revealing that only about 26% of Reishi mushroom products on the market were genuine. As someone who had been using functional mushrooms for nearly a decade, I felt betrayed and deeply concerned about the lack of transparency in the industry. With companies often selling mushroom products that didn’t even contain real mushrooms, I knew something needed to change.

At the time, I was six months pregnant and planning to rely on functional mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane to support my postpartum recovery. This personal need for high-quality products led me to partner with a local mushroom farm in Fort Lupton, CO. Together, we formulated potent, reliable extracts that met the standards I was looking for.

Though I was running my nutrition business, The Happy Human Method, I felt drawn in a different direction—one that aligned more closely with my passion for mushrooms. As I continued to investigate the functional mushroom supplement industry, it became clear just how saturated it was with low-quality, under-regulated products. There is a huge gap in the market for supplements with transparent labeling and top-tier quality, especially for those relying on them for therapeutic reasons.

That’s when the Happy Human Mushroom Co. was born. Our mission is simple: to provide potent, high-quality mushroom supplements that people can trust. Functional mushrooms deserve better representation, and we’re committed to supporting that as best we can.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Happy Human Mushroom Co., we like to do things a little differently! One of the things that sets us apart is that we offer alcohol-free mushroom extracts. That means more people can enjoy the incredible benefits of functional mushroom. At Happy Human Mushroom Co., we like to do things a little differently! One of the things that sets us apart is that we offer alcohol-free mushroom extracts as this allows us to reach a wider audience. We also offer individual mushroom extracts versus blends so you can pick and choose based on what you need. But that’s not all! We also offer individual mushroom extracts, so you can pick and choose based on what you need. Want the focus-boosting benefits of Lion’s Mane or the immune support of Turkey Tail? You’re in control. Stack them for synergistic effects, or focus on just one. Either way, you’re getting full potency, no watered-down blends here!

It hasn’t been all rainbows and mushrooms to get where we are today. Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when you’re wearing all the hats: CEO, marketing guru, accountant, and full-time mom. Oh, and did I mention I also work a 9-5 corporate job? The goal is to eventually go all in on Happy Human Mushroom Co., but for now, I’m making it work with passion and a lot of mushrooms!

What I’ve learned along the way is that you can’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know how to do that” or “I need help”. There’s a steep learning curve when it comes to things like building a website, mastering email marketing, social media, and even figuring out shipping logistics. But here’s the thing—if you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll never get started. You’ve got to be flexible, roll with the punches, and dust yourself off when things don’t go as planned.

At the end of the day, we’re not just selling mushroom products, we’re creating something people can trust. We’re here to shake up the functional mushroom industry with transparency and high-quality, potent supplements. We’re passionate about giving people the freedom to choose what works best for them and their health. Whether you’re new to functional mushrooms or a long-time fan, Happy Human Mushroom Co. is all about making sure you’re getting the best of the best, one mushroom at a time.

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?
No trip would be complete without a day at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Red Rocks concerts are truly unmatched and a must-add to anyone’s bucket list. The energy is electric, and the atmosphere feels almost spiritual.

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park is an absolute stunner. There are beautiful hikes around Bear Lake and Sky Pond. Go for a stroll around Estes, checking out the Stanley Hotel for a little history and more than likely be able to see a heard of elk. If it’s ski season, without a doubt we would head up to Keystone or Breckenridge.

The Flatirons have a special place in my heart. I moved to Colorado from the Cayman Islands and I was worried about feeling landlocked. The mountains have this magic feel to them and the Flatirons gave me this sense that our next chapter in Colorado was going to be a special one.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jumping into starting a business, especially with a baby on the way, was very much a team decision. My husband deserves a huge shoutout! His encouragement was the push I needed to get things moving. Having someone by your side who believes in your dreams, no matter how big or daunting they seem, is invaluable. He helped me navigate the challenges, especially when imposter syndrome crept in. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re entering a competitive space like functional mushrooms and addressing controversial topics.

Secondly, Eric Puro, someone whose work and values greatly influenced me. Eric is the founder and CEO of KÄÄPÄ Biotech, a leading expert in medicinal mushrooms, and serves on the board of the International Medicinal Mushrooms Society. I listened to many podcasts he was featured in when I was deep in research but struggling with self-doubt. There was one moment in particular that his words couldn’t have come at a better time. He emphasized the need for more small businesses to introduce quality fruiting body supplements and the importance of ethical practices in an industry flooded with low-quality products. His message was pivotal, it gave me the confidence to move forward and take the leap.

What made it even more special was when I reached out to Eric on Instagram to thank him for his inspiration. I didn’t expect a reply, but not only did he respond, he gave me a huge boost of encouragement. He told me, “Companies like yours, which stick to ethics, will be around for the long run!” Six months later my website was live and he said, “You made it!”

Website: https://www.happyhumanmushroomco.com/

Instagram: https://happyhuman.mush.co

Image Credits
Electric Media Group