Kate Prince, Ancient + Brave Co-Founder ; The Interview

Ancient + Brave is a brand I’ve been using for quite some time. I’m not a nutritionist or dietician but what I do know is as we age - more specifically around 30 - our body slowly starts producing less collagen which naturally makes the skin become thinner, drier + less elastic. And while protection is never the aim, nor is stopping the ageing process, I’m a big believer in certain things that WORK. And so, on my personal journey to finding a collagen supplement that wasn’t bulked with nasty toxins + unnecessary fillers, I found - and fell very much in love with - Ancient + Brave, a female-founded company that focuses on feeling good from the inside out. Here I speak with the brand’s co-founder Kate Prince about her journey thus far in the wellness world, her ups + downs + what her philosophy is on ageing gracefully..

HSF - Kate, Ancient + Brave is hands down one of the brands I’ve found myself quickly (+ gladly) addicted to in my own wellness practices. How did it all start + what brought you into the wellness space?

KP - I previously worked as a media lawyer, working on many TV programs from reality to documentaries. It felt like time for a change, so I started a tea company called Prince & Sons Tea which can be found at hotels such as The Newt and The Pig and we now export around the world. This started my passion for products, brand and formulation. Products should provide balance - from the ritual of opening beautiful packaging, to enjoying amazing ingredients which are not only good for you but taste delicious as well. As I learnt more about nutrition I realised that there is a compromise with many of the wellness blends and protein powders found on the market - many are in plastic containers and you really need to take them as a shot or in a smoothie to hide their challenging taste. We knew we could offer something different and do it better and so, Ancient + Brave was born and is designed to make lifestyle and wellness strategies, such as keto, paleo, exercise and intermittent fasting, simple and effective.

HSF - The brand’s core philosophy revolves around lifestyle choices + fasting strategies, can you take us into that at a deeper level + what that means on a daily basis for those wanting to understand more about the Brave Method..

KP - Whilst using our products alone and in combinations can support specific strategies. While many wellness strategies leave you feeling tired, hungry and sluggish, our Brave Method is designed to benefit you with key nutrition and sustenance when you need it most. Whatever your goal is - stress resilience, immunity support, ketogenics there are products to help you smoothly overcome motivational pitfalls, side-step progress plateaus, support energy and metabolism to easily achieve your goals. The Brave Method cleverly works alongside many of these wellness strategies often making the experience more achievable and empowering.

HSF - How can people use the products in a more self-directed way? Say for those who don’t wish to directly follow intermittently fasting as a rule?

KP - All the products support a whole variety of concerns so not just fasting but those who wish to nourish their skin from within, supplementing a vegan diet, aid recovery from sports injuries, there is an enormous list. We’ve consciously made all the products either completely odourless and tasteless (and therefore easy to add to your chosen drinks and food) or with delicious ingredients that make them a joy to incorporate into your daily rituals.

HSF - How does the sourcing process unfold at Ancient + Brave for specific ingredients?

KP - I absolutely love developing new products and sourcing organic, innovative ingredients. We work with suppliers all over the world to bring together the best ingredients we can find. It's obviously crucial that our products are potent and efficacious so we are really rigorous in our testing and developing phase, it takes such a long time!

HSF - At Ancient + Brave, how do you practice sustainability + continue to ensure you’re always progressing in terms of conscious partnering + your commitment to a better environmental practices?

KP - We regularly go through every aspect of the business and question whether we can do better for the planet. This has meant sourcing better ingredients, packaging and even simplifying our website so it takes less loading time. We also have dedicated environmental officers who continually work together to lower our impact. We’ve partnered up with 1% For the Planet, this is where we donate 1% of every purchase to our chosen charities. We have dedicated a further 1% for charities that specifically help communities to thrive.

HSF - As a female founded company, what challenges have you overcome in the journey thus far?

