Fitness - House Of Coco Magazine

Beauty March 4, 2019

Girl Boss: Talking Serial Entrepreneurship with Lucie Marchelot Shukla of Straight Teeth Direct

For some of us starting our own business is not on the agenda, for others, it’s in our blood. We sat down with Lucie Marchelot Shukla, a master of reinvention and serial entrepreneur to discover the story behind her newest enterprise, Straight Teeth Direct™…

HOC: Great to meet you, Lucie! Can you tell us about your journey to creating Straight Teeth Direct™ ? I see you have started businesses before, would love to know about your ‘serial entrepreneur’ journey….

Lucie: Yes! I have changed my career and industry quite a few times. I studied Law and then moved to London to study Art History at Christie’s. I worked for a leading auction house for a short while and very quickly realised that it wasn’t for me ; the corporate environment or the industry. In truth, I didn’t feel challenged enough.

I realised that I needed to do something else; entrepreneurship had always been my end goal and I thought why not now, after 1 year of working and training! I started my first business, completely alone. It was called the Indian Art Centre and it was an online gallery selling Indian antiques. I did everything from building my website, doing my PR, my own social media. I really enjoyed working on the business growth. But it wasn’t an exciting enough business or growth potential in that industry for a 25 year old. You also don’t feel like you are helping anyone; it’s not transformative and I didn’t feel fulfilled.

So that’s when I decided to join my husband and business partner at his private dental clinic in London. I was managing sales, marketing and operations; I really enjoyed this and helped grow the business; we doubled and sold it in 2016 and had discovered the cheapest way to straighten teeth! Because we had created a strong system to grow sales and attract the right kind of patient – adults looking to get straight teeth, quickly, without much inconvenience and without a super high price tag – we could support other dental practices to do the same. We created a marketing agency to help other dentists grow their businesses and help more people get straight teeth with online training courses, events and done for you systems. It worked really well but again, it was more like a lifestyle business; you couldn’t really scale it. We were looking for something with a global potential and we found that with Straight Teeth Direct™ !

So it’s been about transitioning from a lifestyle business to a high growth business; with a product, not just a service. Our business combines manufacturing, logistics and the digital platform ; it’s much broader and scalable than my previous businesses. Since we launched to the public in S/S 2017 we have had users from over 43 countries!

HOC: Who is Straight Teeth Direct for?

Lucie: Our solution is for busy professional who love to have everything delivered to them! The majority of our users are female at the moment but more and men are joining us. A lot of our users are people that haven’t been wearing their retainers and want to get their ideal smiles back.

Others travel a lot and might start treatment in one country and then need to move. They like our solution as it’s convenient and there’s no interruption in their treatment, or additional cost. At the end of the day, we attract people looking for a confidence and self-esteem boost through looking and feeling good.

HOC: Why did you create Straight Teeth Direct?

Lucie: As you saw in our first question; I love a challenge! I am ambitious and have big plans for my future. Straight Teeth Direct™ business model allows us to really transform an industry which is rewarding on both a personal entrepreneurial journey level and also more widely; we can reach and help so many more people to feel their best.

Being in the industry with our previous businesses, we saw there were clear problems to be solved and that’s what we’re here to do.

We saw the need coming for our service through our work in the industry; we would have many enquiries that wouldn’t get resolved ; in the end, to get treatment at a small practice is still quite expensive. From the other side, we knew Dentists wanted to work less and earn more and our solutions works with them in a smart way with a digital layer, not against them ; so Straight Teeth Direct™ helps both sides!

HOC: What was your very first job (when you were 15/16), can you see any relation to what you are doing now?

Lucie: If I really think back to when I was 15,16 ; I was helping out at my Dad’s business; a pharmacy. I was taking it super seriously and that’s something that really stuck with me! I always really care about what I do, whatever I’m doing. I also worked in a shoe shop in Greece when I did my Erasmus; I’ll always give it my 100%!

My Dad has always been my role model, in terms of entrepreneurship. He always inspired me to be my own boss. He was one of the first in his region to use robots to deliver medication to the counters! He always wanted to stay ahead of the game and inspired me to be a risk taker.

I have two siblings and we are all entrepreneurs- it’s the mindset we’ve picked up from our Dad. He really educated us to not take things for granted; you’ve got to work hard!

HOC: If you weren’t doing this, what could have career plan B looked like?

Lucie: It would have to be as an entrepreneur as I would never see myself working for someone! It’s in my blood!

I guess, if it had to be something absolutely different to having and growing a business I would say being a professional dancer.

HOC: I see on your LinkedIn that “being called a “female” entrepreneur can irritate you”, can you tell us more about this?

Lucie: I’m happy that we’re discussing this! In truth; I could talk about this for hours! This point around being a ‘Girl Boss’ or ‘Female Entrepreneur’ is not black or white and there are lots of different viewpoints; I certainly don’t want to upset anyone but I worry that always speaking about gender is limiting.

My thinking is that I don’t like labels or putting myself into a box that could restrict me in any way. We don’t have such a thing as dadpreneur so I don’t see why women should be constantly referred to as female entrepreneur or mumpreneur . Personally, I’ve never felt strongly about belonging to female groups or having female only mentors; my Dad was my role model and I have equally been inspired by strong independent women.

I feel that it’s dangerous to restrict yourself and limit your mindset. You could think ‘because I’m a female…’, you see everything through the eye of a female. Yes, I get sexist comments at work but I want to be recognised for my talents and achievements but not because ‘you’re female and we feel sorry for you, so we’re going to give you an award.’

It’s a delicate topic and we have to do things and raise awareness. Of course, in Europe we are privileged whereas in other parts of the world things are much much worse for women.

In Europe, I don’t see being female as a weakness, it’s a strength. When we have meetings with investors, and I’m in a room with 10 men and I’m the only woman, that empowers me.

HOC: What are your ambitions for your brand this year?

Lucie: So much is happening! We are doing a tube campaign and launching in major department stores across Europe this quarter. I’m so excited to see the response from our new retail model and keep experimenting with new channels. The goal is for our brand to be recognised as a leading e-commerce / leader in the aligner space in Europe by the end of the year…

HOC: How do you keep your energy and motivation up?

