Q&A: Medicinal Mushroom Magic

This week, we speak with Nicola Waters, founder of natural supplement brand TAKE Bio Actives. Nicola was inspired to create her various medicinal mushroom blends after discovering the health benefits in her personal journey with an autoimmune disease. , responsible for everything from packaging to logistics, sales and marketing.

ISB: What inspired you to establish TAKE Bio Actives?

NW: I founded TAKE Bio Actives out of my own health experience. About 6 years ago I was diagnosed with celiac disease, had 3 small children and was exhausted. My new gluten-free diet did not make me feel any better. I stumbled across research on the benefits of medicinal mushrooms and started adding them to my morning coffee.The benefits have transformed my health . My friends and family kept asking what had changed. However, the other brands on the market were always lacking something, so I decided to make my own.

ISB: And why are you focusing on medicinal mushrooms as a key ingredient in your products?

NW: There’s mushrooms for everyone! All mushrooms are great for immunity and gut health, but each mushroom has its own benefits. For example, the first mushroom I tested was the lion’s mane mushroom, known as the brain mushroom. Its unique compounds have a positive effect on nerves and neurons, optimizing cognition and clearing brain fog. Another example is cordyceps mushrooms, which are great for boosting energy and endurance… And it boosts our libido too! That’s why we’ve included the top 4 of the most well-studied medicinal mushrooms in our range.

ISB: What was the biggest challenge you faced getting your business off the ground and how did you overcome it?

NW: Finding the right contacts within the industry who know the best places to source quality ingredients can also guide me when it comes to industry regulations. It was fairly easy to find, but many of them were not compliant with Australian regulations. .

ISB: How do you ensure that you are providing the highest quality ingredients to your consumers?

NW: I worked with nutritionists who specialized in new product development and had strong connections with TGA certified manufacturers who sourced the highest quality ingredients. That’s why we chose to source mushrooms grown and produced in FDA-approved facilities in the United States because their testing can ensure the potency of the beneficial compounds in the powder.

ISB: How do you see your business evolving in the next few years?

NW: I originally expected the majority of sales to be primarily online, but retail sales are doing very well. I have also experienced great pressure from pharmacies to take a more holistic approach to health, incorporating natural remedies used in combination with Western medicine. I’m really looking forward to doing it.

ISB: And finally, what is the number one piece of advice you would give to someone dreaming of starting their own business?

NW: Ask lots of questions! And think of it as your own child. The hardest thing ever, there is no other way.