KP - I read a shocking statistic recently that only 1% of venture capital goes to female founded businesses. There is still such a long way to go for female founded businesses. I have to say that I’ve had nothing but incredible support from other female founders. It’s a very generous community. I don’t fear competition and really love collaborating with other female entrepreneurs.

HSF - What has been the most important piece of advice you’ve received?

KP - Mainly, I think the advice to stay true to your values is the most important. I’m very fortunate to have Renee Elliot, founder of Planet Organic, as a mentor. She’s wonderfully wise, but I love one of her sayings which is don’t overestimate what you can do in a day but don’t underestimate what you can do in a year.

HSF - Being in the wellness space + not to mention, living in a fast-paced world that can feel so overwhelming at times, how do you find balance in your days?

KP - I find the best way to find balance is to start my day incredibly early, I am a complete morning person and love being awake before everyone else. I can often be found in the Ashdown Forest running with my dogs as the sun comes up. I have a beautiful cedar wood, Swedish hot tub which I absolutely love. Next on my wish list is an infrared sauna! My meditation is practicing the drums, albeit quite badly.

HSF - What are your biggest tips on staying healthy?

KP - Concentrating on the basics - drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep – although this is easier said than done with a business, two sons, three dogs and five chickens! I really believe in the healing power of being in nature. We recommend various ancestral rewilding techniques through the Brave Lifestyle; I love walking barefoot and wild swimming. Since lockdown I’ve really got into the classes on Peloton and have a few favourite instructors.

HSF - Do you have a morning + night time routine?

KP - I start everyday with the same ritual of Cacao + Collagen with added True Collagen. I don’t wear a lot of makeup but do really look after my skin. I adore AMLY products and use their products everyday – I have their Exfoliant, Face Mist, Serum all of which are a joy to use.

HSF - On beauty + wellness in general I find it so destructive that women have been sold the idea of “beauty” being something elite. There’s a false sense of necessity in it to ensure one’s success in life; something you can attain in the next procedure or blow-dry, moisturiser or mask. I guess so much of the industry has been all about the aesthetic for far too long. I love seeing this shifting toward an importance around actually feeling good + living healthily though. Beauty from the inside out I guess. I really admire brands that prioritise wellness as a form of beauty. Thank you for being part of that for women.Do you see people’s mentality shifting when it comes to the value of overall well-being? Is that a driving force behind Ancient + Brave or something that just naturally results in what you do?

KP - Thanks so much Rebecca.

I really admire Carla Oates, the Beauty Chef. She was one of the early pioneers of championing beauty from within. I have always been very conscious of what products I consume and so there was absolutely no question of ensuring that our products were ethically sourced, environmentally sustainable and 100% natural. We talk about our products empowering your body, activating your brain and nourishing your beauty - it’s a balance of these three elements that are working together from the inside out.

HSF - What are your thoughts on ageing gracefully?

KP - Yes! Absolutely I am all for ageing gracefully. Longevity is so important to us all – I’ve always been passionate about choosing natural and organic products for myself and it was one of the [key focuses/driving force] when I started Ancient + Brave. I like to think I’ll age a little disgracefully too. I feel I have some pink hair and tattoos in me yet…

HSF - What has been your greatest challenge to date + how have you dealt with it?

KP - Personally, I put myself through the Hoffman Process ten years ago. It’s an exceptionally intense experience but it made me completely re-evaluate my life, allowed me to support my vision and made me the person I am today. Professionally, Brexit! It has been extremely challenging. We’re out the other side of it now and have solved a lot of the problems it created but it has been a very frustrating process, to say the least.

HSF - And your proudest moment?

KP - We’ve just submitted our application to become a B Corp, which is not a process you go through lightly. It may sound dry but creating our environmental, social and governance policy makes me enormously proud. We are constantly having to make business decisions both big and small but sticking to our ethics and values means we can grow the business knowing we are doing things the right way and not foregoing those principles.

HSF - What are some of your unfulfilled ambitions?