Lucie: Energy wise I used to go to the gym but with all the traveling and unexpected schedule it’s impossible to stick to sessions. So I try to stick to a few things:

I am instead trying to keep my anxiety levels down with regular massages. I also eat super healthy; I’m all about an organic meat-free lifestyle.
I also start my day, every day, with a small simple breathing and movement routine.

I am giving everything to this business at the moment and I know it is for a short number of years. Unlike with a lifestyle business, you know a high growth phase is not going to last forever, so that keeps me motivated! My immediate motivation is to see our customer satisfaction and positive feedback about their transformation and experience using our platform!

HOC: Your business marries technology and great customer service, what tech is exciting you at the moment outside of your product?

Lucie: I like tech that is useful and beautiful; I love to watch the direct to consumer space; that really excites me. I’m always looking for the new trends and getting inspiration.

I really like what’s happening in beauty tech with devices as well as in health; doing your own high end facial or taking your DNA at home, for instance. I’d love to see more innovation in fashion and retail. I went to a Reformation store in NYC and oh, I was so excited; I was taking a picture of everything!

Their store really inspired me and made me think about how we do things differently. They have a screen where you can choose your items to try on and then the items are already in the changing room! If you want another size you just select on screen in the changing room, close the wardrobe and then the rail automatically updates with your choice. It’s just really cool.

Everyone else in the store was all cool, waiting for their turn. And I was like, what is going to happen next?!

HOC: The ’10 years ago’ challenge is all the rage on insta at the moment, what advice do you have for the 2009 you?

Lucie: I’ve got two pieces of advice that might help others.

One, I would tell my younger self to keep going; you don’t need 10 years of experience to have the knowledge to do something great. You will learn along the way if you are committed to it. You will have to make sacrifices, of course. And remember, everything you learn along the way, will be transferable. Initially I thought oh god, I studied these subjects; I have to do something in this space. But actually, I learnt how to be structured from Law and developed my aesthetic eye through my Art degree ; now I use both in my work with Straight Teeth Direct™ every day! You don’t have to wait and have a long plan. Honestly, you don’t learn that much if you work for someone else; you have to get your hands dirty!

Secondly, my advice is to never regret anything, everything is a learning and growth experience. I would never wish I had done something differently.

To find out more about Lucie’s revolutionary teeth straightening business visit straightteethdirect.com

United Kingdom February 25, 2019

Girl Boss: Propelling Women Into Leadership with Kim Perry of ((BOUNCE))

You might not expect a fitness franchise to provide leadership opportunities for women; or a fitness business founder who dropped out of school to have built a community of 35,000 attendees from a £200 investment and 8 second-hand trampolines. However, Women Into Leadership with Kim Perry has defied these expectations, offering both a platform for women to thrive in leadership roles and an inspiring success story of entrepreneurial ingenuity and community building.

You haven’t met Kim Perry of ((BOUNCE)). We sat down with Kim to learn about her journey to entrepreneurial success….

HOC: Great to meet you, Kim. Let’s start at the beginning; where did the idea for ((BOUNCE)) come from?

Kim: ((BOUNCE)) is a mini trampoline fitness class, also known as ‘rebounding’, I initially started my business because I wanted to ensure rapid weight loss after giving birth and jumping on a trampoline is 3 times more effective than floor-based fitness so I knew it was an amazing way to workout that wasn’t capitalised on. I also had the hope of not going back to my busy job in the city, so I decided to re-trained my skills in a new industry learning everything about teaching fitness and marrying that with my corporate expertise, it was my time to do it on my own. However, I never actually set out to run a company, I didn’t even write a business plan, my personal goal was to simply generate enough income to create a better work/life balance as I was travelling a lot and with becoming a Mum my priorities had changed.

HOC: We hear you started the business with only £200?!

Kim; Yes! I began ((BOUNCE)) by borrowing £200 and started with just 8 second-hand trampolines teaching classes in Essex in 2014 just weeks after giving birth to my son Jasper Cruze. Being a new Mum had helped me see the isolation parents can face emotionally, physically and practically with a baby in tow so the idea to create an inclusive, social, fun fitness class was the aim… The ((BOUNCE)) USP is that we are ‘child friendly’ meaning that parents can take children with them while they work out. This means literally anything goes, you can bring a buggy in, there are toys, food, tantrums going on, nappy changes, breastfeeding, kids jumping on the trampolines too, crying, chaos and of course cuddles and lots of laughs but most importantly people are able to unite without prejudice and parents can focus on their fitness without a barrier.

((BOUNCE)) is for all ages and abilities so if you can jump you can do it, The most inviting is that the workout is low impact meaning the trampoline absorbs 87% of shock so it’s easy on the joints and suitable for the young, old and even those with injury as it’s used commonly for rehabilitation too. Even the most hardcore fitness fanatics get an intense workout because the harder you push the more calories you’ll lose thanks to gravity and g-force. The apparatus is the secret to my success, but I realised pretty early on that I had to solidify the brand identity and grow.

What began as 8 trampolines is now an average of 35,000 attendees each month across the globe, 250+ studios and 600 instructors in our teaching team.

HOC: And you won the ‘UK’s best franchisor’ in 2017?

Kim: Winning that award was sentimental because at the time of deciding to franchise or not, it was a pivotal point in business for me, I felt out of my depth I needed to grow so much more knowledgeable, I had to sacrifice a lot of time as a Mum, as a result, it became the most meaningful progress in the business – those are the times are when you look back and know you’ve done yourself proud when you rise up to a challenge, risk a lot and not give up, especially when there’s no guarantee which way it will go.

With ((BOUNCE)) it just became clear that there just wasn’t enough accessibility for people to get to classes so I wanted to develop a franchise model that maintained control but would help the brand grow exponentially. We went from being just 3 studios that I operated myself to nearly 300 studios in the first 3 years, so my fear was that the brand wouldn’t be able to maintain high standards. But by breaking down your goals and working towards your own strengths you realise where you need help – and that’s when I began to develop the rest of my now 15-person management team.

