Six Years of Rainbo: A Journey Rooted in Reverence

As Rainbo approaches its 6th revolution around the sun, we sat down with our founder, Tonya, to reflect on the journey so far — the seeds planted, the lessons learned, and the magic still unfolding.

What year was Rainbo born? Where were you in life at this time?

Rainbo was incorporated on 11/11 in 2018 and officially launched in May 2019. At the time, I was deeply immersed in my healing practice, working one-on-one with clients, coaching, teaching, hosting events, and leading retreats as a Holistic Nutritionist.

Was there a specific moment that planted the seed for Rainbo?

Many moments planted the seed for Rainbo! I fell in love with mushrooms in 2014 and began foraging in the forests around me. In 2016, I began a therapeutic dose of Reishi for eight weeks that dramatically shifted my health and healed my body. I started weaving mushrooms into my daily life and client protocols. A pivotal moment came when I discovered Terence McKenna — his words and books expanded my mind to the vast intelligence of fungi. In April 2018, during a solo psilocybin journey, I asked the mushroom spirits for their blessing to create what would eventually become Rainbo.

What was your original vision for Rainbo? Has it evolved as you envisioned it? Surpassed expectation?

My original vision was to make Rainbo a household name and to help people heal through the power of mushrooms. I’m so proud of where we are today — and at the same time, I know we’re just getting started. There’s still so much more to grow, build, and become.

What was the very first Rainbo product?

11:11! I ran a pilot study with friends and family, testing different blends, and 11:11 was the resounding choice blend.

What are three words you would use to describe the first year of Rainbo?

Synchronicity, ease and flow.

What was your setup like in the early days?

It was grassroots and full of heart! At first, I was shipping orders out of my apartment in Toronto, and later, Holly was shipping from her parents’ garage. I was experimenting in the kitchen, bottling products by hand with my dad, and foraging whenever I could. People would come pick up their orders from my apartment in Toronto — I met so many cool people this way!

Any unexpected early wins or funny mishaps you remember from Rainbo’s beginnings?

On launch day, I was actually standing in a goat pen in Montreal when I made the website go live - a very fittingly wild and free beginning. Early on, Free People and Erewhon found us, which felt like a beautiful sign from the universe that we were on the right path.

Looking back, what are you most proud of from Rainbo’s journey so far?

So many things! I'm deeply proud of...

Staying true to the original vision while allowing it to grow, evolve, and deepen over time.
Building something heart-led - rooted in nature, purpose, and a reverence for the intelligence of the Earth.
Hearing the stories of transformation, healing, and ritual that Rainbo products have sparked in people's lives.
Growing a brand with integrity in an emerging category — honouring sourcing, education, and our core values every step of the way.
Introducing functional mushrooms to a broader audience in a way that feels beautiful, accessible, and elevated.
Gathering a team of humans who wholeheartedly believe in the mission and bring it to life every day.
Watching 11:11, which started as a small seed of an idea, blossom into a beloved cult product!

If you could tell your 2019 self one thing about the future of Rainbo, what would it be?

Thanks for starting this :)
Trust your vision, it’s going to unfold in beautiful and unexpected ways
The mushrooms will guide you!
You’re going to hear stories from customers that will make you cry (in the best way)
YOU’RE ON DIVINE TIME