KP - We have some brilliant new products in development, which we’ll be launching later this year, with more planned for the future. We’ve sourced some incredible, innovative ingredients; iodine from algae in Iceland, minerals from the pristine waters off the Irish coast. Creating efficacious, potent and sustainable formulas will always be the passion at the heart of the brand and so I’m really excited to launch these and continue to develop our offering.

HSF - And lastly Kate, what’s on the horizon for Ancient + Brave?

KP - We’re at an incredibly exciting stage, I am really excited to continue to grow the team. It is very inspiring to work with such a talented group of people - we are a 100% female team so far!

Shop Ancient + Brave here // A N C I E N T A N D B R A V E . E A R T H

And click through for two of my favourite recipes using Ancient + brave // True MCT and Collagen (Keto) Energy Balls + My own go-to morning smoothie (on repeat no matter where I am)

What Is.. Supernova

What if, in the hope of hitting the right cocktail of goodness and rather than blindly adding a million supplements and powders to your morning routine, you could bypass all the BS and there was maybe - just mayyyybe - a simple, beautiful way of allowing your body create exactly what it needs in one healthy scoop of wholesomeness? Efficient, right? Well with the swish of a magic wand, let me introduce you to Supernova Living, a vegan life powder made from whole organic plant protein and an abundance of natural adaptogens.

Way more than a protein powder, this life powder is something of a magic wand in my day-to-day life. I’ve been taking it for about six months now and day on day it’s become a non-negotiable part of my daily practice. Supernova was created by husband-and-wife duo Laura and Jermaine Beckford who rightly saw the need for a simple, clean and effective answer to all the junk proteins on the market and as something that can truly nourish from the inside out. Taken daily, it acts as a helping-hand in the daily fight to combat stress, fatigue and the general toll modern day living can take on our minds and bodies and as a result, our compromised potential. 

Simply put, Supernova is full of goodness. It’s wholesome nourishment for our brains, muscles and gut. It nurtures from the inside out and with a huge focus on adaptogens in the ingredient list - which, depending on your chosen blend can include Red Maca, Camu Camu, Ashwagandha, Wild Chaga, Maca, Cordyceps, Black Maja and Schisandra Berry, a daily scoop of Supernova allows the body to work for itself. Adaptogens, for those new to the idea, work to help the body adapt to stress and understand what it itself needs to produce more, or less, of in order to self-optimise on a natural level. 

We tend to think of protein powder as something to be taken, in isolation, in conjunction with working out - on days we lift or as a boost on weeks when we’re upping from our usual 5k to a 10k. But Supernova, being more than just purely a protein, is something to be taken every day no matter what your movements or training schedule. It’s about a lifestyle and that, along with how good it makes me feel - is exactly why I can’t stop, won’t stop. 

You can read more about it in my interview with Laura, Supernova’s co-founder here.

Self-optimise at supernovaliving.com

What Is.. Floatation Therapy

Floatation therapy’s purpose is to, for a limited time, free us from the sometimes overwhelming everyday stress our minds and bodies endure as a result of the immense and never ending flood of sensory input that’s difficult for our beings to process at the rate we take it all in.

 Simply put it’s a form of therapy where you lie back in a body of water, working toward total sensory shut down so as to allow the body and mind reach a new level of calm and tranquility - for many, something previously unimaginable. Everything about flotation therapy is safely and scientifically pre-determined to ensure the upmost benefit, from the temperature of the water, the particular Epsom salts used, the amount of salts - which should be the perfect ration that allows you float effortlessly and the level of light and quiet created in the space. The level of relaxation allows you reach a state of - for some - euphoric repose in the precisely-manufactured weightless environment. 

Each floatation business is different in terms of the set up but I would absolutely recommend going to one where the tank is for one person - who wants to be floating with strangers.. amirite? So seek out somewhere that has the specially designed solo pods. The best ones will have a specified radio of a 10” salt-water solution. 

