Modern life is fast, there's always something to be done
as we rush around as busy as the proverbial bee. Now a new
start-up, Unbeelievable Health, is aiming to make sure we
don't get run down by taking a leaf out of the bees book itself.
Using natural products produced by bees, founder Sarah Orecchia is
aiming to keep us all healthy .
0-5 seconds: Sum your business up in a
sentence
Unbeelievable Health launched in 2010 and
produces high quality, all natural supplements based on health from
the hive, including BEE Prepared immune support supplements, which
contain bee propolis, combined with plant and food sourced
ingredients. We help busy people to stay healthier, naturally.
5-10 seconds: What's the business
model?
To become a market leader in targeted, bee product based,
natural health supplements. We plan on expanding our product range
to include new formulas focusing on anti-anxiety, anti-aging, and
memory/brain function among others. All products will contain one
or more bee ingredients combined with other nutrients. We have
developed the formulas with nutritionists and formulation
specialists.
10-15 seconds: Who are your
competitors?
Currently Avogal Echinaforce, Sambucol, Immunace, Comvita Olive
Leaf Complex, Bee Health propolis products.
15-20 seconds: What's your USP?
We are an ethical supplements brand based on 'health from the
hive'. Our products are made in the UK from high quality, EU
sourced vegetarian ingredients, which are highly beneficial for
human health, yet are not usually found in a regular diet. In
addition, part of our mission is to educate people about the
importance of bees and how we all can help prevent the current
decline in bee populations. Buying more bee products creates
demand, which encourages more people to keep bees. More
beekeepers are integral to maintaining bee populations.
20-25 seconds: How have you funded it so far?
Personal savings from years of hard work, keeping the vision of
creating UnBEElievable Health, in mind all the while. We are in
about 175 key UK health stores and launch in 400+ Holland &
Barrett stores in September, so once we have that under our belt,
we plan to seek outside investment in 2013.
25-30 seconds: What were you doing before?
Sales and marketing and before that, design.
30-35 seconds: Where did the idea come from?
I've always been obsessed with natural health and my first
business plan, many years ago at 22, was to start something very
similar to what is now, Vitamin Water. I could not raise the funds
and have always regretted it. Especially after Vitamin Water
(Glaceau) was sold to Coca Cola for $4 billion! I've always been a
lover of bees and a massive fan of bee propolis, which has natural
anti-viral & anti-biotic properties. It has kept me super
healthy for years, so a great immune supplement, with propolis as
the hero ingredient, was the logical first range of products.
35-40 seconds: What's the smartest thing you've
done so far?
My father, also an entrepreneur, always told me- find out who
some of the big players are in your industry and ask them for
advice, whether you know them or not! Most people are flattered and
keen to help. I have met some amazing mentors and have made some
good friends along the way doing that.
Also I was lucky enough to find and hire my right hand woman
Erin, a nutritionist and former accountant. She is smart,
passionate about the business, knows a ton about health and is fun
to work with.
40-45 seconds: What's the stupidest?
We should have done more market research on the price point of
our original products (they were too expensive). We managed to get
our prices down though, by buying ingredients direct.
45-50 seconds: If your business was a biscuit, what would
it be?
Honey oat biscuit. Sweet, healthy, and a touch of love
from the bees.
50-55 seconds: Which idea are you a bit jealous
of?
I'm still smarting over Vitamin Water! I didn't think the actual
drinks were that great, but I love that concept.
55-60 seconds: Where are you going to be in 12
months' time?
There will be more brand awareness, we will have expanded our
product range and will be selling in more stores. Next step- Ocado
& Waitrose. We will also have more people on board to lighten
our load. We will be delegating a bit more in 12 months and
concentrating on the things we are really good at and winning a few
more awards hopefully!
For more information on Unbeelievable Health, click
here