Category

Interviews

Category
Interviews

Women Worldwide: Interview With Kelly Mulhall About Her Rise From Illness To Wellness, And The Launch Of The Natural Balance

What a pleasure is was to interview Kelly Mulhall about her wellness brand The Natural Balance. She not only gave us the motivation to believe that it is possible to overcome complex health issues through nutrition, but she positively enlightened us that this can be achieved with just small steps.

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, running your own business and learning how someone overcame their illness and turned it into wellness, then you should read on!

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand The Natural Balance…

It’s ironic really that I ended up launching a wellness brand because I was never very interested in healthy living and I was a ‘can’t cook, won’t cook’ type of person!

My health issues started in my late teens after picking up a travel bug during a student trip to SE Asia. What followed was over 10 years suffering with IBS and continually going back and forth to the doctors and having every possible test at the hospital to which they found nothing they could treat. The end result was that I was told to just “live with it”. I also suffered with outbreaks of acne when I came off the contraceptive pill and the only option was to go back on the pill or take long term antibiotics.

It took me until my 30’s to realise something needed to change and I decided to look into complementary therapies and functional medicine. I started to see a nutritionist and the results were so astounding that I knew I was finally onto something that could help me. I gradually cleaned up my diet by learning how to cook easy recipes. The more I learnt in the kitchen, the less I relied on ready meals, crisps and pastries. I’m by no means a top chef but by learning the basics of what to cook to stay healthy, with the guidance of a nutritionist, it completely transformed how I felt. Not only did my IBS and skin improve but so did my eczema, my energy levels, my memory and concentration and my fitness level. An extra added bonus was that I stopped getting sick all the time. I always used to have a sore throat, a cough or a cold and this is now a thing of the past!

This all coincided with me not enjoying my job at the time and looking for an alternative career path so I spent a few days researching different nutrition courses and within a week I had quit my job and enrolled at CNM (The College of Naturopathic Medicine) to begin 3 years of study to become a Naturopathic Nutritionist. And as they say, the rest is history…

It soon dawned on me that if I wanted to follow a path into wellness then working part time in events and marketing wouldn’t complement my new career goals, so I trained as a yoga teacher whilst studying. It was then that I launched The Natural Balance; ‘Natural’ – relating to the future naturopathy side of the business and ‘balance’- reflecting yoga.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

By far, the biggest challenge has been learning to run my own business. You spend a lot of time learning your technical skills from incredible teachers but most courses are generally light on how to implement and leverage the skills in a business sense.

I have learned that no-one can know your business better than you. Therefore, you must learn what works for your particular niche and how to grow your business. To help in this process I have spent a lot of time and money investing in courses, coaches, mentors and programmes to help me develop the additional skills to run a business and get where I am today.

The outlay has at times been a bit scary but it has been worth every penny as you simply cannot set up a business and hope clients will just arrive. You must continually follow the cycle of review, learn, adapt and execute in order to develop and grow the business. I think of it as believing in and investing in myself for the sake of the business.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Persistence, Belief and Learning

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of nutrition and holistic health and wellbeing?

I would say go for it! The future of health care will be patient-centred and have much more emphasis on disease prevention and treatment through diet and lifestyle. This will lead to much better job prospects for the whole industry.

The world is considerably more conscious about healthy eating and living these days and I cannot see the developed world stepping backwards with our outlook on health and wellbeing. Health is the new wealth and I imagine in the future that it will be the norm to see your nutritionist more often than your GP.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

I start the day trying to do something for myself such as a meditation, some stretching, a walk or perhaps a gym class. Even if I only manage 30 minutes of ‘me time’ I try to stay off my phone and tune in with how I feel that day before diving into work.

After a big breakfast (porridge is my go-to energy boosting morning meal!) and herbal tea, I start the workday by attacking emails, checking my socials and catching up with my incredible PA or team of other nutritionists.

I usually only see two to three clients per day so that I can stay focused and give them my undivided attention. Around 1pm I’ll have a long lunch break which includes a cooked meal (usually leftovers, which I encourage all of my clients to do!) and either a short walk, cycle or kick back and relax.

The afternoon will either be spent researching cases, seeing clients or reviewing business plans. I have learned by experience to never underestimate the time it can take to do business admin which includes prospecting, following up leads, newsletters, scheduling programmes, blogs and website SEO, managing ads or bookkeeping.

I try to keep a decent Work-Life balance by logging off by 6pm although sometimes I’ll tune in to workshops or webinars. I find these invaluable to further my knowledge in the field of nutrition and complementary medicine.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

I remind myself that ‘this too shall pass’. Sometimes it can be really tough going when you feel that there are not enough hours in the day but I have learned to prioritise and push projects back when there is too much going on. I also make sure I have lots in my social diary to look forward to. There is no point in working hard but not getting to enjoy the downtime right?!

What is your go-to quote when under pressure?

“High Pressure makes diamonds”. Running your own business is challenging and most start-ups do not have a battery of advisors to lean on, especially in the early days.

Usually it’s just you and your laptop taking on the world and you can put a lot of pressure on yourself to work all the hours possible to get your business off the ground. However, once you have done the initial hard work, things start to fall into place more easily and you can enjoy the fruits of your labour (or diamonds!).

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Truthfully, I have not leveraged social media enough as a regular source of leads and opportunities. Social media is its own beast and it requires so much time and money to make it work.

Therefore, I have tended to use my social platforms as a way for people to verify who and what The Natural Balance is and to research both me and my brand when they are considering working with me.

Historically, I have made my business grow through other avenues such as website SEO, paid advertising, PR and referrals. However, despite my initial reticence, social media is definitely a growth area for The Natural Balance and I am going to invest more time in it in the future.

In the video on your website you say that yoga got you into nutrition and holistic wellbeing, would you recommend yoga as a starting point for someone looking to start a healthier life journey?

For me it transpired that yoga was a starting point for my journey but I would not go as far as stating it is a necessity for other people. Any activity/hobby that relaxes you is key to a healthier life. I do recommend yoga (or pilates, walking or meditation) as a way for people to bring their body into their ‘rest and digest’ nervous system.

We spend so much of our lives in a stressed state (our fight or flight nervous system) that it can negatively impact our health. Stress is one of the major contributing factors in the clients’ symptoms that we see in our clinic.

So be warned that high intensity exercise can make symptoms worse when it comes to hormonal imbalance, IBS, poor sleep, anxiety or fatigue as you are putting more stress on the body, making it harder to recover.

How do you want your clients to feel after they have had their first consultation with you?

That there is hope! So many clients come to us as a last resort as they have tried every other medicine or intervention. There is almost nothing that healthy eating and living can’t help to improve. Sometimes all one needs is very small tweaks to the diet and you can see such huge improvements within a very short space of time.

I once had a client who was suffering from severe PMS, painful periods and fatigue. We literally just removed some of her usual snack items and encouraged her to eat bigger meals at lunch and within just one month, she was like a new person!

We want our clients to feel empowered to make the right choices to help them live longer, happier and healthier and by understanding the basics of a healthy balanced diet we help them to help themselves.

As part of your nutritional guidance is there one specific food or drink product that you advise everyone to eat/drink?

Water – a non-negotiable 2 litres per day. Our bodies are mostly made of water and when we are dehydrated it impacts every process in our body from digestion to influencing blood pressure, flushing out toxins and keeping our skin supple.

It is amazing how many clients have more energy and snack less in the afternoon when they are fully hydrated!

But always remember, caffeine acts like a diuretic in the body so increases water loss. You should always have a glass of water after tea, coffee or alcohol (and no more than two a day).

Our readers love to travel, have you ever been overseas on a health and wellbeing retreat that you would recommend?

