How Lucid Came to Life: A Chat with the Founder on the Functional Mushrooms
Curious about Lucid's products? Wonder no more. They are 100% vegan-friendly, but that's just the beginning. Hang with us as we catch up with Csilla, the brains and heart behind Lucid, for a chat that's all about good vibes and even better snacks!
We're not just talking about any old snacks here. Csilla's spilling the beans on the real magic behind Lucid's goodies: reishi and lion's mane mushrooms.
We love the name! Why did you choose the name 'Lucid'?
Csilla: This story is quite funny. Initially, we launched under the name 'Vibe,' but encountered trademark issues pretty quickly. Naming the brand turned out to be more challenging than expected – we explored various options until one day, 'Lucid' emerged, and everything fell into place. 'Lucid' signifies 'clarity of mind,' perfectly encapsulating the essence of our products. It strikes a balance between conveying purpose and maintaining a touch of magic. In our opinion, it's absolutely perfect. 😀
Can you share more about your personal journey and the inspiration behind founding Lucid?
Csilla: Before my journey as an entrepreneur, I worked in the fashion industry. Having studied fashion, I was eager to step into the magical world I had imagined for so long—until reality proved less enchanting than my dreams. The experience was far more stressful and demanding than I had anticipated.
Fast forward to 2020 when I was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid. It was then that I truly felt the impact stress had on my life. Despite receiving conventional treatment for my condition, I continued to battle brain fog, anxiety, and fatigue. This struggle led me to discover mushrooms. Once I incorporated them into my diet, they transformed my life. I was amazed that there weren’t more products showcasing these beautiful ingredients.
So I left my job and went on this journey to build a brand that creates snacks (and products 😉) that served more of a purpose than simply being absolutely delicious.
Alright, folks are curious - is Lucid totally vegan-friendly?
Csilla: 100% Vegan Baby!!
For folks new to the world of functional mushrooms, why are reishi and lion's mane a great choice?
Csilla: What a great question, and I love talking about the benefits of these two heroes, so I'm happy you asked. Reishi is considered an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stressors and promote overall resilience. It has also been associated with improving sleep and reducing insomnia, which is really key when trying to manage your stress levels. Reishi also has a calming effect on the nervous system, so it’s really helpful in managing anxiety.
Lion's Mane is often associated with cognitive benefits, including improved memory, focus, and overall brain function. Some research suggests that it may stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that plays a role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells. Personally, it really helped me clear brain fog in the morning and lift my mood.
These mushrooms have loads of other benefits too, but what really got me started were the ones that tackle my daily struggles. I'm sure these benefits are what will make people grab our bars!
What are some of the magic moments that Lucid products are designed to enhance in people's lives?
Csilla: Magic moments come in lots of different forms, whether it's the stroke of a brush on canvas, the euphoric moments at a music festival, or the tender routine of taking your children to school. These moments in life, brimming with potential and beauty, are where Lucid bars shine the brightest. Designed to alleviate stress and boost energy naturally, Lucid bars are more than a snack; they're a companion for life's day- to-day. They bring balance when things are a little too fast and harmony when they’re just right. Lucid bars go hand in hand with these moments, regardless of whether you're creating a masterpiece or cherishing the simple joys of family.
Apart from the rockstar duo of reishi and lion's mane, what other awesome ingredients can we find inside your bars?
Csilla: We have some amazing adaptogens in our bars too. The first one is Maca; it can have mood-balancing properties and may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Personally I feel it helps me with my overall well-being. And a little bonus benefit of Maca is that it has a reputation as a natural aphrodisiac and is often associated with increased libido and improved sexual function in both men and women. 😉 We’ve got 1500mg of this golden root in our re-vitalise me bar. The second adaptogen we’ve used is called Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is well known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body better manage stress and it may also help people improve their quality of sleep. Personally it really helped me with reducing my stress levels and how anxious I felt – a real hero for those stressful situations!
If Lucid had a theme song, what would it be, and why do you think it captures the essence of your products?
Csilla: Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys. This classic embodies the very core of what Lucid stands for – feeling good and spreading positive energy. Just like the song’s beautiful harmonies and upbeat tempo lifts your mood, Lucid products are created to elevate your daily experiences, infusing moments with joy and positivity.
If you could hang out with any famous figure, and share a Lucid snack bar, who would it be, and why?
Csilla: No-brainer: Paul Stamets. As an iconic figure within the mushroom community, his pioneering work and profound knowledge has sparked some of the most remarkable breakthroughs in mycology. His passion for the fungal kingdom and its potential to revolutionise health, sustainability, and the environment aligns seamlessly with Lucid's vision of tapping into nature's gifts to enhance our lives. Sharing a Lucid snack bar with him would not only be an honour but an exciting opportunity to chat about exciting new developments in our community. It's more than admiration; it's a shared commitment to nature's brilliance.
You've created a vibrant community with 'social shroomers.' What's the most creative way you've seen your community members incorporate Lucid snacks into their social gatherings?
Csilla: We have recently been attending some amazing music events and our community have been snacking on our bars to fuel themselves on the dance floor. There is something so magical about coming together and sharing these memories.
At Chill we are all about reducing stress and finding balance. How do YOU Chill?
Csilla: As you might have noticed by now I am a big believer in well-being, and chilling is a big part of that. After a long day I really enjoy sitting down on the sofa with my two cats for a nice cuddle and a fennel tea, or if I'm feeling extra bouji I might have a mushroom hot chocolate to wind down. In the summertime I really enjoy going for a long walk in the countryside - I find the nature really helps!
What an enlightening chat with Csilla! Lucid isn't just a delicious functional bar; it embodies the vision of a CEO advocating for magical moments, holistic wealth, and authenticity in their ingredients. It's a brand radiating positive vibes and encouraging us to slow down, savor, and relish the moments that truly matter. Here's to Lucid—more than just a bar, it's a vibe!