Benefits in regular sessions of the on-trend treatment creates an incredible array of rewards in both body and mind. Regular gym goers or professional athletes can expect an improvement in athletic performance as the recovery time between concentrated workouts is reduced, while relieving pain, improving blood circulation, reducing blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen consumption. And while we all love to do anything that makes us feel better physically and perform at any better rate, not all of us are professional athletes. ON a mental level it allows the brain shift into lower more relaxed frequencies which as a result has exceptional knock-on effects on general well-being. Regular users of flotation see a boost in overall mood, better sleep, the reduction of depressive states, anxiety and fear alongside growth in creativity and focus. 

What Is.. Reviv IV Therapy

Traditional oral supplements are something of a mystery. Some say they’re crucial to obtaining optimum wellness yet three’s a a whole other school of though that considers the taking of supplements a farce and we should be getting the nutrients from the foods we eat. It’s wildly debated as to how much goodness we actually absorb in our daily search for ultimate health via supplements, not to mention how many dollah bills we in fact may perhaps be wasting in the hundreds we spend on vitamins and supplements. 

What if though.. just what if, there’s a way of getting the immediate boost we seek in the form of something just as conventional yet much more effective. Ok step in and let me introduce you to Reviv IV Therapy. Tried and tested, it’s one of the only ways in which we get immediate results that instantly allows the body reap the benefits of 100% absorption. Yes 100%. I mean, whaaaaat!!! Imagine all those electrolytes, antioxidants, good fluids, vitamins and nutrients going straight to work, doing exactly what they’re meant to do. Benefits of IV Therapy with Reviv are endless, from the restoration of your general vitamin and nutrient balance, major upgrades in terms of your skins ability to let take what it needs to glow and shine as it’s meant to and not forgetting the overall advantage of a very empowering energy boost. 

Reviv is the real deal. Founded by four emergency room doctors who saw the need for general health boosters, such as IV therapies, to be more widely available to people and at a more affordable price point, it’s something you have to experience to believe. While understanding the underlying need and knowing it needed to be in a beautiful spa like setting instead of the miserable vibes we tent to associate with needles and drips around us, they began with an initial opening in Miami Beach in 2011 and have sine grown to a global level with spas in over 30 countries. Reviv also do genetic testing via understanding your DNA to help measure your genetic risk of serious illnesses and how to best avoid such onsets. Sports and nutrition testing alongside beauty and anti-ageing tests are also available as part of their DNA investigations. We spend so much on frivolous things in life yet what if investing in your mood, health, energy and the potential longevity of our lifespan is as easy as a trip to Reviv.. 

To book your IV Therapy session, visit revivme.com

Laura Beckford of Supernova Living, The Interview

Laura, how tell us a little about your journey into the health industry and how Supernova Living came to be..

Hello, firstly thank you so much for wanting to interview me for your beautiful website. 

My journey into the health industry was a pretty spontaneous one, I have always lived a holistic life, being brought up on homeopathy instead of pharmaceuticals, living in a vegetarian house, my dad is a Reiki Master and my aunt is a Naturopath, this way of living was just ‘the norm’ for me and I only realised it wasn’t for most, the older I got. After being a TV presenter for a few years, I opened a children’s casting and modelling agency, Ology Kids Casting, aged 22, which is still going strong but I wanted to spend more of my life living my passion, which is health and wellness. So after years of people continually asking, “how was I always so positive, rarely ill and always have so much energy?” I thought it’d be great to create products which we, as a family use, and helps us in all areas of life on a daily basis, presented in a luxurious and modern way. The first product came from a need to initially help my husband, who was a professional footballer at the time, to create super pure, plant-based protein powder and support what a professional athlete needed, which was much more than just protein. Ingredients to reduce stress in such a high pressured environment, reduce fatigue and inflammation, increase stamina, focus and endurance and help with gut health which most men don’t acknowledge or talk about at all. This was the start of Supernova Protein and we’ve since been developing products specifically tailored to the needs of men and women, which we did a lot of market research on.

As a tried-and-tested customer, it feels the essence of the brand is about living a beautiful life from the inside out, how best would you describe the philosophy and heart of the company?

