In addition to the original owners—Jorge, Trevor, Kris, and John—we believe and consider Laura Brehm to have been one of the founders of Desert Pearl Mushrooms. While she had her own separate business, Laura’s Locals, she sold produce from various smaller growers around Tucson, helping get their food into the local food scene through Heirloom Farmers Markets and the Santa Cruz River Farmers Market (run by the Community Food Bank), as well as to a few of her restaurant and chef friends.

Laura had a strong influence on the mushrooms we chose to grow. Our roots were originally in aquaponics, producing fish and various greens. But it was Laura’s sales of our mushrooms at the local farmers markets that helped us realize how important it was to get our produce directly into the hands of consumers—not just to restaurants and grocers.

She was one of the sweetest and most considerate people we’ve had the pleasure to know. She inspired us to grow beyond our comfort zone. Because of Laura and Laura’s Locals, we were able to expand beyond the humble rooms of a backyard greenhouse, an open-air garage, and a few small bedrooms—eventually moving into a shared industrial warehouse space that we grew to fully occupy as our co-tenants moved into their own locations.

This wasn’t just a transactional relationship. It was a partnership of sweat, tears, and sometimes even a little bit of blood—from stubbed toes, jammed fingers, paper cuts, scrapes, and bruises as we built out our grow rooms at the old house and new warehouse, and as we "learned the ropes" of our little ship sailing into the stream of commerce.

She introduced us to countless friends and market family who contributed to our growth as a business—and as individuals. And when it was time for Laura to spread her wings and pursue new ventures, she left behind a lasting impression that can still be seen today.

Laura contributed so much to what Desert Pearl became—from the way we group-package products and even the packaging itself (like our friendly little quarter-pound paper bags), to the way we speak with others in the local food scene, and our continued presence at farmers markets.

When she looked ahead to a new career path, she made sure to take care of her loyal fan base and regular customers. She personally introduced us to the Heirloom Farmers Markets and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, ensuring we could take over her space. That may not sound like a big deal—but with a 6-to-9-month waitlist for new vendors, her vouching for us made a world of difference, enabling us to keep serving Tucson with fresh mushrooms.

Our produce is made-to-order, with all varieties taking at least 4 weeks, and up to 12 weeks, to grow. Thanks to Laura’s Locals and its reliable sales, we could count on recurring demand—which gave us the confidence to buy materials in bulk. The cost savings were crucial, but the upfront cash investment was no small thing for a budding business.

After she left the markets and entrusted us with her valued customers and friends, she continued to check in on us—stopping by the farm, saying hello at our booth, and even visiting after she moved away. The period when she worked with Heirloom Farmers Markets as a coordinator brought us full circle. She continued to help us, just like the good old days.

We wanted to share this little history with you because she will be missed.
Laura passed away on July 2, 2025.

What began as a whirlwind start to our farm family evolved into something steady—until it was suddenly cast into chaos, and then quiet again. Her family and friends traveled from far and wide to gather in Tucson for a series of beautiful memorials. We were fortunate to attend one on Friday night.

Although we only caught glimpses of her early years through photos and stories, it was a special honor to finally meet her mother and father, along with one of her brothers. All of them, gentle souls in their own right, made it clear that the love Laura showed the world was both her nature and the reflection of the family and community in which she was raised.

And after all of that, we still can’t seem to find the right words to express just how deeply she will be missed.

Laura, we wish you were here. But we know you’ll always be in our hearts—and forever in our memories.
​We love you 🤍🕊️🌄