It all started with devising in-house training courses, sign-off procedures and step-by-step franchise manuals to follow, which have now turned into what we call the ‘Business Hub’ housing all info and support for franchisees. But the key is being face to face, so our ongoing Continued Professional Development days (C.P.D) are held quarterly and instructors meet to do live training committing to an investment in the of growth of their abilities.

There are over 600 ((B)) instructors in the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand and CPD training days ensure were servicing an ever-changing satisfied customer’s experience.

HOC: Before founding ((BOUNCE)) what had you been doing?

Kim: When I was younger, I actually dropped out of high school and I didn’t go to university either, consequently I put a lot of pressure on myself to prove that I could do well in the workforce and as a result I’ve always had strong positions in corporate companies but I have also always felt like I’ve had to work twice as hard to be seen as half as authoritative as any of my male counterparts.

I’ve worked mainly in Property Development, Real Estate, Sales and also Events and in all of those positions I realised later in life that I’d been in a trailblazing position for women, whether that’s relating to lower pay, lack of bonuses, discrimination, or being the only female in a management position, I felt I was having to make a stand. Such experiences over time have helped me form a focus within my own company now at ((BOUNCE)) that it’s paramount to prioritise women’s place in the workforce and everything surrounding their needs. For example by franchising ((BOUNCE)) I was able to open up opportunities for women to teach under my brand and directly create leadership roles for women to find independent, financial security in the fitness industry.

((BOUNCE)) focuses on fitness for Mums, who are generically seen as the glue that holds family life together – if that glue isn’t strong, satisfied or supported then there can be a negative ripple effect. The ((BOUNCE)) ethos is about breaking down barriers and ensuring women are more equal in more ways.

HOC: Can you remember what your very first job was, and does this relate to what you are doing now?

Kim: I remember being desperate to work from such a young age! I never felt like school was enough for me, I was always pushing the limits. When I was about 13 I’d made a resume documenting all the babysitting I’d done and how I was ironing baskets of clothes for my Mum for and charging the neighbours to wash their cars in the street!

I regularly went to every store in the local shopping centre and asked for a job after school and I finally got my first at ‘Donut King’– it was the best! I made cappuccinos constantly, I’d clean, stack shelves, place stock orders and I would always make way too many donuts toward closing time so I could take all the leftovers home…

I’m making up for that now by teaching fitness every day!

HOC: If you weren’t running ((BOUNCE)), what could have career plan B looked like?

Kim: I am very Sales driven. I am interested in leads, and conversions, I like expectations, considering customer buying trends, branding, marketing and overall consumerism. It interests me in relation to considering why we want things, how we are sold to or what we buy into and whether that does or does not satisfy us. I like creating working relationships, planning, organisation, making procedures and looking at efficiency. I know some people absolutely loathe the thought of things like that but being in a corporate environment is where I feel useful and inspired – so ultimately, if I wasn’t running a fitness brand I would still be doing something business-related probably in middle management somewhere… either that or making donuts I’ve just realised!

HOC: What are your ambitions for your brand this year?

Kim: I believe there are some big responsibilities on me as a female CEO. More so than my business ambitions with ((BOUNCE)), this year I have a fundamental focus on female empowerment being clearly channelled throughout the brand and beyond ensuring that women in any workplace know their worth. Together we need to be constantly finding ways to spread a stronger sense of certainty that we are valued enough and proud enough to achieve our desired successes.

Since inception I’m am so proud to say that ((BOUNCE)) has made waves in this way by creating a company framework that has facilitated 1 woman every second day into a leadership role over the last 4 years and 97% of our franchises are female-owned and operated.

In doing this I have become a Harlow Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce championing business in my local area plus an Ambassador for the Allbright Academy which is a progressive network of women in business who are focused on smashing through the corporate glass ceiling or building their own empires and giving them the best guidance to do this. I am happy to share my experiences knowing that if I had heard more about other women in business and their everyday plights, I might’ve made my move sooner and with a lot more conviction. All you need is a little bit of gumption for when it goes wrong and the guts to get up and be a #girlboss every day in every way.

HOC: In addition to ((BOUNCE)), what do you do to keep your mental and physical health up during busy work periods?

Kim: I have truly found my energy and happiness improve whenever I am on a trampoline, I put the lights down low and the music up high and at some point, you just realise you can’t take yourself too seriously when you’re jumping on a trampoline! Other than that, I talk to my inner self a lot, I try to recognise when I mess up, apologise for it and I tell myself it’s ok when others do too because that’s how I want my workplace to be. I work with a lot of my closest friends and my husband too so ultimately, I don’t want us to all feel under pressure. Practically, I know that if I stop, go and watch something on TV, then it gives my brain a chance to reset and recognise there is a way and I will find it when the time is right.

HOC: From your Instagram I see your partner in life is also your business partner! What’s it like running your business together; what tips do you have for making this work at work and keeping your personal life personal?

Kim: I met my husband Chris at a previous job, we’re total opposites, he’s patient, calm, considered, logical, financial, I’m more intense, risky, expectant and decisive but our office romance blossomed into a solid marriage and we’ve been a team in business and in life for 10 years.

At ((BOUNCE)) we’re constantly making decisions together and we usually come from very different perspectives of what we think is right from so the ‘secret’ is that we strategize until we can agree. At the time that can be feisty, but we choose to see each other as equals and we remind each other that we bring different skills to the company and we work on appreciating that – usually in the aftermath one of us will go up to the other and say that we love something about working together. And laugh. We laugh a lot! Finding a balance and being able to create a supportive working relationship makes for even sweeter success – whether that’s with colleagues, clients, superiors or loved ones.

I’m incredibly proud of having a work life and a love life with the same person, so I’m careful to swap hats regularly, as a wife and a Mum I plan dinners together, and solidify family routine so we’re not always talking about work in front of our son, and make major memories with special holidays to relax or big parties to celebrate. I plan and diarise everything I want out of my week and that helps me manage practically.

