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Get to know us
Founder, Owner and Operator, Payne’s fascination with mushrooms started in the woods and quickly took root in his backyard. With encouragement from friends who shared his passion, he dove headfirst into cultivation—learning through trial, error, and a whole lot of late nights. Four years ago, he turned that passion into a business, transforming a humble backyard setup into a full-fledged growing sanctuary.
With Bria by his side and a growing reputation for quality and care, Payne made the leap to a warehouse space just a year ago. But this journey hasn’t been his alone. As the business blossomed, so did the team. His mom, Elizabeth, caught the mushroom fever and joined the mission with heart and hustle. Longtime friends and family brought their hands-on grit to the mix during crucial times, helping shape a small but mighty operation that’s proudly local, sustainable, and built with love.
We believe in the power of community and the magic of collaboration. We’re proud to work alongside other small businesses, support local markets, and bring responsibly grown gourmet mushrooms—and now value-added products—to tables across the Pacific Northwest.
We’re expanding, evolving, and always learning. Whether you’re family, a longtime customer or just discovering us, thank you for being part of our journey. We love what we do, and we’re so glad to share it with you.
Buy local. Support small. Grow together.
Our mission
At The Pacific Spore, we cultivate premium, sustainably grown mushrooms and craft innovative products that celebrate the Pacific Northwest. Through collaboration with chefs, grocers, and community markets, we bring fresh flavors, evidence-based wellness, and approachable education to our customers. Our mission is to grow with integrity—balancing operational excellence, food safety, and creative branding—while fostering meaningful connections that support small businesses and enrich local communities.
Our vision
To inspire a thriving local food ecosystem where gourmet mushrooms connect people to nature, nourish communities, and spark creativity in kitchens and beyond.
Our team
At The Pacific Spore, our strength grows from diversity and passion. Our team blends expertise across cultivation, design, and community building to bring gourmet mushrooms to life in creative ways. Each member contributes a unique skill set—from operations and outreach to innovation and artistry—forming a collective dedicated to quality, sustainability, and connection. Together, we cultivate more than mushrooms; we cultivate community.
Payne Taylor
Founder / Owner / Operations
Payne is the Mushroom Maestro, Logistics Legend, and Chief Chaos Coordinator who built The Pacific Spore from spore to storefront. He’s the one making sure mushrooms actually grow, orders actually arrive, and the whole operation doesn’t collapse into a puffball cloud of confusion.
Bria Perkel
Marketing & Social Media Manager (Soon to pretty much own half of what Payne owns anyway)
Bria is the Content Conjurer, Hashtag Hero, and Mushroom Muse (Payne's boss) who makes The Pacific Spore look like the hottest trend since avocado toast. She spins photos, captions, and reels into digital magic, turning humble fungi into social media celebrities with the timing of a comedian and the eye of an art director.
Elizabeth Box
Project & Administrative Manager / Co-Owner