What a lovely description of the brand, thank you. Quite simply we’re creating products that we, as a family need and we’re genuinely passionate about; our brand is our way of living with honesty and integrity which is so freeing. I couldn’t release products which I didn’t believe in or use every day. I do love being surrounded by beauty, as Marie Kondo says “it fills me with joy” and raises my vibration but that beauty comes in so many forms. It could be the mist of our lawn at 6am, the contagious giggling of our children or the smoothness of our hand carved coconut wood scoops, made from a small village in Vietnam. It sounds cliched but I do find beauty, joy and inspiration in so much. Our philosophy is to create the highest quality wellness products, with integrity, to elevate the body and mind as a whole. To help create balance in all areas of life as we lead such fast faced, demanding lifestyles.

You currently have three proteins and the (most amazing) cans to shake up delicious drinks in, can you explain to us your process in creating each product thus far..

I briefly mentioned that the MAN 02 product was the one we initially developed, for my husband, as a substitute for the whey proteins n the market that are so full of chemicals, sugars and artificial ingredients that he was being given at the professional football clubs he played at. For such a high pressured profession, we felt he needed much more than ‘just protein’ to succeed and thrive. He also suffered with digestive problems so we wanted gut health to be a focus, more energy, as well as ingredients to reduce stress, anxiety, increase focus, stamina and endurance and aid with recovery and fatigue. His statistics went through the roof after using Supernova Protein, instead of the ones he previously used and all his teammates were wanting his blend, so we thought we’d try and make a bigger batch and it sold out within weeks. From experimenting myself with this powder, I personally wanted an easy, go to blend that ticked all the things I wanted! More energy, gut support, anti ageing ingredients with masses of antioxidants, anti stress ingredients, hormone balancing and immune boosting. So we developed the WOMAN 01, which is now our best seller. The NAKED 00 was born from the desire to create the purest powder, without stevia for those who might not want a cacao based blend. The Supernova Can was always in the pipeline but we just couldn’t find one that ticked every box, I always used to use a glass bottle, but it was so heavy and I would constantly smash it when I put my handbag down and end up with water all over a shop floor, restaurant or my car! I then bought stainless steel bottles but when in the gym or driving they were too difficult to drink from and I would regularly spill water or the shake all over me! Plus they were really difficult to clean or put the powder into with a small opening. So we developed the Supernova Can, which is Stainless Steel, not plastic, so doesn’t leech chemicals into the drink. Lightweight, easy to carry, non drip, keeps it cold or hot for up to 12 hours and is a great travel size of 400ml. Plus it has a wide straw which is a pleasure to drink from and a durable outer coating in a sleek, modern design, unlike anything else out there. We love it.

Is there a plan to extend the product range?

Yes, creating and developing is my passion. We hope to release a product in Spring 2020 which we feel a large majority of our demographic will need and we’re also working with a factory now to create an innovative product inspired from something my mother gave to me as a child which I know you will love. As a brand we want to stay innovative and pioneering in the wellness industry, as it is so saturated. Unfortunately, as a small business this takes time but we want to get it right and only release products we’re super passionate about and know are not only beautiful but also highly effective.

Your branding is stunning, what inspired you to create such a beautiful, sleek and elegant vibe?

Thank you so much, branding is something I adore and although it seems a little superficial, it is the initial perception of a brand and ours had to show quality and luxury from the outset. There is a still a big stereotype of protein brands being a big black plastic tub with a huge body builder on the front. We wanted to get as far away from that as possible and show that protein is also essential for overall wellness. Amino acids are necessary for hormone production, hair, skin and nails as well as to replenish muscles after a workout! We’re a lifestyle wellness brand and want to show that health is not just about taking a powder, including ours! It’s a mindset, daily rituals, nutrition and exercise to elevate your life. Health is not a destination, it’s a continually evolving journey and needs attention every day which is why we show our personal experiences and how we live as a family too on social media. We also felt simplicity is important in our branding for ‘wellness’ as a concept can sometimes be overwhelming and people don’t know where to start, Supernova Living is about elevating your mind and body with ease. One to two scoops of powder a day with plant milk, it couldn’t get much easier!