HOC: What are your top work bag pick-me-ups for long work days/travelling?

Kim: Lip balm is literally my life partner! When you’re a fitness instructor you’re constantly talking, sweating and needing rehydration so I cannot live without Carmex to keep my lips less dry with all the talking I do.

I drink water 24 hours a day, I even wake up during the night and reach for it, there is nothing more satisfying – except maybe a glass of wine at the end of a long day. As someone who works in fitness, I live by the rule to ‘output more than you input’ and I don’t eat sugars but I’m a sucker for a sauvignon blanc.

I spend a lot of money on YSL perfume and MAC makeup, I am usually rushing from the studio in the morning straight to a lunch meeting or my son’s school activities so that sweaty afterglow that you get from exercising is the vibe I need to slightly disguise.

Good quality active wear has always served me well. I live in leggings, sweatshirts and crisp clean trainers and with the right casual look, I believe you command an essence of confidence, comfort and style, running around all day. Stashing a fresh outfit like this is rolled up in my bag is an easy way to go from ‘class to kicking ass’!

HOC: Finally, what other businesswomen do you look up to and why?

Kim: Pip Edwards of PE Nation is someone who I keep my eye on, her streetwear brand and busy fitness/travel lifestyle is something I relate to but most notably her slow rise to fame from working for others to now owning her own label and achieving success in her own right embodies the idea of being a blazing business woman when the time is right for you.

Karren Brady is also someone who I think about when making bold decisions. Her pioneering journey in a ‘man’s world’ at the youthful age of 21 and subsequent roles during motherhood and sickness show that if work is important to you then you can get the job done no matter what you’re faced with.

To find out more about ((BOUNCE)) head over to bouncefitbody.com

Follow the ((BOUNCE)) journey on insta: @bouncefitbody

Arts January 14, 2019

#CocoFood: The Oblique Life London

The Oblique Life is a London based Membership Club and Lifestyle Management Service that puts community first.

Tailored towards like-minded people from all walks of life who are welcoming, social and passionate about new experiences, The Oblique Life is revolutionising how Londoners meet people by creating a membership that pioneers a social slant on experiences and community-driven events in the digital age.

The family-run start-up was founded by the Sumaria brothers: Romi, Shonil and Keyu, with the ambition to combine fun and welcoming experiences with a 24/7 personal assistant to help members with both every day and special tasks.

For all Londoners or London visitors, Oblique Life London is a members club that gives so much to all its members including food & drink events, health and fitness events, cultural experiences, music events, travel experiences and so much more.

As #TeamCoco are well and truly into food & drink we decided to focus on this element of Oblique Life for our little feature below.

Oblique Supper Club

At The Oblique Life, members love going to restaurants just like the next person. However, food means something much greater to them; it is a sign of London’s different cultures and a vehicle in which communities come together.

Focusing on everything from the hospitality to the food, The Oblique Life has handpicked London’s most authentic international restaurants to collaborate on their monthly supper clubs. In exclusive, private spaces, top venues will develop bespoke menus for Oblique Life guests. While traditional supper clubs can be pegged as echo chambers for the customs and members of the institution, te team at Oblique Life are confident that innovation and evolution will lie at the heart of theirs, regardless of the venue, cuisine or guests.

The Cocktail Club

In London, a night out often involves visiting multiple cocktail bars, staring quizzically at the menu, and then robotically ordering a mojito or a margarita. The Oblique Life want to enhance their members’ knowledge and appreciation of cocktails with the launch of a new monthly experience, ‘The Cocktail Club’.

Every month The Oblique Life will partner with one of London’s best cocktail bars and introduce members to different spirits and creative cocktails, all while they drink and enjoy each others’ company.

Search online for The Oblique Life London for more info.

Fitness January 8, 2019

COCOFITNESS: Top Fitness Trends for 2024

In the dynamic realm of fitness, staying abreast of the Top Fitness Trends is crucial for maximizing results and enjoyment in one’s exercise routine. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) continues to reign supreme, offering a time-efficient yet intense workout experience that torches calories and boosts metabolism. Functional fitness emerges as a frontrunner, emphasizing movements that enhance daily functionality and prevent injuries, appealing to those seeking practical and sustainable fitness solutions. Moreover, the integration of wearable technology into workouts has become ubiquitous, providing real-time feedback and personalized insights, revolutionizing how individuals track progress and stay motivated on their fitness journey.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Who Is The Fittest Of Them All?

With flexible working hours and the dark mornings and evenings leading to a lack of motivation, working out at home has never been easier or more convenient with tech. The mirror is at the cutting edge of the future of fitness, known as a ‘nearly invisible interactive home gym’, when off it’s a full-length mirror, when activated it’s the gateway to any type of fitness class you need. An interactive workout platform which offers classes 24/7, perfectly placed to suit any workout schedule. With cameras and speakers included there are 50 new classes a week and a whole library of on-demand workouts available. In addition to this, you can also interact with Mirror, opting in to update your fitness profile to track your progress and your workouts. Not cheap, but in comparison to an ongoing gym membership, it could be justifiable. With real-time instruction, the option to include your own soundtrack and an interactive community at your fingertips, this is sure to be a hit with fitness fans.

Credit: Mirror

Eat, Sleep, Row, Repeat

Rowing saw a big boom in 2018 and that is set to continue through 2019. Popping up through the country dedicated boutique rowing classes including The Engine Room and Core Collective’s Lift & Row are now readily available. Rowing has been shown to be one of the best exercises you can do boosting aerobic fitness and metabolism in one huge boost. Working 85% of the body’s muscles, that’s a full body workout and cardio session in one.

Credit: The Engine Room London

Shorter Classes, Faster Recovery

Lovers of Savasana rejoice recovery is a high priority in the fitness world for 2019. Undertaken a mean HIIT class, training for a marathon or sweating it up at Bikram Yoga? We are all used to pushing ourselves in our workouts however research shows that recovery can be one of the most important parts of your daily workout, no matter what your favourite way to sweat is. Opt for a shorter class, to ensure reduced cortisol production and more recovery time. Intensify your recovery with floating tanks or the sauna.

