From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Mushrooms Transformed My Life & Led Me to CEO of DIRTEA

Life has a way of leading us exactly where we need to be—sometimes in the most unexpected and life-changing ways. My journey to becoming CEO of DIRTEA wasn’t planned, but looking back, every step makes perfect sense.

 

For as long as I could remember, I hadn’t felt like myself. On paper, my life looked perfect—a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and a thriving career. But inside, I was drowning in exhaustion and stress. I was irritable, barely sleeping, constantly searching for wellness solutions, convinced I was doing everything right. Yet, I had never felt worse.

 

After pausing my career when I had children, I believed I could find balance. Out of desperation, I took a Dutch test, hoping for answers. When my doctor called with the results while I was on holiday, his words hit me like a ton of bricks: "Your cortisol levels are the same as someone going into war or famine. I don’t even know how you’re functioning." That moment was my wake-up call.

 

Just as I was absorbing the shock of my results, fate stepped in. Hours before flying home from Dubai, the country went on the red list due to COVID. My cab turned around, taking me back to my brother’s house—where, in a twist of fate, I met Simon and Andrew Salter.

 

That night, sitting in my brother’s garden, they passionately shared their vision for a mushroom brand. They spoke about how mushrooms had transformed their lives. At first, I thought, Who on earth would want to drink mushrooms? The idea repulsed me. But something about their energy, their belief in the power of nature, made me listen.

 

For the next three months—locked down together—I found myself drawn into their world. Night after night, I sat with them, listening to their stories, shaping their vision, brainstorming ideas, and unknowingly laying the foundation for DIRTEA. My background in digital advertising, my experience in scaling businesses, and my deep understanding of brand-building all came into play. What started as curiosity turned into passion.

 

Every morning, we drank Lion’s Mane, and every evening, we had Reishi. Then, something remarkable happened—I began to change. My focus sharpened, my sleep became deeper and more restorative, and for the first time in years, my skin cleared. The short fuse I once had faded, replaced by a newfound sense of calm and clarity. It felt as if I had stepped into a version of myself that had long been buried under stress and exhaustion.

 

After a month, the shift was undeniable. I felt different—lighter, more at ease. My relationships, especially with my family, became less strained. The tension that once filled the air lifted, and I noticed people no longer tiptoeing around me. I remember the exact moment I realised just how much I had changed—when my daughter skipped her online zoom class, insisting the dogs were calling her. In the past, this would have set me off. But instead of reacting with frustration, I laughed—really laughed. And in that moment, I thought to myself, I feel happier.

 

That’s when I realised I had met Simon and Andrew for a reason. This wasn’t just a business idea. It was a mission. They wanted to bring the transformative power of mushrooms to the world and help people take back control of their health and well-being. I felt inspired and knew I wanted to be part of this journey with them.

 

After months of working together in Dubai, we arrived back in the UK. They asked me to become COO of DIRTEA, a role I embraced with everything I had. For three years, we scaled, innovated, made mistakes, and built something truly special. We became educators in the mushroom space, surrounding ourselves with the best of the best, ensuring we never compromised on quality and brand. 

 

Then, in 2024, I stepped into the role of CEO—an opportunity that felt less like a promotion and more like destiny. I wasn’t just leading a company; I was spearheading a movement.

 

Becoming a CEO isn’t just about leadership—it’s about purpose. It’s about turning personal transformation into a movement. I was once the exhausted, overwhelmed woman who had no idea how much better life could feel.

 

DIRTEA isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. A mission. A revolution in well-being. And trust me, we’re just getting started.

How Do You Balance Being a CEO, a Mother, and Your Health?

Balance is an interesting word—because true balance is rarely about perfect equilibrium. Instead, I live by a set of principles that help me lead my life with intention, purpose, and grace.

1. I let go of guilt. As a working mother, I refuse to carry the burden of guilt. Instead, I focus on being fully present in every role I play.
2. I always do my best. Whether it’s leading a company, raising my children, being a good friend / wife or taking care of myself, I give my best effort to every task.
3. I practice self-compassion. I remind myself daily that I am enough—a lesson I embraced from Marisa Peer.
4. I am my own biggest supporter. I believe in myself, celebrate my strengths, and prioritise self-love.
5. Be punctual. I value time—both mine and others'. Being punctual is a sign of respect, discipline, and efficiency. Time is our most valuable resource, and I make sure to use it wisely.

Time management is one of the biggest challenges, and I approach it with structure and discipline. My day is time-boxed to ensure I maximise productivity without unnecessary distractions. I am strategic about meetings, only attending those where my presence truly adds value, and I trust my team to handle what doesn’t require my direct input.I take all my roles seriously. Because I have a career, I may spend less time with my children during the week, but the time we do share is intentional and meaningful. When I’m with them, I’m fully present—no phone, no distractions. Every evening after work, I dedicate 30 minutes to each of my children, listening to their day, engaging in their world, and being part of their stories—whether that’s school gossip or a game of poker with my son. Affection is at the heart of our family dynamic, and we make it a point to celebrate both our successes and challenges together. Our weekends are sacred; they are for rest, walks, movie nights, and simply being together.

 

My health is non-negotiable. I train four times a week at 7 AM, which still surprises me because I was never a morning person! I focus on a mix of strength training, stretching, and EMS, rather than cardio. I also start my day with DIRTEA mushroom coffee and fast. 