You work alongside your co-funder and husband, Jermaine, how do you navigate a high-pressure working relationship with your husband and do you have any tips on working with a spouse?

I always said I would never ever work with my husband. I thought it was a recipe for disaster. He’s so laid back and I’m so motivated and driven, that’s why we work as a couple and ironically that’s why our working relationship is also proving to be great and epitomises Supernova Living philosophy of balance. Jermaine said in an interview recently that we are each other’s adaptogen, we keep each other in balance which is so true!

We wanted to work together as we simply wanted to spend more time together, as a family, as a couple and to travel together. I’ve always thought if you’re lucky enough to find someone who you adore and want to spend your life with, why do you go to work 10 hours a day, five days a week, with other people?! It’s great that Jermaine and I still have other passions that we work on each week, my other business, Ology Kids Casting and Jermaine is commentating and presenting for Sky Sports, Talk Sport and BBC Sport so we till have other ventures to discuss with each other which I think this is important.

My main advice would be to find what each of you excels in, this has taken us 12 months. Inevitably as a small business you both have to do everything to start with, whether you like it or not! Always listen to the other person’s perspective and opinions as it makes you think outside of your own mindset. Make time for you as a couple, not work related, time not spent talking about work or you could risk becoming colleagues first and a couple second! Appreciate each other, when you’re working together, you don’t have a boss to say ‘good job today’ or award you with ‘employee of the week’ so to just be grateful of each other and vocalise it.

What has been one of the most formative experiences thus far for you in building up Supernova Living?

So many lessons have been learnt on our journey with Supernova, which I love as we always want to continue to grow and evolve as people and a business. I feel my childhood and mindset instilled from my parents has been the most prolific experience to set a precedent for Supernova Living. The foundations of listening to your body, we usually know instinctively what we need and to work on acknowledging that instinct. To look at what we’re putting into our bodies, question whether it’s right for us and don’t always trust huge companies just because they say it’s ‘ok’ and have the strength to go against convention if necessary. My mother taught us about manifestation so it’s always been a natural part of our lives, visualising and being grateful creates more opportunities. My experiences of holistic medicine from homeopathy, acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine have had such a positive effect on our lives it’s definitely had an influence on developing Supernova Living. Have integrity and do the right thing when no-one is watching, that’s one of my favourite philosophies, along with ‘to thine own self be true’, which my dad wrote on my 18th Birthday Card. Also life lessons such as never expect anything, be humble and kind.

And perhaps you’d share your most notable failure to date and how it helped you grow both personally and professionally…

I’ve been racking my brain for this one and think I am struggling because I try not to see experiences as ‘failures’ I just don’t compute them as a ‘failure’ as they are simply lessons that I can learn and grow from. I don’t see them as a negative. There have been lots of things that I have done wrong; I apologise, rectify it and most importantly make sure it doesn’t happen again. We’re currently out of stock of all sachets, which I am very frustrated about and could see as a failure but it’s because we have had an influx of stockists and demand. So although this could be viewed as a ‘failure’ (and is very frustrating to me) I need to see it as a fantastic progression that they’re in such demand. I know this isn’t probably the answer you’d like so I do apologise and trust me I do get things wrong but I feel it’s all perception and there is no benefit to acknowledging anything we do as a failure, it will only create negative energy.

Seeing a gap in the market for a simplified but high-quality protein powder, sans all the horrible additives that so many are privy to, Supernova is really making a mark on the industry, positioning yourselves as a truly reliable substitute to other well-known market leaders - how difficult is it in reality to break into that kind of oversaturated market?