I have actually just been to a 4 day silent meditation and yoga retreat in Mallorca which was incredible! The concept is that by removing all the superfluous noise from the world around us, you realise how much energy it drains from us and then we can learn to develop inner stillness and peace. I’ve never felt so relaxed in my life!

I’ve not been to one yet but going to a ‘Mad to Live Retreat’ is on my bucket list. It’s a women’s adventure retreat packed with outdoor activities. I love extreme sports, whether it’s skiing, surfing, mountain biking or hiking so I will be going on one of these in the near future!

What’s next for you and your brand?

I am hoping to expand my team of nutritional therapists to include more specialist areas of health. At the moment I have a great team who are highly trained in naturopathic nutrition and cover everything from gut disorders to womens’ health, hormonal imbalance, weight loss and metabolic disorders and more recently we have taken on a fertility and pregnancy specialist.

Further down the line I would like to be a one-stop shop for all wellness disciplines and incorporate more therapists for total mental and physical well-being. This could include physiotherapists, psychotherapists and massage therapists. Watch this space!

Where can people find out more about The Natural Balance?

We would love to connect with you so please get in touch via Instagram @thenaturalbalance_ or if you have a specific health concern you would like to discuss then book a Free 20 minute nutrition call with myself or one of the team at The Natural Balance.

by
Keep Reading
Accessories

Meet the duo behind enigmatic luxury bag brand Emotional World Vintage

Inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship yet with a decidedly modern aesthetic, Emotional World Vintage is undoubtedly the luxury bag brand of our dreams.

Founded by enigmatic duo Log and Liao and conceived to be a ‘cultural transmission’ of traditional craft cultures, Emotional World Vintage is a luxury bag brand brand that is so much more than just a passing trend.

Explaining the brand’s unique philosophy, A said: “Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.”

TeamCoco sits down with the fashionable trio to discuss Emotional World’s Eastern influences, its sustainable practices and also how fashion can be used to convey authentic meaning and culture in a world full of vapid excess.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background – what inspired you to start Emotional World?

Our common goal and original intention for the brand is cultural transmission.

Log: I live in Japan and have been deeply influenced by the lifestyle and attitude of the Japanese. Having spent a long time working the fashion and apparel industry, it has been my greatest wish to continue tradition of Japanese craft culture. I hope that through our Japanese-inspired craftsmanship and our natural and unique fabrics, we can preserve this traditional craft — whilst coming from a familiar aesthetic perspective that today’s luxury consumers would recognise.

Liao: I’ve always been deeply influenced by the heritage of European craftmanship and am inspired by traditional crafting techniques. I have a wealth of experience in the research and production of high-fashion products. I want to redefine familiar aesthetic elements through the lens of ‘remade craftsmanship’ and spread the charms of craft culture more widely. I have a lot of knowledge in bag production and to help preserve the environment, all Emotional World Vintage’s bags are made with only pure natural fabrics.

Where did the name Emotional World come from?

Quite simply, it conveys our wish for the world to be filled with emotions and vitality.

Why have you decided to launch a vintage luxury bag brand? What was the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far?

We have been exploring rare and unique fabrics and processes but didn’t want to be limited to any of them. We wanted to create a luxury bag brand that could be a cultural carrier that can simultaneously conform to modern aesthetics and offer more interesting designs and diverse products. We believe our brand vividly conveys the charm of craft culture.

Emotional World has a sustainable element too. Could you walk us through the production process of a bag in your line?

We source unwanted fabrics and bring them to our studio to be remade. We also use natural dye through an exclusive process that puts colour directly on the fabric. Afterwards, we invite craftspeople to transform the fabrics into bags with our high-quality accessories.

How would you describe the Emotional World aesthetic in three words?

‘Craftsmanship, nature and classic’ are the three words can express our luxury bag brand’s aesthetics.

Tell us about your Timeline Series – what makes this collection unique from other items in your range?

The Timeline series was inspired by Boro craftsmanship and represents the core of our Emotional World aesthetic, Boro craftsmanship is made through the Sashiko pure hand-stitch sewing process, wherein natural rags are woven and dyed through the natural dyeing processes, so that each Timeline series bag is presents a unique seam. From the texture to the fabric, each stitch embodies the human touch, reflecting the charm of traditional crafts and culture.

In your view – what sets Emotional World apart from other luxury bag brands today?

Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.

Our focus on combining both sustainability and traditional craftsmanship techniques is something we feel that other luxury bag brands these days forego. Other brands simply follow trends and cater to the market, whereas our goal is to be ourselves and to attract people who can appreciate our original style.

What’s next for you and Emotional World? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

We just launched a new collection that contains more than 100 styles. Everyone is welcome to check them out at our website at emotionalworldvintage.com and see the quality and craftsmanship of our bags for themselves!

WWW.EMOTIONALWORLDVINTAGE.COM

by
Keep Reading
Australia

A kitchen table idea that made its way from market stalls to Ocado and CO-OP shelves. Meet Evie, founder of Raw Bake Station and their #criminallygood snacks

Evie Waxman talks to us about her journey from being interested in healthy foods to actually producing and stocking the most delicious healthy, Free From cookies around today. She lets us question her every move; from how she launched to where she’s at, via how she got there.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Raw Bake Station…

I founded Raw Bake Station around 5 years ago, because I had a true passion for clean living and clean eating. I was unhappy with the amount of sugar, additives and preservatives that were in many snacks, and I wanted something healthy but tasty. I was traveling Australia and stumbled across veganism and raw foods, so I embarked on a few nutrition classes and vegan classes. All I could find back then were bland tasteless vegan foods, rubbish free from foods, and gluten free foods that were packed with sugar and lots of bad things. So, after lots of vegan coffee shop visits, and trying some delicious healthy free from foods in Australia I knew that this was what I wanted to do. So, I returned from the other side of the world with an idea to launch a clean label, free from, plant-based snack for everyone to enjoy. I wanted other people like myself to eat snacks that were healthy alternatives to what we were all used to. And, Raw Bake Station was born on the kitchen table at home back in Manchester. I started doing market stalls to now selling across the UK to stores like the Co-Op and Ocado, and over into Europe via export. All this was started from a personal passion I had for clean living.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

I would probably say that taking the leap from market stalls into the wider world of supermarkets and premium stores was the biggest challenge. I overcame this by simply having the balls to contact each buyer via LinkedIn, I found out their company address and drove to London blagging my way into their office and presenting my product. Someone was looking down on me that day, because the person I originally went to see at Planet Organic wasn’t in the office, so I met with a different buyer, and that’s how I got my first major retailer on board! I was brave, had guts, and was persistent.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

We are…
We can…
We will…

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of healthy sweet treats?

Starting a business is tough, so you have to be passionate about what you’re doing, because it’s passion that keeps your driving force moving through grey days. You also need to know your market, your retail customer (store where you stock your product), and your consumer. This will help you understand your brand identity and stop you from making wrong decisions when it comes to stocking your product in the right kinds of stores for the correct customer. Also, join start-up communities, and network with other people in the same industry. Reach out to them as they will be able to offer advice and it’s really good to have a strong network behind you.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

As we have now moved all our production to a factory my day focuses on strategy, sales and marketing. I have an amazing team of three, and we concentrate on PR and check that we’re hitting our targets. I used to be out and about at meetings all the time, but since Covid we have moved these to zoom, but I much prefer in person meetings!

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

Allowing yourself breathing space away from your business will help you rejuvenate and come back hitting harder. Always celebrate your small wins throughout your business too, because when you work for someone else they give you a pat on the back, but when you work for yourself you need to be that person who still gives you and your team a the pat on the back. Another positive is to look back at what you’ve achieved, you might not think it’s much, but looking back will make you realise how far you’ve come. Surround yourself with founders, and people on a similar journey to you, they can be hugely motivating. Lastly, listen to podcasts, they’ll keep you moving! I listen to many but recommend ‘How I Built This’, and ‘How To Fail’ by Elizabeth Day – both are brilliant podcasts.

