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Can fasting really reverse the age of your cells? Dr. Joseph Antoun thinks so. Bora Celik sits down with Joseph Antoun, CEO of L-Nutra, Inc, to talk about the groundbreaking science behind Prolon Fast. Watch/listen: https://lnkd.in/e-hcAPQM Dr. Antoun isn’t talking about the latest diet trend or a quick fix for weight loss. He’s talking about longevity—literally reversing the age of your cells through fasting. But not just any fasting. He’s figured out how to trick your body into thinking it’s fasting while still eating. The concept sounds almost too good to be true. But after $48 million in research and years of trials with top universities like USC and Stanford, the science is there. Prolon is the first-ever fasting-mimicking diet—a five-day, plant-based meal plan designed to promote longevity by rejuvenating your cells. "I started out as a doctor and realized we were missing something big. Food is the only thing we consume three times a day, every day. But we hadn’t unlocked its potential for longevity," Dr. Antoun explains. This "aha" moment set him on a 20-year journey to create Prolon. His vision? A future where we not only live longer but stay healthier—preventing diseases like diabetes and obesity before they even begin. And the best part? Just 15 days a year on Prolon can turn back the biological clock by over two years. It’s a bold claim. But Dr. Antoun backs it up with hard science, over 40 clinical trials, and patents that prove his point. And while the fasting-mimicking diet has already crossed a million users, Dr. Antoun believes the mission is just getting started. "Most people don’t know how powerful this is yet," he says. "But we’re changing lives, and we’re not stopping." For anyone interested in health, longevity, or breaking free from the same old health routines, Dr. Antoun’s story is an eye-opener. #BrandArchitects #LongevityScience #FastingMimickingDiet #Prolon #HealthInnovation

"It's hard when you spend your time around a person 24/7. Sometimes you're still talking work stuff at night when you're just like, can we never escape work?" Bora Celik chats with Alex Keyan, the CEO and co-founder of goPure. Watch/listen: https://lnkd.in/eiBr2UAq Alex isn't talking about a demanding boss or a chatty coworker. He's talking about his wife and business partner, Erin. This candid admission offers a glimpse into the often-glossed-over reality of running a business with your spouse. But for the Keyans, this challenge was just one hurdle on their path to creating a skincare brand that would eventually become a TikTok sensation. Six years ago, Alex and Erin noticed customers trapped in a cycle between effective-but-toxic skincare and safe-but-ineffective alternatives. They saw an opportunity to challenge the industry's status quo. "The industry was just kind of outdated," Alex explains. "Some people would put, you know, let's say this product is based on this ingredient, right? And then it's like vitamin C, but there's just no vitamin C in there or just barely, you know, like 0.01% to make the marketing claim." Launching Go Pure wasn't smooth sailing. Alongside typical startup challenges, they grappled with maintaining a marriage while building a business. Eventually, Erin stepped back to focus on their children, a decision that strengthened both family and business. As Go Pure grew, Alex learned crucial lessons about leadership and team building. This paid off when TikTok Shop emerged. While other brands hesitated, Go Pure's nimble team seized the opportunity, riding the wave of TikTok Shop's explosive growth. Yet, even amid this success, Alex remains grounded. When asked if there was a moment when he felt they'd "made it," his response is surprising: "No, I mean, I don't think we're there yet. We always try to treat everything as like a day one mentality." This hunger keeps Go Pure innovating in a crowded market. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Alex's journey offers valuable lessons: Focus on bringing real value. Build a team aligned with your values. Stay nimble and ready for unexpected opportunities. And never think you've "made it." As for Go Pure's future? Alex sees challenges ahead but remains excited. "I think we're just getting started," he says. And for Go Pure Beauty, that's an exciting place to be. #BrandArchitects #BeautyIndustry #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #TikTokMarketing