I think starting any business is incredibly difficult, on so many levels, emotionally, financially, physically. To develop a product with USP’s and to get awareness for the product is a real challenge, especially as a small business when we’re up against companies who have millions of pounds of investment or have global awareness from being in business for decades. We’re crazy aren’t we?! We obviously did do research before we developed Supernova Protein but I’m a big believer in focusing on your own journey and not worrying about others around you. We do find it very difficult to get awareness for us as a new brand, as some still see it as ‘a protein powder’ when it is so much more than just protein. We find educating our customers and the press on the unique ingredients is the key and giving them the opportunity to sample the powder. There seems to be an association with wellness powders and vegan proteins as awful tasting and gritty texture which we focused on in our development process. We still have a long long way to go and we’re a very ambitious company. We really do appreciate all the magazines, influencers, bloggers and customers who we have never paid, who can see our vision and have supported us since the beginning, it’s these people and companies who can make or break a small business so it means a lot.

Starting any new business is a huge risk and comes with many complications, what advice would you impart to those at the beginning of such a process?

Jump and the net will appear! I am pretty spontaneous and don’t have the same cautiousness that most do, apart from money. I don’t worry about what people will think but I am careful with money. Fear plays too much of a role in peoples lives and prevents people doing things they love and are passionate about. I would recommend to plan and do research before starting, look at your finances and plan how you will invest money in the business and also have enough to live, it’s boring but imperative. Aim high, I have huge expectations and I work incredibly hard to achieve them. I see from people we interview for jobs that not many have so much drive or desire to succeed, if you are your own boss you HAVE to have self discipline and drive to succeed as no-one else is going to tell you to get up and do the emails or be proactive in the business. To find the drive you have to start a business that you’re passionate about or it will feel too much like ‘work’ and you won’t succeed. Surround yourself with likeminded, positive people and get help from specialists with skills that you may not be the greatest at. Perhaps invest in a PR agency and a business coach for guidance now and again. I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet but I know I couldn’t work any harder, I plan to work smarter to get the same results….it’s a work in progress!! Create a life that feels good on the inside and not just one that looks good on the outside.

What does a day in the life of Laura Beckford look like and what role do you play in the daily running of the company?

A busy one! I get up at 6am, drink a pint of water when I wake, go over emails and highlight important ones I need to address urgently. I then do a mini meditation or yoga to wake me up and put me in a positive frame of mind. I body brush and if I have time I’ll do a 10-15 cardio in our gym to raise my vibrations and mindset to start the day. This can take no longer than 20 minutes in total as I then have to get the children up and ready for school and is my ideal way to start the day, it does not happen every day though!! My husband and I are a great team in the morning and have specific roles to get them out of the door on the school run by 7.30am, if I take the kids I listen to a podcast about business on the way to the office or back home, then I make lists! I love lists. A list to our creative team, a list to our executive assistant, a list for Jermaine and myself for life jobs and also Supernova jobs all whilst having a WOMAN 01 with plant milk! My days are so varied, I can be meeting a new stockist, journalist or sampling at events, festivals or partnerships like Barrecore, Lululemon or Facegym. I do spend a lot of time on emails, as I do everything for Supernova from designing, developing, invoicing, marketing, social media. I am trying to delegate and we are starting to hire people but it’s difficult as I have very high expectations. It’s especially busy at the moment as we’re improving and making a new batch of each blend which is always difficult as I’m so conscientious to get the right certification, organic, processing etc to make sure it’s as pure as we want. If I have to pick the children up, my day is short, as I leave at 2.30pm, then I’m mum and take them to tennis, netball, football, swimming, horse riding etc! I do try to be present with them but it’s difficult especially when I have emails coming in every day that are important and I need to reply to. I always put them to bed and then maybe do a Peloton session, or yoga at home or a couple of of times a week I go to play tennis (which is my sanity saviour!) I get my laptop back out at 8pm and will usually work until at least 11pm. I love to unwind at the end of the day in our far infra red sauna with Headspace on, followed by an episode of Working Moms on Netflix!

You’re a busy lady Laura, with your young family, two flourishing businesses (Laura also owns Ology Kids Casting) and generally just being a superwoman, how do you find balance in your life or time for yourself though?