Exercising For Your Mental Health

Exercise has always been linked to positive mental health as a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. Known to relieve stress, encourage better sleep patterns and act as a natural mood enhancer through the release of endorphins, fitness trends in 2019 are focusing on enhancing these positive qualities through fitness. Mental and physical fitness will come together in 2019 through apps such as Headspace which offers guided runs with motivation linking into mindfulness.

Looking to stay updated on the “Top Fitness Trends” while embracing a healthy lifestyle? Check out our curated list of the “Best 5 Fitness Tips for a Healthy and Happy Lifestyle” for valuable insights and actionable advice.

DNA, What Are You Made Of?

From what food to eat, to tracking your ancestry, our DNA has become the focus of research and a key form of personalisation across industries including fitness. In a race to offer the best and most effective workouts, 2019 sees exercise personalised to your DNA. From the effects on your metabolism and injury prevention to what form of workout is best for you, testing is becoming more accurate and more mainstream. There are a variety of options available to allow the experts to analyse your fitness profile and create a personalised workout plan based on your genetic profile. Usually linked to a corresponding diet plan, you can even take this to the next level with a DNA bootcamp!

Brazil November 18, 2018

Girl Bosses of Great Britain : ‘Living The Dream’ with Natalia Bojanic of Form

You might find yourself, as 2018 draws to a close, thinking about your plans for the year ahead. According to recent research, 31st January is the day on which most Brits hand in their resignation…

To give you some fire and encouragement for you festive life planning, we spoke to Natalia Bojanic, the Creative Force and Brand Strategist at Form (formnutrition.com) She’s had a wild ride with her career so far and we’re excited to see what she does next.

We speak about being mindful at work, reinvention, the power of curiosity and Life Audits…

HOC: Natalia, reading your background you are such an inspirational slashie. Can you tell us about your journey to where you are today?

Natalia: Thank you. If anything in my background inspires you, know that if I can do it, so can you!

If I had to summarise my journey, I would say that it is definitely one of trial and error, learning how to trust my instincts, never giving up and remaining confident outside my comfort zone.

I am Brazilian, and I moved to London eleven years ago, after graduating with a degree in Journalism, to learn English. I arrived in a country barely speaking the language and managed to build a successful career in Communications.

I used to be a PR Director in the luxury industry working with brands from Land Rover to Dior. After seven years in the corporate world, I quit my job to follow my passion for wellness and went on a self-discovery journey to find out how I could benefit others.

As I didn’t really know what to do, I decided that educating myself was a good place to start, so I moved to the US and became a qualified Health Holistic Educator by the Hippocrates Health Institute; then moved back to the UK to study Naturopathic BioMedicine at CNM. In 2016, I moved to India and got my certification as a Yoga instructor. I am also a meditation teacher with wide-ranging training, from spending time in a monastery in Nepal to attending Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute teacher training – a program born at Google.

These days, I divide my time between being the Creative Force and Brand Strategist at Form (formnutrition.co.uk) – Naturally Advanced Plant-Based Nutrition for Body & Mind, passing on knowledge on wise leadership workshops or helping people cultivate healthy states of mind in my meditation app called Sexy Mind.

Some people might think that I am living the dream. In reality, I now have the freedom to choose what challenges I wish to conquer, and which opportunities are fun to chase.

In a few words, I am a life juggler who is trying to do good in the world!

HOC: How have your skills and ambitions been realised in Form?

Natalia: At Form, we believe that you can realise the greatest version of yourself while being mindful of others. This permeates through everything we do, from careful selection of ingredients to donating a meal to a family in need in The Gambia and supporting the education of young girls in India.

When I decided to reinvent myself, I had one certainty in mind: I wanted to help people, but I had no idea what I could do to have a positive impact in their lives. I was passionate about Plant-Based Nutrition and about the living proof of the positive effects reducing animal protein intake has for overall wellbeing and for the health of the planet.

Luckily, Damian Soong, CEO & Co-Founder found me when he was in the early stages of setting up Form, so he gave me the incredible opportunity of being part of it. When we started working on the brand’s vision & values, I had no idea that within a year of launching that we would be where we are now; bestselling brand in Planet Organic, featured in publications from Tatler to The Daily Telegraph and most importantly making a difference to vulnerable lives in The Gambia and North India.

HOC: We are always running around the world, exploring. What do we need to be of mindful of when we travel?

Natalia: Choose a healthy state of mind!

I recently returned from The Gambia, visiting the Bansang Hospital that Form supports with nutritional aid. We were in the poorest area in one of the poorest countries in Africa. As a fussy eater (vegan, gluten-free, low-sugar, non-processed food diet), the most nutritious, fresh meal I had was a carrot salad! I won’t lie, I did struggle, but it was a great opportunity to exercise my adaptation muscles and appreciate what was available instead of complaining about it. As a result, a deep sense of gratitude for life arose. I have never been so grateful for having Kind snack bars and protein shakes with me!

Before visiting The Gambia, I was in LA and San Francisco, locations where I love spending time, indulging in healthy eateries, exploring new classes at Soul Cycle, and spend time in the sunshine and connecting with brilliant meditation teachers. Making time to have fun and to practice self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity if we wish to reach peak form.

My only non-negotiable health ritual, no matter where I am, is a good night’s sleep, which I can do anywhere in the world.

HOC: Could you share more about the Leadership program you are part of?

Natalia: I am currently on the final stages of the year-long teacher training with Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI), a program born at Google in 2007 and developed by the thought leaders in the market in Emotional Intelligence, Neuroscience and Mindfulness.

The course teaches skills that lead to sustained peak performance, strong collaboration and effective leadership. SIYLI increases self-awareness, empathy, communication and resilience. All of these help to create positive emotional and mental states for a strong and inspiring leadership presence.

The program includes sessions on: mindfulness (the science of being present), self-awareness (understanding your thoughts, emotions and habits), self-management (skillfully managing your impulses and reactions), motivation (aligning your values and work), empathy (understanding others’ feelings and experiences) and leadership (influencing with compassion).

