Midnight Disco Fungi is a family-owned and operated mushroom farm based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, founded by Justin Smurawa and Mereya Blanco. Our journey began in a Logan Square basement in Chicago, where Justin discovered his passion for growing gourmet mushrooms. Our roots in Chicago run deep, where we were actively engaged in BIPOC-led, youth-centered organizations focused on restorative justice practices as alternatives to the traditional criminal justice system.

Justin, who is of Polish descent, taps into his ancestral love for mushrooms—a tradition deeply embedded in his heritage. Mereya, who is Mexican-Indigenous from what is now known as New Mexico and Northern Chihuahua, draws inspiration from her grandmother’s teachings about healing plants, a knowledge passed down through generations. This cultural heritage enriches our approach to mushroom cultivation and the holistic benefits we seek to share.

In 2021, we relocated to New Mexico to be closer to Mereya’s family and to deepen our love for the land, family, and the kinships we've formed here. New Mexico's vibrant culture and natural beauty continually inspire us in our work and our mission.

At Midnight Disco Fungi, our goal is to cultivate beautiful and nutritious gourmet mushrooms for restaurants and increase accessibility for the community. We believe in the power of mushrooms to heal both our bodies and the environment. Our mission is to combine accessible mushroom cultivation, whole-body health, education, community, and social justice.

Our work is also deeply influenced by the teachings of Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. This framework, rooted in the miracles of nature, decentralized collective leadership, and transformation at every level, guides us in creating sustainable and creative ways to build joyful resilience.