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

To achieve, you must believe.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media has played a huge part in our success. It’s helped us grow a community and a following of fans, and it helps us stay close to our customers in understanding what they do and don’t like. Social media is a free marketing tool that helps when you don’t have thousands of pounds to spend with a marketing agency.

How do you want people to feel when they first eat one of your crookies?

Our Crookies are #CriminallyGood so I guess I want them to feel criminal! No, I guess orgasmic, ha ha ha, no I just want them to be enjoyed and taste how really really good they are! Wowed even.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which of your crookies would you pack in your hand luggage?

I would love to go to India for a month and South America for six months to travel around. I would have to take a full case of vanilla choc chip, because I’m going for six months right! I mean, I love all our flavours, but I am addicted to our vanilla choc chip.

What’s next for you and your brand?

We are bringing out new products and new listings in the near future, which is very exciting for us. We recently launched into Ocado, which has been a really big win, and we’re aiming for more retailers UK–wide and internationally. Keep your eyes peeled!

Where can people find out more about Raw Bake Station and where can they buy some of your crookies?

Check out our website Raw Bake Station where we offer a sample pack, one of each to have a cheeky try. You can also find us online at Ocado, Amazon, and Daylesford, and don’t forget our Instagram @rawbakestation

Today, we’re offering 15% off with code #HOUSEOFCOCO15 on our site for you!

by
Keep Reading
Australia

When Emma Harvey Slowed Her Pace of Life She Found an Entrepreneurial Drive within and Launched Emika Collective

We’ve been speaking to Emma Harvey of Emika Collective recently, she treated us to the inside info about her new business venture. Emma is one of those people that you want to be friends with because her drive and determination is infectious, and we think she’s capable of turning her small wellness brand into a world famous go-to brand for all things health and wellbeing.

You own an Australian health and wellness brand Emika Collective, tell us about your journey to launch your business…

I’ve always wanted to have my own business, somewhere where I had the freedom to create and work on my own terms.

I love working in a team, helping and encouraging people, and building a place where people want to come every day, so I knew this was the path I needed to take. Like many out there, the pandemic gave me the time I needed to slow down and really think about what I wanted to do with my time and future. Only money drove me to my job, and I had always lived under the impression that I was supposed to choose a career that would provide for my life rather than following my passion. I decided to feed my newfound entrepreneurial drive.. Weekends full of movies and late nights turned into study and blasting music, while driving to work turned into listening to inspirational podcasts and how to’s. Going down this road of personal development opened up a creative side that I never knew I had.

Throughout the years, I’ve suffered from gut issues and was always looking to advance my health and wellness. I undertook the journey of my research, working with a Health Coach and Personal trainers. I turned to protein powders and supplements to assist me with the transition to a plant-based diet. I honed my love of nutrition, wellness, fashion and lifestyle and after many years of searching for the perfect supplements, suddenly it sparked in me that there was a gap in the market for a gorgeous brand of supplements that would give you not only the nutritional benefits that you need but also one that looks good, so you don’t want to hide it away and forget about them!

I set out to create an all-natural, vegan, gluten free, dairy free with organic ingredients where possible that are sustainable, stylish, thoughtfully formulated and suitable for home and busy lifestyles. With my knowledge and experience, I started developing the formula. I then entrusted some of the finest experts in nutrition to expertly create our range that focuses not only on nutrition but also beauty, gut health and overall wellbeing.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?

One of our non-negotiables was to have our product manufactured in our home country – Australia. As a start-up business, it was very hard to find the perfect Australian based manufacturer that 1, had the capacity to allow for a new business and 2, was happy to accept a small Minimum Order Quantity. After months of communication and emails back and forth we finally found the right fit that aligned with our values of sustainable, all-natural, vegan supplements with an innovative design.

Emika Collective

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Empower, Connect, Inspire!

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of natural supplements?

Make sure to do your research and surround yourself with experts who want to help you strive to continually improve and formulate a truly innovative product.

Speaking of natural supplements, do you recommend taking one single supplement for overall health and wellbeing or would you suggest taking a number of supplements for different reasons?

It depends on your circumstances as everyone is unique and should speak with their health care professional. It is also so important to do your research on what the supplements can do for your body and the effects they might have. I think it’s really important to know why and how you can take supplements too. In particular, we want you to forget the misconception that only bodybuilders can have all-natural protein powder supplements. I would recommend looking for supplements that help you with more than one thing. For example, if you are someone like myself, who struggles with digestive issues you might like to look for an all-natural supplement that will give you not only the benefit of added “protein” but may also contain ingredients that assist with gut health and wellbeing too.

Personally, as someone who primarily follows a plant-based lifestyle combined with a busy schedule, I use a protein powder almost every day on top of my whole foods. I love to whip up a delicious morning smoothie – my go-to is banana, almond milk, protein powder and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Are there any specific supplements that you wish you had started taking in your teens or early twenties?

A probiotic with antioxidants. For a long time, I suffered from digestive health challenges, such as bloating, irritable bowel and skin conditions to name a few. Had I discovered this information sooner, I truly believe it would have helped my overall wellbeing. In this busy modern world we live in, there’s never been a more important time to look after our health and wellbeing, and a good place to start is looking at our gut health.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

Currently, I am still working my day job and starting Emika Collective, so it is quite the juggling act at the moment. During the week, I’m awake at 5 am to work on average an 11hr day. So on my way to and from work, I listen to podcasts, then after work, I go to the gym, work 1-2hrs on Emika Collective and repeat. I’ve recently dedicated one day on the weekend purely to Emika Collective. On these days before I start work, I like getting out in nature for a walk or training in the gym then enjoying breakfast with a morning coffee. Having this time for myself before starting work really sets my intentions for the day. Once I’m in the office, I always check my to-do list and prioritise important items for the day. I like to check socials, engage with my audience and community, communicate with manufacturers, research, create content, and so much more that is involved with being a new business owner. I like to end my day with a warm cup of tea and 5 minutes of stretching to wind down.

Emika Collective

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

I find a lot of my inspiration to stay positive by listening to podcasts – listening to other business owners who are also going through the same journey and what they have done to overcome hurdles and stay consistent. Or for a full reset, I’ll completely log off, get outside and go for a long walk to refresh my mind and remind myself Just keep going, no matter how hard or impossible it may seem right now!

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

It is so important to embrace what you have now, never forget who you are or where you came from because that’s how you got to where you are now and why you have this opportunity to build the life you want. Growth is uncomfortable, but that’s how we grow – “Get comfortable being uncomfortable”.

“Be thankful for what you have and fearless for what you want”

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media has played a huge role so far. In only 3 months here we are, having an interview with a beautiful magazine halfway around the world. You can reach so many beautiful people on social media, and I would never have imagined reaching other countries around the world so soon without it.

How do you want people to feel when they first take your supplements?

Their first taste will not be the last. We want you to feel the same love we do for our supplements. With our innovative formula that has been thoughtfully created we have achieved an outstanding first premium product to launch with. Being an all-natural supplement in such a competitive industry it can be extremely difficult, however with endless hard work, we are so proud of what we have achieved and can’t wait to get this out to the world!

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Of course, with COVID at the moment unfortunately I don’t see us jumping over to the Maldives anytime soon – however that’s definitely at the top of my bucket list. But for now, I’d love to head up to beautiful North Queensland and enjoy our beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs with a margarita or two.

What’s next for Emika Collective?