HOC: What does Form’s partnership with Heathrow VIP mean for the future?

Natalia: We are very excited with the partnership with Heathrow VIP (read more about Heathrow VIP here in our interview with Priya, head of VIP). When we set up Form, our objective was to make healthy eating and plant-based nutrition available to a wider audience, not only restricted to the fitness enthusiasts.

Responding to the growing global travel trend for wellness, the exclusive VIP service’s luxury menu will feature a range of bespoke dishes that incorporate Form’s nutrient dense plant-based proteins, all designed to make eating well an effortless part of travel. We were really impressed with the Heathrow VIP Chef’s creations. The Matcha Chia Pot is one of my favourite options and we can’t wait to see the new recipes they come up with as the menu will change on a monthly basis.

We know that over the past year, Heathrow VIP has seen a surge in international clients who seek healthier travel experiences with an increase in requests for vegetarian and vegan options, so our new partnership will help make travel even healthier than before.

It’s exciting to see luxury travel catering for the demands of a wellness-conscious audience and we are delighted to keep evolving the partnership and bringing more protein-rich, nutrient dense food to the Heathrow VIP menu to help travellers nourish themselves pre-flight.

HOC: What’s a recent ‘Girl Boss’ moment you’ve had?

Natalia: Holding a baby in a very deprived village in The Gambia who is no longer malnourished due to the Form Feeding Fund.

HOC: Do you believe in New Year’s Resolutions and if so, what’s yours for 2019?

Natalia: I firmly believe in everyday resolutions since I started to consciously create my days and managed to turn my life around.

The statement ‘how you live your days is how you live your life’ is something I am constantly reminding myself to ensure I create resolutions and opportunities to use my skills and strengths in a meaningful way on a daily basis.

I don’t think that it is productive to wait for the New Year to start living the life we aspire to live. Having said that, for the past 4 years in January, I do a Life Audit (sexymind.co.uk/blog/2018/1/4/its-time-for-a-life-audit exercise) to assess my priorities, motivations and goals and have it hanging in my bedroom as a constant reminder of what I am here to be.

Fitness October 25, 2018

Creating a Workout Plan That is Right for You

When it comes to exercise, it is best that you have an idea in mind of what you want to achieve from your session. Creating your own workout plan can help you stay in shape and help you identify what techniques are best for you and your body.

Check Your Schedule

The first step you should take before creating your workout plan is by looking at your daily schedule. Having a calendar filled with all your obligations will help you identify when is the right time for you to do your workout. Make sure that you are as specific as possible and include all your duties outside of work, meetings, outings and errands. After doing this, you will be able to pinpoint the times of the day where you are free. However, make sure that you stick to the times you pick and try to avoid adding any extra duties. Exercise should be one of your main priorities, so it is best to stay as motivated and committed as you can to see results.

Be Realistic

It is important that you stay as realistic as possible when starting your workout plan. Beginning any physical activity can take a toll on your body so it is vital that you stay motivated and driven. Your body will need time to adjust to your new routine so try your best not to give up at the first hurdle. Once you have done a couple of workout sessions, you will begin to get used to the routine and feel more confident. It can be easy to bypass your workout, especially if you are feeling tired from work, so if you do not feel up to it, try not to do too much at once as you may burn out and be more hesitant to work out in the future.

Where to Work Out

Picking the right space for your workout can be the deciding factor in how much you get out of the session. You will want to pick an area that is peaceful and quiet so that you can be fully focused and committed to your workout. There are plenty of places that you can pick such as at your local gym, at home or even by heading outdoors. To keep things fresh, it could be worth alternating where you work out so that you do not find yourself stuck in a rut. You will want your workout to be something you look forward to rather than resenting, so keeping things new and interesting will help you stay motivated.

Knowing the Basics

Learning basic exercises will help you decide on what you want to incorporate into your own workout plan. One of the main exercises that you should have in your workout plan is pushups. To do this exercise, you will need to begin in a high plank position, placing your palms on the ground and underneath your shoulders. Make sure that you keep your back straight whilst lowering your body and then raising your body by bending your elbows. With a wide range of exercises that you can incorporate into your workout plan, be sure to try out a few until you find one suitable for you.

Choosing Your Routine

Once you have picked your routine, there are various factors that you will need to take into consideration to get the best workout experience possible. If you decide to do your workout plan at the gym, all the equipment you need will be there already. However, if you plan to exercise at home or outside, you may need to purchase some equipment such as resistance bands, an exercise ball or yoga mats.

Slow but Steady

Before your first workout session, try not to do too much at once. If you have little knowledge or experience in exercise, you may not know when the right time is to finish. Knowing when to finish is important as you could be doing more harm than good to your body which can cause a range of problems such as pulling a muscle. A good idea would be to begin with 30-minute workouts every other day until you feel more confident to do more. It is also important to take short breaks to rest between sets and workouts. Resting will help your muscles adjust to your new routine and help build up muscle. You should also ensure that you warm up before each workout.

Stay Hydrated

When exercising, it is incredibly important that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout. As you are likely to sweat through your workout, it is vital that you drink liquids to avoid burning out. Sports drink can also be beneficial, but make sure that you keep a close eye on the ingredients as many are filled with sodium and sugar that should be avoided in your diet.

Eating Healthily

Eating a well-balanced diet will help maintain your body strength and give you the energy you need to do your workouts. If your current diet mainly consists of junk food, you are likely to not get the full benefits when it comes to daily exercise. Make sure that you follow a diet full of protein and good fats such as nuts and dairy products. Also, try and avoid foods full of salt such as candy, potato chips and processed foods.

Supplements and Medications

There are other factors that you will need to consider before making a perfect workout plan. If you have any medical illnesses that require the use of medication, you will need to determine whether you are safe and able to do the workout. Visiting a Canadian pharmacy online can allow you to purchase medications and have them easily delivered to your door.This will ensure you never forget to pick up any vital meds.

