MEET THE TEAM

Meet the Founder and Team Behind MÙSH DNA
MÙSH DNA was born from a simple yet profound belief:
that nourishment can be beautiful, intelligent, and deeply connected to nature.
At the heart of this vision is Liga Zemture —a woman known for her refined eye, quiet strength, and intuitive ability to elevate the everyday into something truly meaningful. With a background shaped by fashion, storytelling, and creative direction, Liga brings an artist’s sensitivity to everything she touches. As the Editor-in-Chief of a fashion magazine, she has spent years living a fast-paced, high-impact life—traveling constantly, attending global events, and experiencing the full spectrum of beauty and pressure that comes with it. She knows what it means to seek balance in intensity, and how essential it is to nurture wellbeing amidst movement.
MÙSH DNA is a reflection of her values: purity, purpose, and poetic precision. It is not just a functional food—it is a sensorial experience designed to nourish the body and honor the ritual of self-care.
Liga has always been deeply interested in preventive wellbeing—continually searching for the cleanest, most effective ways to support vitality and balance. Working closely with nutritionists and wellness professionals, she dreamed of creating something that not only improves inner wellness but also delivers a gourmet experience that elevates everyday life.
That dream became MÙSH DNA, and it would not have taken form without the partnership of her husband, Ugis Zemturis. Ugis is the founder of IMPERIA ORGANIC, the pioneering company behind MÙSH DNA, and a leader with a rare fusion of global business acumen and visionary sustainability thinking. With more than 25 years of experience in international banking, fintech, and corporate strategy across eight countries, Ugis brings clarity, precision, and bold structure to every innovation. A graduate of INSEAD and a former advisor to global leaders in collaboration with firms like McKinsey & Company, BCG, and Bain, he has successfully led large-scale transformation and digitalization efforts in some of Europe’s most respected institutions.
At IMPERIA ORGANIC, Uģis has reimagined circularity at its most sophisticated—leading projects that fuse biopharmacy, biotechnology, and biodegradable innovation. His strategic leadership has made it possible for MÙSH DNA to be more than a product: it is the beginning of a larger ecosystem where science, beauty, and regenerative purpose meet.
Together, Līga and Uģis form a union of artistry and science, emotion and logic, nourishment and structure. Their shared vision has transformed a cup of cacao into something far greater: a movement rooted in elegance, efficacy, and care.
Alongside them is a close-knit team of scientists, researchers, visionaries, and wellness seekers, united by a common desire to create with intention. From our unique 1871 residence nestled in a centuries-old European park, we cultivate our own Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms, collaborate with academic institutions, and craft every detail—from ingredient sourcing to packaging—with transparency and care.
To ensure our product is not only beautiful and clean but also backed by real science, MÙSH DNA is developed in close collaboration with scientists from the University of Latvia—including Dr. Maris Klavins, a leading expert in environmental chemistry and bioactive compounds; Dr. Kristine Saleniece, specializing in biotechnology and nutritional research; and Dr. Jorens Kviesis, known for his work in microbiology and functional food development. The University of Latvia is recognized among the world's top universities. These highly cost-effective, intensely focused research collaborations have also been supported by the Latvia Investment and Development Agency (LIAA). Together with our scientific partners, we developed advanced methods to maximize the concentration of bioactive compounds in our mushrooms and created the most delicate and effective techniques to preserve and deliver these valuable compounds in the final product, allowing us to innovate responsibly while upholding academic and ethical integrity.
We are dreamers and detail-lovers. Scientists and sensorialists. We believe in clean formulations, timeless design, and the power of origin—because we believe true wellbeing is not only functional, but beautiful.
"Welcome to our world.
We’re honored to be part of yours."
-Liga and Ugis Zemturi
IMPERIA ORGANIC: The Root of Innovation and the Mother of MÙSH DNA
At the heart of the MÙSH DNA experience lies a deeper origin story—one that begins with IMPERIA ORGANIC, the visionary company that not only gave birth to MÙSH DNA, but continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sustainable wellness, biopharmacy, and material science.
Founded on the principles of circularity, innovation, and scientific integrity, IMPERIA ORGANIC was created to redefine how we engage with nature—not just as consumers, but as co-creators of a regenerative future. While MÙSH DNA represents its flagship achievement in functional nutrition, the company is now expanding its vision across multiple cutting-edge fields.
