Meet Melissa Snover, founder of Nourished
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
Well, I’ve worked in several different industries, including confectionery, tech and finance. I'm originally from New York and studied Business Management and Political Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, before moving to the UK to finish my studies at Lancaster University. Shortly after this, I co-founded a financial services company at aged 23.
After a few years, I realised I wanted to put my skills into something creative, so I sold the business in 2009. The next year, I founded FTF Sweets Ltd, UK, also known as Goody Good Stuff, which is the world’s first vegan, natural and allergen-free fruit gum. In 2015, I partnered with the successful German Katjes family corporation, so I was able to immerse myself in the world of food technology and 3D printing, which has since led me to start my current venture, Nourished – a personalised gummy vitamin brand.
How did you come to start Nourished?
It was whilst travelling internationally back in 2018 that I first came up with the idea. I used to carry a container of personally selected vitamins, supplements and active ingredients with me when travelling and, on this occasion, I accidentally spilt them all over the floor at airport security. Crawling around in my suit and heels picking them up, I thought there must be a better solution.
Working in the tech industry, I was inspired to develop my 3D printing technology that could combine multiple active ingredients into one personalised product, without compromising their efficacy. Despite only officially launching Nourished in October 2019, I closed one of the largest seed rounds raised in the UK by a female founder at the start of 2020, raising over £2 million of investment for the company, something which I am extremely proud of.
What makes Nourished different?
I don’t think there’s anyone else out there who can achieve totally bespoke, high impact and innovative nutrition like we do. Personalised health is a relatively untapped market and I think our approach is unique. We pride ourselves on using 100% vegan, plastic-free packaging, and that 98% of our ingredients are sourced here in the UK. Plus, using 3D printing technology means we’re sustainable as we produce very little waste product – and everything is made to order. We’ve listened to our consumers and they come to us knowing we’re an ethical brand.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far and how have you overcome them?
The uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak, which is bound to affect entrepreneurs, businesses and self-employed people everywhere, is certainly a challenging time for our industry. Not knowing how it will impact many of us is a difficult challenge to face. However, we’re trying to do what we can and remain positive during this uncertain time, and are utilising all of our resources to support our community.
As a thank you to all of our customers, we’ve been sending out a free bottle of hand sanitiser in every single order. It’s a gesture we hoped would help our customers, during a time when it’s so hard to find any or if you do the prices are ridiculously inflated. In such turbulent times, we must work together – our goal is to contribute positively. We have also been donating this hand sanitiser, which we make ourselves in our certified food production facility, to local care homes and vulnerable individuals in need of it.
Who is Nourished’s target audience?
The beauty of Nourished being a personalised product means that anyone can create something that’s right for them. Everyone is unique, so our supplements should be too, especially as people are more health-conscious now than ever before. Our customers take an online health quiz so they can create the right personalised health stack for them, whether they’re 18 or 80. The ingredients we use are specially selected to help with everything from protecting the immune system to better sleep, mood regulation and more.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
My schedule can quickly get hectic and it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but I believe self-care is important for anyone. Working in the health industry means taking care of yourself is an even bigger priority, but it’s not always easy when you’re starting your own business! Free time is a rare commodity at times, but I manage to go for a run most days. I also enjoy playing golf when I can and spend time supporting charities that are close to my heart, as it’s important to give back.
What’s the best advice you can give to other budding entrepreneurs?
Always try and seek new opportunities, wherever possible. I get a lot out of doing different speaking engagements, no matter how big or small they may be. Speaking at venues and events such as The United Nations and UK First Women Conference had made me feel very fortunate about where I am today. Each opportunity has not only led to more business and a network of contacts but has increased awareness for my brand too.
