MyCoFutures NA: Transforming Sustainable Materials in Fashion

In this episode of Tech Uncensored, host Hessie Jones interviews Stephanie Lipp and Leo Gillis about their journey from backgrounds in creative and technical fields to creating an innovative mushroom mycelium-based material.

Backgrounds and Early Career Paths

Stephanie shares her upbringing in Mississauga, where she attended an arts-focused high school. Initially a drama major, she shifted towards photography, leading her to work as an assistant in a prominent photography studio. This experience allowed her to explore various creative avenues, including digital marketing and small businesses like vintage selling and event styling.

On the other hand, Leo, who hails from Brampton, initially pursued a career in logistics and worked in warehouses. His shift towards entrepreneurship began when he met Stephanie while both were involved in non-profit housing. This unexpected detour illuminated the fundamentals of running a business for Stephanie, as she wrote housing proposals and managed budgets, providing her with invaluable experience.

Meeting and the Move to Newfoundland

Stephanie and Leo’s relationship blossomed during their non-profit work, leading them to eventual cohabitation and a shared interest in gourmet cooking. Their desire for a more affordable lifestyle prompted them to explore moving to Leo's hometown in Newfoundland. What began as a casual joke about relocating evolved into a serious decision after discovering opportunities in the local economy, particularly in mushroom cultivation.

In December 2018, they visited Bonavista, a community rejuvenating its economy after a fishing moratorium, and decided to move there in May 2019. The couple saw potential to educate locals about food insecurity while growing mushrooms—a food source with year-round availability in their new environment.

Diving into Mushroom Cultivation

When they arrived, they began learning about mushroom cultivation through trial and error, using books and online resources. They engaged with local farmers' markets, emphasizing education and local food culture. Their efforts faced skepticism from community members unfamiliar with mushrooms, but their persistence paid off as they formed connections with customers.

While cultivating mushrooms, they stumbled upon the potential to create sustainable materials from mycelium, recognizing its strength and versatility. Pandemic-driven accelerator programs allowed them to explore this avenue further, transitioning from gourmet food to material science.

Material Development and Innovations

The realization that they could produce an environmentally friendly alternative to leather sparked their venture into mycelium-based materials. Leo shared the challenges of growing mushrooms in controlled settings, noting the complexity involved in cultivating fungal products devoid of contaminants.

Their first prototype material was developed through rigorous experimentation, leading to a pitch competition victory that boosted their confidence. They identified a gap in the market for sustainable materials and began conversations about making mushroom leather accessible for various industries.

Challenges and Future Aspirations

Throughout their journey, they navigated the complexities of the clean tech ecosystem and faced numerous hurdles related to funding and support. They highlighted the cultural and structural differences between Canada's and Europe’s approaches to clean technology, suggesting a more collaborative global environment to combat climate change.

The duo projected a vision for a cooperative movement towards a circular economy, emphasizing sustainable consumer practices and transparency over mere profitability. Their ambition is to create aesthetically appealing alternatives that appeal to consumers while tackling environmental issues.

Closing Reflections

In concluding the episode, Stephanie and Leo offered wisdom to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of passion for solving public problems over mere technological solutions. Their journey exemplifies the intricate interplay between personal passion, sustainability, and social impact, making them figures of inspiration for future innovators in the clean tech landscape.

As they continue to advance their work in sustainable materials, their story reflects a growing recognition of the significance of environmental responsibility in business within a rapidly changing global market.