I’m certainly not Superwoman! It’s a daily challenge and I have to remind myself that it is not an ultimate destination, as things are always changing we have to adapt. Which does fit in with the Supernova Protein as the adaptogens literally adapt to what your body needs at a certain time!!  

Ironically it is a challenge for me everyday whilst the business is still so young but it is at the forefront of my mind as I believe balance is so important for a happy life. My children give me the balance I need as they are my first priority which makes me cook healthy meals, get outside and exercise with them, play and be silly, which is underrated as an adult. My husband also makes me switch off by dragging me out for brunch or for a bike ride if I’m super stressed. I also always make sure I go to play tennis if I can as it’s my two hours in fresh air that’s just for me. I am always busy but I like it that way. I also write down every few weeks the areas of my life such as friends, family, me time, work, exercise etc and see where I am spending most of my time and perhaps reassess which areas need more attention.

Do you have any daily routines or rituals you can’t survive without?

A pint of alkaline water on waking, Supernova WOMAN 01 every morning, lists, Neom Face / Body oil, being outside, preferably on the beach, in the woods, in the countryside where we live, kissing my children goodnight.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

A vegan chocolate mochi ball by Mini Moons…..SO good but I don’t feel guilty about it!!

What is your beauty routine and what are your favourite brands?

I’m pretty low maintenance with regards to beauty, I’m a big believer in if you eat pure organic food and a lot of filtered water, your skin will glow naturally. I am at my happiest without make up, hair in a bun on the beach in the sun. I always body brush and use Neom oil and Ren shower products. That’s all I use!!

If you’re hitting up the gym, which classes or trainers are you loving right now?

We’ve just partnered with Hero Wellbeing and their new space at Angel Gardens in Manchester which is just fantastic for all types of workouts, it’s inspiring. I love yoga and have practiced since I left ballet for yoga at 15. I regularly do Tara Stiles workouts at home and whenever she’s in the UK, Claudia Mirallegro does a great hip hop yoga class at Lululemon in Manchester and Barrecore too. When in London I love Louisa Drake and Simone De La Rue as I used to dance as a child so love the choreographed classes. I do try to get to a pilates reformer class whenever I can and although I’m not a lover of high intensity classes I’m really looking forward to trying The Trip by Les Mills in the Cycle Studio at Hero. I also love outdoor tennis too.

If you had one more hour in your day how would you spend it?

Going to the beach with my children.

To what do you attribute your success thus far with Supernova Living?

Tenacity. I don’t look left or right, I solely focus on our journey, how we can continually improve and I don’t accept no for an answer!

With all it’s pros and cons, social media can, at times, be a real pressure to depict the picture-perfect life. Do you feel it and how do you deal with that strain?

Yes, I think it is inevitable. We were having this discussion in the office earlier this week and I started Instagram on my personal account as a ‘photo album’ of our life. All the best bits to look back on, I wouldn’t choose the pictures of us arguing or crying to put in a photo frame so I don’t do it on Instagram. It has now, however evolved into this facade of life and becomes worrying when people see it as ‘real life’ not just a highlighted showreel to be inspired by. From a business perspective, it is frustrating as it’s a full time job in itself to promote a brand on social media and you can be judged by the amount of followers or engagement you get which is crazy. Life is not perfect and I do like that there are more and more accounts on Instagram, especially for young girls with women showing cellulite and rolls of skin which is completely normal, even with a healthy diet and exercise. My focus, as I briefly mentioned, is not to look at other brands in our genre and just follow inspiring businesses and accounts who I am motivated by. 

Do you have a personal motto that you live by?

Oh wow, I have so many. I love a quote and positive affirmation.

“To thine own self be true.” // “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” // ‘Carpe Diem” // “Happiness and balance are not something you find but something you create.” // “Just do it”

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing where might we find you?

I’d be expanding my other business Ology Kids Casting which I’m also passionate about.

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