 

I’ve also mastered efficiency—I can get ready in record time, something my husband is even surprised by, which helps me balance it all without feeling rushed. Things like preparing clothes the night before becoming a whizz with makeup.

 

Ultimately, I don’t chase the illusion of perfect balance—I focus on being fully present in whatever I’m doing at any given moment. That’s what allows me to thrive as a CEO, a mother, and an individual. And I often say….. I am doing the best I can!

My Non-Negotiable Wellness Ritual

My wellness routine is sacred—it keeps me energised, focused, and balanced. Every day, I start with DIRTEA Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane, paired with tremella and creatine to support my mind, body and skin.  It also takes me less than 30 seconds to make it. I swear by a good skincare routine and always place Celtic salt under my tongue in the morning to replenish minerals and drink water throughout the day (I don’t believe in electrolytes) 

 

Red light therapy is another non-negotiable—I do it for 15 minutes, five times a week, usually while checking emails or unwinding with a show at home. And to end the day on a calming note, I always have DIRTEA Cacao at night and magnesium—it’s my favourite way to wind down and reset for the next day.

Advice for Women Looking to Progress in Their Careers

Be bold. Be fearless. Be unapologetically you.

 

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that success comes to those who dare to step forward—who speak up, take risks, and refuse to let fear dictate their choices.

 

Find your voice and use it. If there’s a difficult conversation to be had, don’t shy away from it. Growth happens in discomfort. Whether it’s negotiating your salary, asking for a promotion, or standing up for what you believe in—your voice matters. I’ve seen so many women hesitate when it comes to discussing money, and I truly believe this stems from how we were raised. It’s time to change that narrative. Know your worth, own it, and never be afraid to ask for what you deserve.

 

Stay true to your values. Success isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about doing it on your own terms. Define what matters to you and let that guide your decisions. Ideally your career should align with your purpose, not just a pay check. This is something I am very grateful for and know this is not a given for all people.

 

Be kind to yourself. We are often our own toughest critics, but self-doubt serves no one. I made a promise to myself never to speak negatively about myself, and it has been one of the most empowering shifts in my mindset. Believe in yourself, and others will too.

 

Most importantly, don’t wait for permission. Step forward, take up space, and lead with confidence. The world needs more fearless women at the top—why shouldn’t that be you?

Who Inspires You?

There are so many incredible women who inspire me, and I feel truly fortunate to have them involved in our journey at DIRTEA.

 

Dr. Tara Swart – A renowned neuroscientist, medical doctor, and our very own DIRTEA Chief Science Officer. Her expertise in brain health and neuroplasticity is shaping the way we understand the mind-body connection.

 

Roxie Nafousi – A world-renowned self-development coach, inspirational speaker, and manifesting expert. As an investor and ambassador, she empowers people to unlock their full potential and create a life they love.

 

Marisa Peer – A visionary investor and transformational leader who helps individuals enhance their self-worth, break through limitations, and live a truly glorious life.

 

These women bring so much wisdom, passion, and purpose into everything they do, and I’m grateful to have them as part of this journey.

How has your mindset shifted in your approach to self care in the past few years

Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. In the past, I saw it as something extra, something to fit in when time allowed. Now, I understand that taking care of myself is what allows me to show up fully—for my family, my business, and myself.

 

Physically, my approach has evolved. I focus on building strength, prioritising protein, and reducing sugar—but without extremes. When I was younger, I used to cut out entire food groups for long periods, believing that discipline meant deprivation. Now, I believe in balance. Everything in moderation. If I want to enjoy a night out, indulge in great food, or have a drink, I do—without guilt. The key is always returning to my routine the next day.

 

I’ve also learned that self-care isn’t just about workouts or diet—it’s about consistency in the small things. If I miss a workout, I don’t punish myself; I just make sure I show up for the next one. I’ve embraced movement in everyday life—having a stand up desk, taking the stairs, going for walks, and spending time in nature, which is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress. This year in January I started doing 10 press ups every hour in the office. Now half the office does it with me. Quite funny when investors or visitors walk in!

 

Most importantly, I’ve learned to be kind to myself. Life is busy, unpredictable, and short. Instead of chasing perfection, I focus on progress, balance, and sustainability—because true self-care is about supporting yourself, not restricting yourself.

My Mushroom Routine: The Secret to My Best Self

Mushrooms have completely transformed me—making me more creative, more radiant, more calm, and ultimately, the happiest and best version of myself.

 

I start my day with DIRTEA Mushroom Coffee, always adding Tremella for that extra glow. In the afternoon, I love DIRTEA Matcha, which keeps me energised and focused without the crash. And at night, my non-negotiable ritual is DIRTEA Cacao—it’s my moment of calm, helping me unwind and reset.

 

With our new sachets, I can take my Super Blends anywhere. Whether I’m heading to a meeting, on a plane, or catching up with friends, I always have them with me—it’s my secret weapon for staying balanced and thriving on the go.

 

Mushrooms are no longer just part of my routine—they’re a must-have for my mind, body, and soul. I’ve become addicted to feeling this good, and going back to my old stressed-out self? Not an option. I am 48years old and I have never felt better!