Before you begin making your workout plan, it is best that you seek advice from a medical professional such as your doctor, who will be able to give you further assistance and guidance. You may also benefit from hiring a personal trainer who will have extensive knowledge of workout plans.

Fitness May 13, 2018

Girl Bosses of Great Britain: Taking Ownership of Your Goals with Natali Cohen

Here at House of Coco, we are all about women empowering other women; and this is what GirlBoss Natali Cohen has achieved with her coaching venture – Zestfulness. After spending twelve years of her life as a personal trainer, Natali transformed her passion for fitness into a business that helps women realise their goals — both in fitness and in life. With Zestfulness, Natali Cohen encourages Ownership of your Goals with Natali Cohen, empowering women to take charge of their aspirations and lead fulfilling lives.

According to Natali, Zestfulness is all about teaching people to know their worth. Today, women are often plagued with a barrage of expectations — from having the perfect body, perfect career, and even the perfect family life. By setting these expectations aside, Natali helps her clients take ownership of their lives through the balance of mind and body, enthusiasm, and weekly achievable goals. All this makes Zestfulness a program that helps people tear down the barriers to their own success — and Natali Cohen, a GirlBoss we can all get behind.

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

I have always been passionate about fitness. I started my career as a personal trainer, and for 12 years I thoroughly enjoyed helping my clients achieve their fitness goals. During this time, I began to learn more about the importance of the mind as well as the body in enabling you to achieve your goals. Two years ago, this learning curve inspired me to start Zestfulness. The aim was to empower my clients by helping them to find their inner zing.

What is the essence of Zestfulness? Could you talk us through your business philosophy?

Zestfulness is enthusiasm, excitement, and interest — the key ingredients to help people achieve their goals! The essence of Zestfulness is to “Know Your Worth,” as self-belief is the first step to achievement. My philosophy is to have precise and achievable weekly goals written down that I can take action on. I try not to have an enormous to-do list, as I find this overwhelming and unproductive. Another philosophy I try to live by is to practice being flexible. We all know that life doesn’t always go to plan, so acknowledging this and always moving forward is essential to achieving your ultimate goal.

How does the Zestfulness program help people achieve their goals?

Zestfulness is about allowing people to take ownership. It is a very personal process, therefore I never tell a client what to do. Each Zestfulness program is unique to the client. We focus on strategies and working on any barriers which have been holding them back. It is inspiring to see how quickly after the session, clients are taking action and making things happen. It does help that there is Zestfulness homework as this is when goals are achieved.

Ownership of your Goals with Natali Cohen

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

My biggest challenge was the stigma people have about having a life coach; and the misconception that there must be something “wrong” with people if they need a coach. There was an image that I would make clients meditate for hours on end, go vegan, and hug trees. Slowly, people became less dubious and I had to explain that Zestfulness is only about what a client wants to do — and not what I think they should do. They will only hug trees if they want to.

What’s next for you and Zestfulness? Are there any new exciting projects in the pipeline?

The next step for Zestfulness is to continue to spread the “know your worth” message, which initially inspired me to launch the brand. I would like to enable more people to experience this way of thinking. The most rewarding part of my job has always been seeing the results — whether that be in terms of fitness or in the mind. When clients gain the realisation that they CAN do something which they previously had a barrier up against, is the best feeling. There are many exciting projects in the pipeline over the next few months all of which will focus on spreading the Zestfulness mantra.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

My advice is to stop waiting for the right time to start something. As an entrepreneur, you will have many highs and lows. It is extremely important that on those low days, you keep your end goal in sight and remember why you started. It can be scary, but it is worth it in the long term. My main advice is that some people will not see your vision and you will hear the word no a lot! It is important to surround yourself with people that encourage and support you, and don’t waste precious energy on those that do not see your vision.

Fitness April 12, 2018

Coastal Spa Escape in Liverpool: Formby Hall Hotel

Here at House of Coco we are huge fans of multi-centre holidays and personally, one of my new obsessions is visiting a bustling city for the indie shops, local craft beers and then kicking back in a luxe hotel, outside of town. In our upcoming print Vol 12 you’ll find my guide to a Staycation in Liverpool but I’m here right this minute to really wax lyrical about the super lush Formby Hall hotel we made our nest in when exploring.

A Nighttime Journey to Luxury

Another obsession I’ve had since childhood is train journeys when I don’t 100% know where I’m going, preferably at night. Something about dashing through towns when it’s dark out, seeing all the crossing lights flashing must remind me of family holidays, traversing the land in the back of a grubby, child-filled people carrier. Or perhaps I’m just living out my Hogwarts Express dreams. Whatever, it’s a short but exciting train ride from Liverpool city centre to Formby’s dinky little train station and then a short taxi ride down country lanes to the Hall. This is no country pile of bricks, friends but a beautiful luxe hotel nestled in the wealthy enclave of Formby – lots of fancy houses and fancy house occupants…but more on them later!

As your taxi pulls up you can take in the hotel which has recently been refurbished to offer some killer crash pads on the roof of the main, historic hall. With a restaurant, a fully equipped bar – with a very important gin menu!- and a covered walk-through to the spa and gym, you almost don’t need to go outside.

Formby Hall’s Spa Experience

The hotel offers a great deal set menu for dinner, which means more money available for Formby G&Ts, looking out on the lush golf course. Golf hotels often get a bad rap but when the hotel has put as much care and attention into their spa as Formby Hall has, you can forget how bad you are at let alone Crazy Golf, and relax in style.

The spa boasts 7 treatment rooms, including 3 doubles for you romantic get-away-ers using ESPA, OPI Nails and Fake Bake Gold products so you can be pampered – that is if you have time what with the steam rooms, ice fountains and mud steam room on site. And how can I forget the millennial pink vibes of the Himalayan Salt Sauna and essence-infused Laconium cabin; perfect for catching up on trashy magazines and girly gossip – or was that just us?

If you can peel yourself away from the hotel, Formby Town itself is hella cute with frequent trains into Liverpool city centre plus head to the nature reserve for the opportunity to hunt for red squirrels and Steven Gerrard! True story, we bumped into both! But for all that intel you need to pick up Volume 12 of our print magazine; out at the end of April…

Formby Hall has some awesome offers at the moment. Head over to www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk for all the info!