From Wellness to Biopharmacy
IMPERIA ORGANIC is taking the next leap by developing novel biopharmaceutical applications based on the rich biochemical potential of Pleurotus eryngii. Working hand-in-hand with top scientists, including researchers from the University of Latvia, the company is exploring how mushroom-derived compounds can support everything from immune resilience to advanced cellular health. These initiatives reflect the belief that the future of medicine lies not in synthetic shortcuts, but in the intelligent, bioactive resources nature already provides.
Biodegradable Bio-Composites: A Circular Breakthrough
One of the most visionary projects underway at IMPERIA ORGANIC is the development of biodegradable bio-composite materials. These sustainable materials are derived from the very substrate used to grow our mushrooms. Once the mushrooms have been harvested, the remaining biomass is transformed into a new form—a durable, biodegradable material that can replace plastic in a wide range of applications.
This process is not only an embodiment of circular economy ideals—it is the pinnacle of regenerative design. It proves that what nourishes us today can become what protects our planet tomorrow.
The MYCELIUM Experience: A Culinary Expression of Science and Art
In the beautifully restored 1871 neoclassical landmark that houses our mushroom laboratory and cultivation facility, IMPERIA ORGANIC has created an experience like no other: MYCELIUM, an immersive fine dining event hosted in the grand hall of our mushroom residence.
Here, guests are invited to journey through a nine-course tasting menu, composed entirely from Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms and paired with exceptional wines curated by none other than Raimonds Tomsons, ranked the No.1 wine sommelier in the world. The event blends gastronomy, architecture, and scientific storytelling into one unforgettable evening—a celebration of how deeply flavor and function can intertwine.
A Future Rooted in Wisdom and Vision
IMPERIA ORGANIC is not just a company—it is a movement. One that believes the health of people and the planet are inseparable. From functional cacao to futuristic biomaterials, from microbiome research to Michelin-level experiences, the company stands at the intersection of science, sustainability, and soul.
As the mother of MÙSH DNA, IMPERIA ORGANIC continues to cultivate not just mushrooms, but meaning—and in doing so, is shaping a future where innovation grows from the roots of reverence.
SCIENTISTS
Dr. Maris Klavins
Prof., Doctor Habilitatus in Chemistry, University of Latvia
“In our collaboration, the scientific research focused on understanding the molecular complexity of Pleurotus eryngii mushroom and determining how to preserve and concentrate its most valuable bioactive compounds. We studied the chemical structure of polysaccharides, phenolics, and naturally occurring antioxidants, and developed extraction strategies that optimize both purity and potency. The goal was not only to verify the presence of these compounds—but to ensure their full potential is captured and retained in the final formulation.”
Dr. Jorens Kviesis
Doctor of Chemistry, University of Latvia
"My role centered around the development of technologies aimed at maximizing the preservation and bioavailability of key bioactive compounds—such as ergothioneine, β-glucans, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds—naturally present in Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster mushroom). These compounds are known for their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and potential neuroprotective properties.
The project involved a systematic investigation into how various post-harvest processing parameters—particularly thermal treatments, dehydration techniques (including freeze-drying, convective drying, and vacuum drying), and mechanical disruption—affect the structural integrity and bioactivity of these compounds. We employed techniques such as ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to monitor compound stability and molecular interactions throughout the processing stages.
A significant focus was placed on preserving the native conformation of β-glucans and minimizing the oxidative degradation of ergothioneine, which is thermolabile. Our findings led to the optimization of a low-temperature, multi-stage dehydration protocol that preserves cell wall structure and minimizes nutrient loss. Additionally, we implemented microencapsulation techniques for certain extracts to further protect sensitive compounds and enhance their gastrointestinal bioaccessibility.
The result is an integrated processing system that balances efficiency with compound integrity, enabling P. eryngii to retain its functional potential from cultivation through to its application in nutraceuticals, functional foods, or dietary supplements."
Dr. Kristine Saleniece
Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Latvia
“My research focused on the physiological effects of Pleurotus eryngii, a mushroom renowned for its unique bioactive components that confer significant health benefits to humans. This species is particularly rich in vitamin D2, beta-glucans, and essential amino acids. The synergistic interactions among these bioactive constituents contribute to the modulation of immune function and the promotion of gut microbiome health. The complex biochemical profile of Pleurotus eryngii underscores its potential as a functional food in supporting overall physiological well-being.”
MÙSH DNA: For the Woman Who Leads, Creates, and Nurtures.
A moment of balance in every part of your day.
Morning clarity. Midday balance. Evening restoration.