Right now we’re working towards launching our very first product – Emika’s Premium Plant Protein Powder available in Vanilla and Cocoa. We have so much instore for Emika Collective and there will definitely be more flavours, new products, guides and accessories. We’re always asking our community what they would like to see, so keep an eye on our socials and let us know what you want to see next!

Where can people find out about everything to do with Emika Collective?

You can find us through our socials for daily motivation, recipes and a supportive community.

Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube – @emikaco and Facebook – @emikacollective

Our website is to be revealed soon so sign up to be the first to know at www.emikacollective.com We can’t wait to see you join our community!

by
Keep Reading
Interviews

We Talk To 3RD ROCK Founder, Jessica Mor About All Things Ethical, Responsible, Innovative and Playful

Central St. Martins trained, innovative pattern cutter, clothing designer mastermind, mother, climber, yogi and 3RD ROCK founder, Jessica Mor.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand 3RD ROCK…

3RD ROCK’s journey started in 2009 while I was a pattern cutter for catwalk designers in the London fashion industry.

I was acutely aware of the destructive side of the fashion industry and quit when I was asked to cut an Arctic fox fur jacket. Being asked to create something from the fur of an endangered species was the final straw.

A month later I found myself on an African conservation project as a volunteer to clear my conscience. While in South Africa I met my now husband and he introduced me to rock climbing. I totally fell in love with it and noticed a big gap in the market for well-fitted, functional yet beautiful climb-wear.

I was inspired to create my own alternative clothing brand, focusing on made-to-move, ethically-produced garments that enhance performance and comfort.

Over the next two years, I designed and developed our first collection and launched 3RD ROCK to the world in July 2012. Since then the brand has grown and grown. We are now an established online brand with customers across the UK, Europe, USA and Japan.

And we’re now moving into everyday activewear. Yes, we make clothing that is tough, strong and flexible for climbers, and in climbing, clothes need to be durable but also the epitome of comfort – moving with the body in an extreme way. But I’ve now taken this level of tailoring and transferred it into clothes for whatever active lives people want to lead, whether it’s yoga, running or spin. I know if it works for climbers, it will work for anyone in their everyday lives.

I started 3RD ROCK because I needed to make clothing that is useful, that is worn to death, and that is respectful to the planet and its inhabitants.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

When I started the business I took off my kitchen door and used that as a ‘big’ work table in a small spare corner to create my clothes, but when the business started to grow beyond what I could manage alone, I realised that I needed a team and more space, things then got serious. The responsibility of having people working for you brings a lot of pressure financially and you have to make it work for their livelihoods as well as your own.

There were many ‘fires’ to be put out that would pop up all the time in the beginning, but I have learnt that forward planning and foreseeing problems in advance can help avoid big meltdowns and more stress.

Saying that, it’s child’s-play compared to balancing family and running a business – but I know I’m not the only woman out there juggling both, I’d say it’s important to laugh…a lot…and dance through it, which I do, round the office mostly, these days.

If you to were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

ETHICAL. RESPONSIBLE. INNOVATIVE… and PLAYFUL (can I have four? Please!)

Rock Climbing Clothing

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the lifestyle clothing sector?

Know your audience and what their needs are. In an area as specialist as climbing I need to understand how climbers wear my clothes, how they move in them and what pressures they put them under. The same principle goes for everyday wear.

Not being afraid to listen when things don’t work is another piece of advice I would give. Sometimes it’s easy to get defensive and believe you have the perfect idea but being open to other peoples’ suggestions means sometimes great changes happen – making a change where needed can transform a business.

And staying true to what you believe and what you want your business to stand for is really important. Tapping into your personal interests helps keep your passion alive – do something you love and the rest falls into place (most of the time).

Finally, stick to what you are good at in the business you are growing. It’s so easy to get into a rut of doing everything yourself but delegate to survive. Find the right people to work with – they’ll do it faster and better. Stick to your forte.

Business and Brand Development

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

Well first thing I get sat on in bed by two small kids and a cat, then I rush around to get breakfasts made, lunches packed, forest kit sorted for the little one and stains out of school ties. Then I leave the house with just enough time to make the school gate before it’s closing!

I eat my breakfast at work while checking my emails and getting organised for the day. Then I spend my mornings exploring and creating new clothing patterns, developing garments and working with our production manager to finalise samples with factories, doing fittings in the office and testing our new development lines.

A lot of what I do focuses on how we make product advancements and improve our processes. I’m always on the lookout for new styles and trends as well as improvements to 3RD ROCK’s sustainable credentials, so research is a big part of my job as well as talking to our network of suppliers and partners.

Then in the afternoon I’m in the Studio – I’m sewing, fitting the garments I’ve made, amending the patterns, re-cutting and sewing until the fit and movement of the garments work perfectly. I make a lot of working samples that we can give to climbers to test for us and feedback on their experience with them.

In between all of that we have a lot of fun as a team. Breaks are important – they’ll hate me for saying this but I do like to get the team up to have a little dance. I’m obsessed with dance music; Cola by CamelPhat is my fave tune!

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

Climbing. It’s such a wonderful form of escapism and freedom. If I’m battling a problem, or a design just won’t quite work, I can head out and just clear my head. Just working my way up a long sports climb route, where all you focus on are the moves you make, is like therapy for my head and I feel like a new person when I come down. I suppose there is an element of mindfulness to it as you have to live in the moment and other pressures melt away.

Lifestyle and Yoga Clothing

I love yoga and hanging with the family too….and I mentioned the dancing!

Also, our office and studio is in an Old Mill set in the most beautiful grounds, called the River Gardens – which happen to have enormous swan pedalos on it at the moment, so occasionally we go out as a team and race up the river on those. If we aren’t feeling as lively we can always escape out there and take a minute to walk around and reset.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

“Come on Jessie, you can do it”

Gives me throw backs to my South African tennis coach when I was ten but it still rings true now!

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media plays a huge role – it’s the way business is going now, especially for small, independent businesses like ours. It’s how you connect with people – provide them with news, shop and connect.

We find that Instagram is particularly good at allowing us to show the personality of the brand and also gives our ambassadors opportunity to talk to us and inspire other people with their experiences and climbing stories.

How do you want people to feel when they first see and try on a 3RD ROCK item of clothing?

Empowered, confident, comfortable, with a clear conscience and ready for action.
I want them to fall in love with the garments and never want to take them off.

Our clothes are made well – in every sense – so people buy, consciously knowing they’ve made a good choice for them and the planet.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which of your clothing line would you take with you?

Wow, that is a good question – there are so many places I’d love to go! I think it would be between Israel and Thailand. We have a lot of friends and family in Israel and with the lockdowns and travel restrictions we haven’t been able to see them for so long. It will be a very special trip when we can get back there.

But then Ton Sai, Thailand is where my husband and I forged the idea for 3RD ROCK, while on a climbing trip (it’s a climbers paradise) – the rest as they say is history. Go there, it’s stunning!

As for what I would take with me, I’d need a decent sized rucksack, and in it I’d pack a pair of Buttress denim shorts, our new tough Matilda leggings to protect against the ‘tufas’ (stalactites) which you need to get very physical with. I’d also take my Equinox bra and Tide bikini set, as I could wear those for deep water soloing and lazing on the beach afterwards.

Can I go there now please?

Buttress Denim Shorts (L) and Equinox Bra with Tide Bikini Set (R)

What’s next for you and your brand?

The brand is moving forward fast. As I mentioned before we are diversifying into more yoga and activewear with our AW lines and Summer 22 collection. We are also exploring collaborations with other artists for a limited edition print collective called WILD I.

Our collaboration with vintage, nostalgic designer Julie Nixon of Craftevan launched this summer – it’s a capsule collection that’ll see you channeling those nostalgic vibes.

