In 2013, mum of three Melanie Lawson was struggling with post natal depression, a condition that effects up to 15% of new mums. Like many other women, Melanie took to the internet to look for a cure. She noticed a gap in the market for fish oils that can be easily absorbed that contain Omega 3, guaranteed purity and low oxidation levels. All things which are said to aid the symptoms of post natal depression. After her findings, Melanie single -handedly established Bare Biology from scratch into a profitable business, and now in 2016 some key stockists include Liberty, Whole Foods and Space NK.
Omega 3 is already renowned for having such a positive impact on your joints, heart and skin. It’s very rich in anti-oxidants, it’s the ideal supplement for helping with skin care such as hydration, sun protection and anti-ageing, however it is also said to help with children’s behaviour and brain development.
At the current time, Bare Biology is the only UK brand to be awarded with 5* for the purity and strength from the International Fish Oil Standards. A range of products from the Bare Biology line including Lion Heart capsules and Lion Heart oil are completely free from any heavy metals which can be harmful.
The company’s most recent product, Bump and Glory is suitable to be taken during pre-conception, breast feeding and pregnancy and contains no vitamin A which can also be harmful in pregnancy.
I spoke to Melanie about her company Bare Biology and how the journey has been for her, here’s what she had to say:
When did the idea come about to you to create Bare Biology?
“Prior to Bare Biology I had a career in advertising, focusing on developing campaigns for big brand names from Sainsbury’s through to Coca Cola.”
“I had always wanted to start my own business and wanted to be able to work around my children. It was in 2008 when I started taking Omega 3 to help me through postnatal depression that I felt I had found something I could be passionate about. I spent 18 months researching the category and found there was a gap in the market for a top quality product, so it went from there. I founded Bare Biology in 2013 and the business has accelerated ever since. My family, the business and I are all based in Brighton but we are very lucky to have stockists all over the UK.”
Why did you want to launch the brand?
“I believe so passionately in the power of Omega 3 for good health, both physical and mental, that it seemed like a no brainer. I knew people would want the product, I just had to figure out how to make the best one.”
What has been the hardest part for you?
“When you are a mum of three, simply launching and setting up a business can be daunting. On top of that I was working in a new sector and wanted to ensure my product was premium, fresh and of the highest quality. The biggest challenge though was getting suppliers to take me seriously and finding a bottler for our liquids, hardly anyone can bottle fish oil. I started out purchasing one barrel of oil and then grew from there.”
What’s the next move for Bare Biology?
“We are always looking to grow and develop. This year we are focusing on several new aspects of the business. We’re launching a gorgeous new website in May which will have an amazing Magazine section with loads of great health tips, recipes and lifestyle related content.”
“We also have a new product Bare Biology Bump & Glory which is Omega 3 for pregnancy. In this sector we are trying to reduce the confusion surrounding cod liver oil and omega 3 – two completely different things. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive you should NOT take cod liver oil. However, Omega 3 is excellent to take to support preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding!”
About time someone came along that really cared for the cause, we hope Melanie and Bare Biology all the best!