Fact + Fiction caught up with Nikki Cooper, founder of the incredible supplement company Inner Me
What’s the idea behind your brand?
In 2009 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and went on a quest to optimise my health and wellbeing. I walked out of a health store empty handed and bewildered by the walls of dreary, monotonous and obscure supplements with unpronounceable names with little indication as to what they did or their quality. It was this major Eureka moment, the idea for Inner Me was born...a brand that eliminates the guesswork around supplementation for you with daily strips of vitamins, minerals supplements and fish oils tailored for women at the different age stages of her life!
Where did the inspiration for InnerMe come from?
I was so confused myself about what to take, how much to take, what could be taken together safely and further I was tired of having lots of pots of different supplements on my desk at work often forgetting which ones I had taken that the ease of daily strips seemed the perfect solution – also they are tear and go and fit in my handbag!
What’s next for you?
We are about to launch our new superfoods range complete with a vegan protein, raw cacao, organic chlorella, coconut oil, purples and greens and also a vitamin powder for children that can be mixed easily into cold drinks and foods. My favourite product that is about to be released however is a magnesium hot drink called Soothe Me which is to be taken before bedtime to improve my sleep and soothe my muscles if I have been exercising that day!
What advice do you have for someone looking to start their own business? Be 100% committed and in love with what you do as it is not an easy ride! Also know your market, what the size is, who your competitors are and how you are different. The hardest part then is how do you get people to know about you. Being immersed in your own brand you find it difficult to understand how not everybody else knows about it and why it is so wonderful! Building a brand is hard work and you have to understand that it will not happen overnight unless your best friend is Kim Kardashian of course.
What’s been the high point of your career so far?
Seeing my products in the window at Selfridges was pretty exciting and then securing investment which was hard work but went to show that others than me believed in what Inner Me has set out to achieve.
How often do you work out / what’s your favourite way to stay in shape?
I work out 3 times a week and any additional sessions I consider a bonus. I love to mix it up so 1 session of cardio such as running or a HIIT class, a body pump class and a yoga class I find keeps me interested, motivated and in shape!
What’s your top beauty tip?
Hot water and lemon every morning. It not only hydrates the skin and helps keep it clear, it also sets me on a good path in terms of being healthy for the rest of the day, start as you mean to go on!
What are your top 5 favourite hangouts?
Ha with 2 small children I'm afraid I never really get chance to hang out! I love Tanya’s Café for a healthy breakfast treat so try to arrange meetings there and I love to go for a romantic dinner with my hubby in any of the restaurants in the Shard as I never tire of the view and feels so grown up and different from my normal hangouts with the kids.
What 5 things could you not live without?!
My family of course! My daily4 30+ strip of supplements, avocados, lemons and my iphone.