Craftevan Tee (L), Craftevan Shorts (C) and Venny Tee (R)

The pieces are inspired by childhood memories like camping in the woods, road trips and most of all adventures in classic cars. Julie’s beautiful hand drawn designs explore 60s flower power and a love for retro adventure in fabric. I’ve brought our signature made-to-move cut to the table and created the clothes in soft-as-butter, organic cotton and sustainable fabrics, so it really is something special.

We hope to do more of this in 2022.

Also, in the lead up to Christmas we have very exciting new denim styles launching, which are poised to be the most ethical jeans out there. They’re black and feature our special 3RD ROCK 4-way stretch EcoMorph Denim that even has recycled elastane too this season. The women’s style is a skinny high rise called Marple and the men’s is called Mercury – our signature style cut finally made in denim. Hoorah!

Marple Jeans for women (L), Mercury Jeans for men (R)

Where can people find out more about 3RD ROCK?

Everything is on the website www.3rdrockclothing.co.uk. Or you can follow us on social media: @3rdrocking (i) / @3RDROCK (t) / @3RDROCKCLOTHING (f) Check out Team Coco’s Top Picks below….

TeamCoco Top Picks

by
Keep Reading
Benin

From Racism to Crystal Healing with Amy Anastassia of Astro Stassia

This interview is such a powerful story. Amy Anastassia changed the trajectory of her life by cultivating something she was passionate about. Amy turned her passion into a business, and she has never looked back. We delve deep into the background of Amy’s life before finding out about her meaningful brand.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Astro Stassia…

I moved out of London at 18 to pursue a degree in Southampton and was met with a major culture shock experiencing racism on a more intense level than I had ever experienced before. I was the only black person on my degree course and the only black person in several work places where I experienced and witnessed racial abuse and bullying.

It became clear to me very quickly while I was experiencing this trauma that this would be my experience in all workplaces as a dark skinned black woman because unfortunately we do not live in a post racial world.

I come from a family of black people who have had to simply put up with workplace racism in order to have a secure financial future and I decided to end this generational curse by empowering myself to create a business and practice self preservation through pursuing my lifetime passion and study in crystal healing and occultism.

I grew up in a Jamaican household where I would hear the adults around me speaking seriously about subjects like Obeah, dream decoding and witchcraft which was my first introduction into the spiritual world, by time I was in high school I was obsessed with studying crystals and astrology! The esoteric world of crystal healing has been an inspiring, mind opening and cathartic space for me during my trauma and I wanted to share that healing energy with likeminded people by launching Astro Stassia.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

“Trust in yourself” – An important part to self esteem and self confidence means trusting yourself, you won’t go far in business if you don’t trust yourself or your decisions.

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of crystals?

Follow the crystals you are drawn to not what is popular, your experiences with crystals are unique to you and what works for some people won’t work for others. Curating your crystal collection is a deeply personal experience, there is a reason and relationship with every crystal piece you own, the crystals you own each have a purpose to be with you at this moment. Do your own research on crystals you are drawn to and record your experiences with them.

Astro Stassia Crystals

Business can be an upward struggle at times, how do you stay positive?

I honestly don’t stay positive. I find it healthier for me to acknowledge the ebbs and flows in my life and take breaks as needed. I reject the idea that I have to stay in positivity because it is unsustainable due to life’s uncontrollable nuances and leads to burnout.

I am still in the early days of growing Astro Stassia and can easily fall into overworking so it is important for me to remind myself it is ok to take time to reach my business goals in order to acknowledge the importance of recharging my spiritual and mental energy. This mindset allows me to enjoy the process of building my business and be kind to myself even through the hard times. In my mind I’m playing the long game for long-term success because success means not only money to me but also happiness and peace.

Do you have a go to quote when lacking motivation?

“Mek it happen”

Coral L (my Mum)

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Astro Stassia is truly built off our social media community. Social media has meant that I could build a successful online business while experiencing low confidence and struggles that would have held me back if I had to have a physical presence in a shop.

The crystal community on social media has been so kind and integral in supporting the growth of Astro Stassia, it was through our social media that landed us our first magazine feature with British Vogue and now this interview with House of Coco. Social media really has been the nucleus of Astro Stassia’s opportunities so far!

Do you have a favourite crystal, and what do you use it for?

My favourite crystal of all time is Optical Calcite aka Icelandic Spar, this is one of the first crystals I researched when I launched Astro Stassia, it is a crystal with a rich history of use reaching back to the Vikings and it quickly became one of my bestsellers. Opitical Calcite is great for optimism and success and I can honestly say that has been my experience with this crystal.

How do you want people to feel when they first purchase a crystal from you?

I am Libra rising which astrologically means I live a Venusian life and I want my customers to have a truly magical Venusian experience when purchasing crystals from me, each package is actually rose scented with the crystals individually wrapped in our pink eco friendly bubble wrap. I carefully consider each step in the journey of our customers, from first seeing the image of their desired crystal on my website to receiving the package and unwrapping their new crystal! Happy customers fulfil me!

Astro Stassia Crystals

If someone were to ask you for a crystal to help with his or her general wellbeing, what would you suggest?

Girasol Quartz, it gets its name from the Italian word “Girasol” which means “sunflower” or “turn to the sun” which beautifully represents how this stone brings light in it’s owners life. It has a similar appearance to Clear Quartz however it has a milky glow throughout the crystal that intensifies as light touches it.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which crystal would you take with you?

Benin, West Africa is top of my bucket list! I apparently have strong ancestral roots in Benin and it is the birthplace of Voodoo so I feel a special draw to this country! I would definitely bring Black Tourmaline and Hematoid Quartz along with me to keep myself grounded and protected in such a spiritual destination.

What’s next for you and your brand?

Astro Stassia in 2022 will be expanding our inventory and adding exciting new product lines outside of crystals! Inshallah continuing more growth and success year on year!

Where can people find out more about Astro Stassia?

Visit our website: Astrostassia.com and follow us on Instagram @astrostassia, Twitter @astrostassia, and Facebook to keep up to date with us!

by
Keep Reading
Indonesia

The Interview About Therapeutic Candles with Asahela of Rosebuds Aroma

We interviewed Asahela of Rosebuds Aroma about her stunning candles recently, and she shared her story of how she got into candle making and where her love of affirmations came from. Read on to find out more.

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Rosebuds Aroma…

It was back in the spring of 2019 when I had experienced an awful trauma that would change the tredrectory of my life forever. I was at the peak of my career as a Lactation Consultant when I suffered a mental breakdown due to an assault, forcing me to be signed off sick from my full-time job. It was then that I began my soul surgery journey, making candles with poems and affirmations to help me on my road to recovery. I used essential oils as my fragrance base as I realised they helped improve my moods and settle my racing mind.

We hear on the grapevine that your daughter helps with Rosebuds Aroma, what does she do to help?

Shamaya helps with all aspects of the business, from making candles and wax melts to packing orders ready for shipping. There is not a single product in our range that has not been approved by this little madam. The greatest thing about working with Shamaya is that she was 11 when we started and now at the age of 13 she has a fully functioning business. She’s talented and unstoppable, and with all she is learning her future is destined to be bright.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

To be completely transparent, my biggest challenge was keeping the business going during the Covid-19 pandemic. We had launched less than 6 months before the first lockdown and I was back working fulltime as a frontline worker for the NHS during the peak of the lockdown.

Understandably this had a huge impact in sales, Shamaya and I often questioned if we were on the right path with Rosebuds Aroma. We overcame this challenge by remaining hopeful and positive. Regardless of whatever happened with Rosebuds Aroma, we are fortunate to be here. The world tragically lost so many people and, in some way, or another this pandemic has affected us all. There is something far more powerful about overcoming all we have over the past 18 months. All we needed to do is keep showing up and we had already won.

