Today we’d like to introduce you to Olga Katic.
Hi Olga, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up mushroom hunting with my relatives in Bosnia and Hercegovina. When our parents were at work, our grandma watched my sister and I and we had the freedom of being in the woods all day long. At one moment we would be digging up leeches out of the fresh water well and feeding them to chickens, and the next moment, we would get chased by grandma’s rooster. But we also spent a lot of time picking boletes, milkies, and other varieties of mushrooms. We’d bring them to grandpa, and he would get rid of the ones he thought were not edible, the rest we would cook on the wood stove and eat them.
Skip to now. I am the proud owner of Mushroom Mountain, and have an amazing team working with me. We produce mushroom spawn for many different edible and medicinal varieties. We also make several different medicinal mushroom extracts and medicinal mushroom honeys under the name Mycomatrix. Mushroom Mountain also runs a Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification Program. This program was accepted by Health Departments of 7 states and counting, and also endorsed by the FDA.
In my free time, I love to be in the woods, picking mushrooms and wild plants, and of course taking tons of pictures of anything I find. I am fascinated by nature in every possible aspect.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a business is never a smooth road. Like most small businesses, we’ve faced economic fluctuations, rising operational costs, and the challenge of building and retaining a skilled team. Mushroom cultivation requires precision and care, and finding people who understand both the science and the mission behind what we do has been an ongoing journey.
We’ve also had to evolve with technology. What began as a farm and lab is now a digital company as well, navigating e-commerce, AI search, and online education. Staying adaptable has been key.
On top of that, working with biological products and functional foods means operating within strict regulatory frameworks. It’s complex, but it ensures quality and integrity.
Ultimately, every challenge has pushed us to innovate, refine our systems, and deepen our commitment to education and community. We see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow stronger and smarter.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mushroom Mountain is a certified-organic mushroom farm, spawn laboratory, and educational center based in South Carolina. We specialize in producing high-quality mushroom spawn, fruiting kits, and functional mushroom extracts while also offering hands-on workshops, certifications, and cultivation training across the country.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just sell mushrooms, we teach people how to grow them, understand them, and use them responsibly. Education is at the core of everything we do. From backyard growers to chefs to foragers to health enthusiasts, we serve people who want to reconnect with their food and the natural world.
We are known for combining science with accessibility. Our spawn is produced with precision and care, our extracts are formulated for quality and transparency, and our classes empower people with real, practical skills.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve built trust. We’ve grown from a small farm into a nationally recognized resource for mushroom education and cultivation without losing our integrity. We value sustainability, transparency, and community.
At the end of the day, we’re not just growing mushrooms, we’re growing knowledge, resilience, and a deeper connection to the living world.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor isn’t about chasing impressive titles, it’s about finding someone who is a few steps ahead of you and willing to be honest. Some of my best mentors weren’t formal mentors at all. They were people I worked alongside, asked questions of, and stayed in touch with over time.
Networking, for me, has always worked best when it’s genuine. I don’t approach people thinking about what I can get, I focus on what I can learn and how I can contribute. Showing up consistently at events, conferences, and local gatherings has created long-term relationships that have shaped my business.
I also believe in learning from many mentors instead of putting all your expectations on one person. One may help you with leadership, another with finance, another with science or production.
My biggest advice is to be curious, be prepared, and be reliable. When people see that you take action on advice and follow through, they’re much more willing to invest time in you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mushroommountain.com
- Instagram: sporeprints
- Facebook: mushroommountainfarm
- Youtube: sporeprints