‘The Compete Summer Spa Day’ – from £75 per person, (Valid from 1st July – 30th September 2018)

This amazing day includes a 35-minute treatment from a choice of Ultimate Face and Eyes, Luxury Leg and Foot Treatment, Luxury Warm Oil Treatment or Seasonal Body Polish.

The spa package also includes Refreshments on arrival, Robes, Slippers and Towels,, Thermal Heaven (Sauna, Steam Room, Heated Loungers), Tranquillity Suite (deep relaxation room) and access to all the new spa facilities and swimming pool.

Or stay the night with ‘The Complete Summer Spa Break’ early booking promo – from £99.50 per person with all of the above and a night in one of the hotel’s luxe rooms, a three-course meal at their onsite restaurant, The Fairway Grill and a yummy breakfast. Shhh, you can also add an extra night and breakfast to your stay for only £40 per person!

Fitness April 10, 2018

St James’ Square: A Luxury Escape From Reality

This time of year is a mix of people attending business trips, using up last minute holidays, trying to escape the winter-like weather and then there is those of us who are work bound and longing for those holidays booked later in the year.

If you fall into the latter, we feel you! However all hope isn’t lost, as TeamCoco has found the perfect place to escape. So whether your schedule is jam packed, you don’t have the time to take off or a weekend away isn’t viable, St James’ Square is literally your dream come true. Just around the corner from Piccadilly Circus, this is one of London’s most luxurious private members clubs, in which spending just a few hours leaves you feeling refreshed and as though you have escaped reality.

With luxurious, bright and modern interiors that play on the buildings history along with a variety of St James’s Square is a city haven.

The Gymnasium suite is a state of the art facility where luxury is combined with technology, a partnership with Technogym ensures that wellness and fitness are enhanced by innovative digital equipment. The suite is also home to a Golf Academy, which is London’s newest private golf training facility with a leading tour experienced professional and the option for semi-private or group sessions. Personal training sessions are also available from bespoke sessions in body composition, yoga, boxing and Pilates, along with nutrition and general training advice to ensure a fully rounded approach to wellness.

Amongst all this there is a variety of art on the walls from artists that are available for purchase but each is selected carefully to ensure they are calming, motivational and inspirational. If the gym gets a little too much for you, then St James’s Square also has it’s own Spa, boasting the usual nails and waxing along treatments from iS clinical and Carita. We were lucky enough to have the ‘Red Carpet Experience’ which Rosie Huntington-Whitely is a fan of and we completely understand why. The treatment includes a full body hot-stone massage and a ‘fire and ice’ facial, which leave you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and your skin glowing for days after; it’s a shame we didn’t have a red carpet to head off to!

A range of treatments are available for skin conditions such as acne, hyper pigmentation, rosacea and scaring as well as anti-ageing. There are a variety of massages and facials on offer from facial peels to facial sculpting. There is something for every individual need and the therapists are dedicated to creating bespoke treatments to meet each of them and create a personalised wellbeing experience; each treatment is tailored to rebalance the body and mind.

Following on from the spa there is a Relaxation Lounge with has a sauna, sensory shower and heated lounges, to ensure your journey of relaxation is continued. When lying in the sauna, you are able to gaze up through the sky-light to the London sky to completely lose yourself.

If this isn’t quite enough to relax you, St James’ Square has one final trick up their sleeve, Somadome; the UK’s first meditation dome. Yes, you heard us a mediation dome. Admittedly the first five or so minutes are spent documenting the experience but once the novelty wears off, it works. The dome has three healing settings that help guide you through mediation. You simply sit within the dome, pull the ‘lid’ down, pop your headphones on, select your goal and you’re good to go. The energy-healing microcrystaline tiles change colour to your selected goal and the mediation track combine colour theory with binaural beat technology; essential provide you with everything you need to focus, escape life, mediate properly and leave the dome feeling recharged.

After a workout, a spa treatment or some meditation, the changing rooms continue the luxury journey through St James’ Spa, the fluffiest towels and robes imaginable, lockers and spacious showers welcome to you in the beautiful bright environment. With amenities such as a collection of fragrances ranging from Chanel to Valentino, a rose skincare collection, cotton pads, toothbrushes and hair combs, the changing rooms have everything you may need to go straight to work, straight home or to meet friends afterwards. That even goes without mentioning the GHD straightens and Dyson hair dryer!

Other services include the concierge, mens hot shaves and dry cleaning. On your way out it’s likely you will be offered a drink from the champagne and whisky bar, if you have the time, we highly recommend to take the offer. The drinks on offer are divine and the bartenders know their stuff; also how best to round off an evening of complete relaxation?

If this all sounds like the dream way to add a little luxury into your life, then a membership is the way to go! Memberships start from £5,000 plus a £500 membership fee. This may seem a little pricey but when you see what’s included and understand the pure luxury and service then it is totally worth it. Once you sign up you begin with a bespoke ‘On-Boarding’ process, a full body composition analysis, DNAfit, a 3dYu Body scan, and a unique ‘genetic specific’ fitness programme… already sounding worth it right? These all help to see what exercise regimes, what nutritional needs you have and what treatments you may need!

Following on from this annual membership includes two Personal Training sessions and a fitness follow up after 8 weeks. Annual membership also includes the following for the spa; a skin consultation, ‘a Bespoke’ treatment, 10% off futures treatments and 10% off products. It also allows you full use of the UK’s first Somadome, The Golf Suite and the lounge which includes up to three lounge guests daily. Along the use of library/meeting room, the changing facilities and the other amenities and on top of that five Guest Passes, for when you’re feeling generous.

There are a variety of other memberships available to ensure St James’ Spa caters to your every need. So whether it be weekend visits, a quick gym session before work or a relaxing way to end your day, this private members club will truly alter your life. As soon as you enter the building St James’ Square ensures you leave all of life’s stresses at the door.