Rosebuds Aroma

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Relax. Refresh. Release

What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of candle production?

Candle manufacturing is a multi billion-pound market and it can be easy to feel intimidated by the bigger brands. But don’t. You are your own brand, if you intend to handmake your products like we do, then you already have an advantage.

Better to fail then to have never tried.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

It usually begins with me waking up my children ready for school, between the time of waking up and getting ready I will have checked my online stores for any orders we have received overnight and gathered up packaged orders for me to post after the school run. By lunchtime, I’m usually back home preparing the next orders ready for shipping and/or restocking. After I’ve picked up the kids from school Shamaya then takes over with the labelling of the products I have made during the day and packs them all away for curing. Once the kids have gone to bed around 7:30pm, I then spend an hour or so on my social media platforms responding to messages and posting content.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

I write poetry and affirmations. A large selection of my candles with the poems and prayers are written by me for me. Once I started showcasing my work, it was fascinating to see I was not alone and that we can all do with a pick me up.

Do you have a go to quote when lacking motivation?

“Every day I wake up is a day that I still have purpose in this world”

I heard a motivational speaker once say that the “richest place on earth is a graveyard because it’s filled with hopes, dreams and ideas that had never been actioned for one reason or another” If I’m lucky enough to still be here then everyday there is something more for me to achieve and a chance to make a difference.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media has been amazing. We’ve been lucky to work with a few different influencers who helped raise brand awareness, but who also love and believe in our products.

You also produce wax melts at Rosebuds Aromas, do you find that wax melts are the latest home décor must have or are people still only interested in candles?

I have found that wax melts are more of the latest décor for home fragrances, but I equally feel that those who are into mindfulness and self-love (which happens to be a large part of my customer base) prefer candles with purpose.

Rosebuds Aroma

How do you want people to feel when they first light one of your candles?

As mentioned previously, originally Rosebuds Aroma was created with the sole purpose of helping me on my recovery. Therefore, it is based on the 5 grounding techniques.

1. Things you can see
2. Things you can feel
3. Things you can hear
4. Things you can smell
5. Things you can taste

Candles are therapeutic and we have achieved four out of the 5 grounding techniques with our candles. By seeing the flame glow and dance a shadow on your wall, to smelling the sweet base notes of lavender essential oils and hearing the soft crackle from the flame. And if you’ve purchased a crystal candle you can remove the crystal and feel the stone.

I want people to feel grounded and our candles can most certainly help with that.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and would you ever take a candle with you on your travels?

My dream is to go to Bali, and as soon as it is possible that is first trip on my list. I would absolutely take a few candles on my travels, its important I stay grounded and motivated wherever I go. Also the thought of being in such a picturesque location with my candle light flickering behind me whilst sipping on mojito’s watching the sun go down, is my definition of a holiday.

What’s next for you and your brand?

The dream is to have Rosebuds Aroma in Highstreet stores around the UK. We also hope to expand our fragrance range with different essential oil blends to create even more purposeful products.

Where can people find out more about Rosebuds Aroma?

You can find out more about us at www.rosebudsaroma.co.uk If you’d like to see us manufacturing our products you can find us on both Facebook and Instagram at @RosebudsAroma

by
Keep Reading
Interviews

Women Worldwide: We Chat To Karine Ponce Fediay in Mexico About Her Jewelry Bag Brand, Lunar Method

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Lunar Method…

Lunar Method was born from an idea that came in the early days of the pandemic. After pivoting from the political world, to tech, to consulting in a span of a few years, I reached my late 20s extremely burnt out. My then boyfriend, now husband, and I decided to move to Mexico City in February 2020 to experience a fun adventure living aboard and in March 2020 the pandemic hit. We had just moved our lives and our entire San Francisco apartment to Mexico, so we decided to stay put. Without many options to explore or meet new people, the pandemic gave me time to step back and rest. Within weeks of being home I felt a rejuvenated sense of self and purpose and willing to finally create something good in the world. One day I went about cleaning the apartment when I stumbled upon a box of tangled jewelry. I spent hours untangling necklaces and pulling out earrings that I loved and had forgotten about. That’s when I realized this is likely a common problem for many women, and I asked myself “how could this be solved in a practical way…and be made beautiful and ethical? Does a product like this exist?” That’s when I got busy researching the possibilities of solutions to this problem. I created an LLC and started making the first draft designs of the bag shortly thereafter.

Where did the name Lunar Method come from?

The moon is a powerful force in our lives as women, as humans. It has a way of subtly guiding us, creating a cycle or rhythm we can count on. I wanted to incorporate the moon in our brand name because the moon represents the core principles of who we are: we are feminine, we want to be a guiding light for women who are ready to shop ethically, and we want to create a new cycle of sustainable living that’s luxurious and attainable. The word ‘method’ represents the step-by-step formula to live this life. When you support Lunar Method, you’re choosing a life that goes beyond a beautiful product. We are creating a culture around ethical luxury that can translate into other aspects of life.

We love that you use cactus leather to make your jewelry organizers, why did you choose cactus as your material of choice?

Thank you! We absolutely love using cactus leather as well. In the very early days of Lunar Method, I thought our only options were recycled leather or PU (polyurethane). We didn’t know better and had our first prototypes created in China, we were told that PU was the only available option if we wanted to create a vegan product. I refused to accept that, even though it was far cheaper to use PU than recycled leather, I was determined to create a company that didn’t use either. Our core values are based on ethical, sustainable, and luxury products and PU and recycled leather just don’t match that standard. I dove into reading blogs, Reddit threads, forums, and researched until I finally ran across three different “alternative leathers” manufacturers. Two from Italy, one made from apples, and one made from grapes, and one in Mexico made from cactus.

I ordered samples of all three, the cactus leather felt the most luxurious to me. Since we were based in Mexico City and cactus leather was being created in Mexico, it also made the most sense for us to use cactus leather for shipping purposes as well. The proximity allowed us to ramp up more quickly then if we had to wait to order rolls of vegan leather from Europe.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Our biggest challenge to date has been to find a manufacturer that was willing and able to work with vegan cactus leather. Since I had ZERO experiencing with sourcing and using a manufacturer, I fell into the trap of trusting the wrong people, luckily no money was lost, but we ended up losing three months of time, which set our launch date further than we originally wanted. A colleague and friend of mine, who is from Mexico City, helped me source a vegan leather manufacturer in the city. That small factory of artisans has been our manufacturer for the past year, but as we think about scaling, we are now in the next phase of growth. We have started looking for a manufacturer that can take on bigger orders. The manufacturing has definitely been our biggest challenge and will continue to be because it’s also important to us that our manufacturer have ethical labor practices and use sustainably sourced material.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Lunar Method – Elevated Vegan Luxury

What advice would you offer someone interested in designing jewelry bags?

Always look to solve a problem for your client. Ask yourself, “what would make their lives easier/better?”

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

The beauty and chaos of entrepreneurship is that days are rarely exactly the same. Some days consist of running around the city finding new trimmings for the bag to give to the manufacturer, while other days are spent mostly in front of the computer. The “average” days are usually a combination of both.

Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

The best advice I can give to stay positive when you run your own business is to surround yourself with other entrepreneurs, who have gone or are going through similar situations. This makes it so much easier to get through the tough times when you have a community of people who are going through the same struggles and striving towards the same goals.

Do you have a go to quote when lacking motivation?

To be honest, not really. However when I lack motivation, I remind myself why I started, to never work for someone else again, so failure is never an option.

Does social media play a role in the success of your brand?

Absolutely! Social media is an incredible way to connect directly with our customers. We are able to talk to them, ask them questions, and engage as a brand at a very personal level, because they know it’s a human at the other end of the message or comment. It’s an amazing tool brands have, I feel very lucky to have social media as a resource.

How do you want people to feel when they first see your designs?

I want them to immediately think, “oh I didn’t know I needed that”. I want Lunar Method to be the luxury product you didn’t know you needed but extremely glad to have. I want Lunar Method to always first and foremost solve a problem for our customers, while also being an ethical and sustainable brand that fits seamlessly in our customers lives, even for customers that don’t consider themselves vegan or knowledgeable about other sustainable products.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which of your jewelry organizers would you take with you?

Great question! Japan and Portugal are highest on my list. We have a trip planned to Portugal for our honeymoon in May next year. Since these are two very different places, it requires very different jewelry. I would take the green Lunar bag to Japan and the red one to Portugal, for maximum jewelry organization.

What’s next for you and your brand?

We are so excited to launch our Solstice everyday bag and our universal backpack, that can be used for bigger trips or for running city errands. We want to continue working with artisans across Mexico and hope to form new partnerships in 2022 with other amazing brands.

Where can people find out more about Lunar Method?

You can follow us on Instagram at @lunarmethodshop or on our website at lunarmethod.com

by
Keep Reading
Interviews

We Interview Tracy Tredoux About Changing Careers From Law To Nutritional Therapy, And How She Can Help You Understand Your Body Better

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your nutritional therapy brand Tracy Tredoux…

Coming from a family of lawyers, my first career was as a solicitor. However, after being married for only a few years, my husband became sick with viral meningitis. He recovered but went on to struggle with numerous chronic health conditions. I started to do a lot of my own research into how I could help support his health with good nutrition and through this became aware of the increasing evidence which shows that personalised nutrition and dietary and lifestyle recommendations can enhance a person’s health and wellbeing.

I developed a desire to study in more depth the extent to which poor nutrition choices can lead to a myriad of health conditions and so enrolled on the 4-year Nutritional Therapy course offered by the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, where I was so overwhelmed and empowered by the amazing ability the body has to heal, given the right tools, that I wanted to empower others to take charge of their own health. This led me to launching my brand, Tracy Tredoux Nutritional Therapy, and to continue studying functional medicine with The Institute for Functional Medicine, in the USA.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in business and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge when I started was how, as a sole practitioner, I was going to attract a client base, something I never had to concern myself with as a partner at a law firm. I decided to focus on creating a website that would reflect my values and be a valuable, free resource for people who want to take care of their nutrition but don’t have time to enrol in formal study. It’s very easy to get caught up in ‘churning and burning,’ – attracting people to your website and social media sites with great visuals but losing them quickly due to lack of content. Almost all my clients come from my website which I update regularly, aiming for relevance, credibility, and authority, thereby creating trust. I work closely with one designer on my website and make sure I update it regularly with up-to-date videos, articles and recipes that empower others to become more involved in their own healthcare.

If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?

Educate, inspire, motivate.

What advice would you offer someone interested in getting into nutritional therapy?

At the outset it is important to understand the difference between a nutritional therapist (NT) and a nutritionist. To become an accredited NT involves a lot more than an online or weekend course. It is a profession requiring a recognised course or degree, taking a huge commitment of time and dedication. When choosing a course, it is also important to check it is recognised by The British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT.org.uk) which is the professional body for Registered NTs.

As with most degrees, you have all the theory at your fingertips by the time of graduation, but the practical experience starts with your clients. This involves learning ‘on the job,’ and mistakes will be made. Due to the more personalised approach of nutritional therapy, what works for one may not work for another. It takes time to build up a set of skills and confidence, gained from experience.

The clients a NT attracts are generally more complicated than simple weight loss issues. Clients often present with multiple symptoms, allergies, fatigue, various diagnosed ‘syndromes’ (such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome etc), complicated medical histories and various behavioural problems around food. It may be necessary to liaise with other healthcare professionals or, in the beginning, a mentor to ask advice.

Nutritional therapy is evidence based so keeping up to date with the changes is necessary. This involves joining networks and associations for nutritional professionals, listening to webinars, and attending lectures, seminars, and various learning events, as well as reading scientific studies.

Coaching skills are an integral part of being a NT. Telling clients what to eat is one thing, but helping them let go of lifelong habits, favourite foods, and behavioural patterns associated with when and why they eat often requires ongoing support. Understanding the importance of inspiring, motivating and supporting clients towards a healthier place prompted me to become a Zest4 Life coach from the outset.

Nutritional Therapy is not a lucrative business for most. I can never earn as a NT the kind of money I was earning as a lawyer. However, like many NTs, this profession has given me a great sense of purpose and is a profession one chooses because one loves doing it. There is an incredible feeling of satisfaction when clients, caught in an ongoing cycle of ‘trial and error,’ and years of debilitating symptoms, report feeling better for the first time in a long time simply by making certain changes to their diet and lifestyles, supported by supplements where necessary. The pandemic of 2020 has highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making this profession more recognised than ever and an exciting and dynamic place to be working and learning.

Talk us through an average business day in your life…

There is no average business day in my life. Apart from consulting with clients, I write articles for a variety of health magazines and websites, run online programmes, carry out research for various educational webinars, give health presentations (live and online) and I am constantly updating my website. In addition, I am currently furthering my studies with The Institute for Functional Medicine and attending other educational courses. As a result, no two days are the same. Both my daughters are at university and my time is very much my own. Some weeks I am running an online programme, others I am consulting more, others I can be researching and writing articles and client reports and others can be dedicated to studying and attending courses. It is for this reason that I love what I am doing. It is varied, challenging, exciting and extremely rewarding.

Being a solopreneur can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?

By nature, I am, and have always been, a very positive person. It is not so much what life throws at us that matters, but how we deal with it. I am a big believer in the extent to which we create our own realities. I believe in daily reflection – what went well and what did not go so well. What to take forward and what to leave behind. I look at challenges and struggles as opportunities to grow, evolve, and move forward; a time to focus on fortitude, growing, learning, and evolving as much as possible through life’s inevitable trials. I practice gratitude each day and believe that positive thoughts attract positive energy and events.

What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?

“Progress, not perfection.” Again, for me positivity and motivation go hand in hand. When you have a more positive outlook on life it makes you feel more motivated to keep going, and to do better. Focusing on the progress that one is making in a business, no matter how big or small, is extremely motivating. However, if one is seeking perfection, this can have exactly the opposite effect, especially for those who have unrealistic expectations of themselves and others.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

At least 90% of my client base comes from my website (and then word of mouth), which people find via organic Google searches. Keeping website material fresh and relevant is the best way to stay visible when people are searching for a Nutritional Therapist. I post on Facebook and Instagram regularly but not daily. However, I always direct people to my website, and I get a steady stream of clients from my website.

How do you want people to feel when they first speak to you about their nutritional therapy needs?

Hopeful and motivated. Many of the people who contact me have had numerous debilitating symptoms, often lasting years. They have been through the cycle of ‘trial and error,’ and tell me nothing has helped. They often feel very low and despondent. I want people to understand their symptoms are not normal. Many have suffered for so long that they believe their symptoms are part and parcel of who they are. I want them to understand that symptoms are not the problem, they are the result of the problem.

I want people to understand how amazing the body is designed to feel and that there is a lot that can be done to improve their symptoms. We begin by identifying and addressing certain ‘stressors’ (poor food choices, bacteria, fungi, parasites, physical, mental, emotional stress, food intolerances etc.) and nutritional deficiencies that are contributing to their symptoms. Once people understand that there are protocols that can help improve their quality of life, they become more hopeful and motivated to engage in a committed relationship of diet and lifestyle that supports the body’s innate ability to heal.

Our readers love to travel, is there anywhere in the world you would recommend to visit for a nutritionally therapeutic and holistic holiday?

As a South African, my obvious answer is Cape Town. Having travelled the world extensively, I remain of the opinion that the Cape is truly one of the most beautiful destinations and should be on every traveller’s bucket list. In addition, due to its coastal location, it boasts an incredible array of healthy seafood cuisine. Many of the wine estates also offer from farm to plate, organically grown foods making healthy, delicious, and nutritious meal choices so much easier. With its majestic mountains and stretches of white, sandy beaches, Cape Town offers perfect opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, swimming and generally engaging in a variety of outdoor activities. The beautiful sunshine for most of the year also ensures a great dose of the all-important vitamin D, needed to support our immune systems throughout the dark cold winters of the northern hemisphere.

What’s next for you and your brand?

Retreats. At the beginning of 2020 I was already working on a retreat on a farm in the Alentejo region in Portugal which was cancelled due to lockdowns. Due to the pandemic, retreats have become even more popular as people now appreciate the importance of health. The retreats we are currently planning are for May 2022 and October 2022 in Portugal and will be combining exercise, (such as cycling, swimming, walking), nutrition consultations, health talks and personal programmes to leave with, meditation and mindfulness, yoga, and more unique experiences that we are working on. The details will be on my website at the beginning of 2022.

Where can people find out more about Tracy Tredoux Nutritional Therapy?

My website, tracytredoux.com

by
Keep Reading
Accessories

Stubble & Co’s Ben Watkiss on creating the perfect Adventure Bag

“The problem was the perfect bag was elusive,” says Stubble & Co Co-Founder Ben Watkiss as he looks back on the pivotal moment that led to the creation of, what we consider to be the sturdiest and most versatile bag brand in the market today. “I just couldn’t find one bag that would do it all and those I did find either broke pretty quickly or came with an eye-watering price tag.”

Following an idyllic three-week adventure in the Philippines, Ben set out to create a range of highly-functional bags that people would never stop using, no matter where the destination and two years later, Stubble & Co was born.

Stubble & Co’s design-led approach and dedication to excellent customer experience and true sustainability means that every product was designed to suit the needs of every kind of traveller. “We believe our products are exceptional and our promises are bold, but we still do everything we can to over deliver on them and put the customer first in every single decision,” Ben says. Having sampled a Stubble & Co Roll Top Backpack myself, I can confidently say, that while Ben’s promises may indeed be bold, he certainly delivers on them too.

We sit down with Ben and talk about what makes Stubble & Co’s bags just so much better than other fast-fashion options in the market today, how a change in mindset helped him navigate the troubles of COVID-19 and what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in his own terms.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Stubble and Co

Before founding the brand, I spent 10 years travelling almost every week for work. In and out of airports, on planes, trains and buses, and went through a bunch of bags doing so. The problem was the perfect bag was elusive, I just couldn’t find one bag that would do it all and those I did find either broke quickly or came with an eye-watering price tag. That seemed crazy but it also gave me an idea, one that happened while exploring the Philippines.

It was three idyllic weeks in paradise. No office jobs to think about and no hectic London life, just a chance to really think about the future and how to make the leap into bags. The vision was to create a range of bags that people would never stop using, wherever the destination. Bags that could go anywhere and do anything because they had been designed to last.

Then in March of 2017, after two years of researching, prototyping and planning, we sold our first Stubble & Co bags.

I love the tagline ‘The Only Bag You’ll Ever Need’. In your opinion what sets Stubble & Co apart from other bag brands today? What have been the biggest milestones so far?

Our design-first approach and the fact we put quality at the very centre of everything we do. Materials, techniques, layouts, features and every little detail in between. We focus on it all so that we’re left with a product of exceptional quality and, one that we sell at the most affordable price possible.

The other key focus is the customer experience. We want to exceed every expectation from the moment someone discovers our brand, all the way through, so that we’re still part of their experience years after they’ve purchased one of our products.

We believe our products are exceptional and our promises are bold, but we still do everything we can to over deliver on them and put the customer first in every single decision. That’s the most important factor in our entire brand and we’ve now sold bags to over 25,000 customers.

Stubble & Co is all about blending functionality and performance with a strong sustainable and ethical ethos. Could you tell us more about your sustainable practices?

We’ve got a long way to go before we’re perfect, but we’re constantly looking for ways to make our entire process more sustainable. That’s always been our mission. First and foremost, we want to produce bags that make every journey easier, but if we don’t look after our planet and environment at the same time, we’re not doing all we can as a business. That’s why we’ve made sustainability an inherent part of our vision, working hard on every aspect to become more sustainable than we were yesterday.

To do this, we’ve made sure our bag designs are timeless over ‘fast-fashion’ and we’ve begun launching even more products made from recycled-plastics. We also offer an in-house repair service, offset our transportation carbon footprint, work out of a carbon negative warehouse and make sure all our packaging is 100% recyclable.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

As you can probably imagine, 2020 was a pretty big challenge. Our whole ethos has been to make bags that are built for travel, whether that’s a commute to work, a road trip into the wilderness, a weekend away and every other type of journey, all of which were grounded at the start of 2020.

So we flipped our mindset and changed our attitude. Rather than worrying about how many bags we were selling in the short term, we doubled down on creating inspirational and educational content that would help people get ready for when travel was possible again. We also looked deeper into the changing market and found ways to develop even more essential products, like our Roll Top backpack. Agile, versatile, functional, sustainable, we wanted to design a bag that would let our customers explore the world on their doorsteps by foot and by bike.

Do you have a favourite piece in the Stubble & Co line? If so – why?

We’re proud of every product we’ve ever designed, but the Adventure Bag has to be our favourite. It’s the Swiss Army knife of bags. The kind of bag the 10 year old adventurer in us would have designed in a treehouse, while imagining we were explorers going from sea level streets to snow-capped peaks. That was the passion that fuelled the Adventure Bag.

Made from seriously robust recycled materials, this 42L bag combines the utility of a holdall with the functionality of our most practical backpack. But it wasn’t until we read the first customer reviews that we realised just how special this design was. On one hand it is tough, durable and enhanced with 8 purpose-built compartments so that every journey is made easier and on the other it is exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, with nothing rigid within the bag, so that it can be packed to the limits of any airline. It’s the ultimate sidekick.

Stubble & Co has a decidedly streamlined range – how do you go about designing a Stubble & Co bag?

First of all, we sit down and think about the sort of problems we want to solve with each bag and then we brief our epic designer — who has worked with some of the best known bag brands out there — to come up with exciting new ways to make the little details exceptional.

After that, we put out surveys and talk to our customers because they know our bags better than anyone. That’s how we are constantly able to improve. Every single product we have brought out has featured an improvement, whether that’s something big and obvious or small and essential.

What’s next for you and Stubble & Co? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline

Hopefully a lot more travel and everyday adventures. We started Stubble & Co to solve a problem we were struggling with, so we’d love to get back to living the brand day in day out, getting out into the wilderness, testing our products and finding even cooler ways to improve them. And while we envisage always having a small permanent collection of bags, we want to keep finding ways to stretch what’s possible in every perspective: the materials we use, the features we offer and the ways in which we build each bag. There’s only one way to do that: get out there and test them in the wild.

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

The first step is always the hardest part… and the scariest, especially at the beginning. You suddenly realise how much effort and time is actually required as you start working hours that are far, far longer than you ever imagined, with numerous sacrifices dotted along the way. All the late-nights, stressful moments, nervy decisions, everything. When you start seeing your product worn by strangers on the street, everything just becomes worth it and you’re left feeling incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. So, hang in there, because if you’ve got passion and a love for what you’re building, you’ll make a success of it and that’s worth all the hardships.

WWW.STUBBLEANDCO.COM

by
Keep Reading