"I could sell you 19 cases right now because I'm standing in front of you and I'm handsome," Mark Samuel quips, recalling his early days of demoing IWON Organics products at Whole Foods. Bora Celik chats with Mark A. Samuel, the founder of IWON Organics. Watch/listen: https://lnkd.in/eRst35Bv Mark's journey from fitness enthusiast to founder of a national snack brand is far more than a story of charm and good looks. It's a tale of perseverance, hard-learned lessons, and knowing when to pivot. Eight years ago, Mark spotted a gap in the market: savory, protein-rich snacks. Armed with a passion for health and wellness, he dove headfirst into the food and beverage industry. "Little did I know how difficult it is," he admits. The early days were a whirlwind of product development, flavor experimentation, and standing for hours at demo tables. Success seemed within reach when IWON secured its first regional placement in Whole Foods, even winning a supplier award. But the path to scaling wasn't smooth. For five straight years, IWON was denied national rollout. "We got denied global rollout for five straight years," Mark reveals, the frustration still evident in his voice. During this time, Mark grappled with the realities of the food industry. He learned that success requires far more capital than anticipated. "It's a lot more than you think," he warns aspiring entrepreneurs, "and then some more." The challenges weren't just financial. Mark faced the emotional weight of responsibility to investors, many of whom were friends and family. "We look at Uncle Jack's money like it's ours," he explains, highlighting the personal toll of entrepreneurship. Yet, through it all, Mark kept pushing. He built a network of micro-influencers, fine-tuned his products, and kept knocking on Whole Foods' door. Finally, after half a decade of rejections, IWON secured its national rollout. But Mark's most profound insight isn't about perseverance – it's about knowing when to quit. "Sometimes it's time to die," he reflects, challenging the 'never give up' mantra often preached in entrepreneurial circles. As IWON faces its biggest opportunity yet with the national rollout, Mark stands at a crossroads. He's clear-eyed about the challenges ahead and open about the toll of the journey so far. Mark's story is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn't just about the wins. It's about the grit to keep going when times are tough, the wisdom to know when to pivot, and the courage to start anew when necessary. #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #FoodIndustry #BusinessLessons #BrandArchitects

A dermatologist walks into a Buddhist vegetarian restaurant in Japan. It sounds like the start of a joke, but for Jonathan Carp, it was the beginning of a life-changing adventure. Bora Celik chats with Jonathan Carp, MD, the founder of Miracle Noodle. The year was 2004. Carp, already an entrepreneur at heart, was on a trip that would change the course of his career - and the diets of countless health-conscious individuals across America. As he slurped down a bowl of noodles, his friend leaned in with a surprising revelation: these noodles had virtually no carbohydrates or calories. For Carp, it was more than just a meal; it was a lightbulb moment. "I realized this would be perfect for my patients trying to transition to a healthier diet," Carp recalls. Little did he know, he was about to embark on a journey that would span nearly two decades and ride the waves of numerous health food trends. Returning to the States, Carp founded Miracle Noodle. But his path wasn't just about selling a product; it was about navigating the ever-shifting landscape of health and nutrition. From the HCG diet to the keto craze, from low-carb to high-protein, Carp watched trends come and go. Yet, through it all, one thing remained constant: people's desire for healthier alternatives that didn't sacrifice taste or texture. Fast forward to today, and Miracle Noodle has expanded beyond its original offering. Carp's latest innovation? Egg white noodles - a response to the growing demand for protein-rich, low-carb options. But for Carp, this is just the beginning of a new chapter. He's setting his sights on transforming Miracle Noodle into a comprehensive lifestyle brand. "We're not just a low-carb company," Carp explains. "We're moving towards creating a lifestyle company that fuses my passion for health education with products that will help people become their own health authorities." It's a vision born from years of medical practice and entrepreneurship - a unique blend that sets Carp apart in the crowded health food market. As he looks to the future, Carp's story serves as a reminder: sometimes, the most powerful business ideas come from unexpected places. And the most successful entrepreneurs are those who can adapt their vision to meet changing needs while staying true to their core mission. From a chance encounter with a bowl of noodles to a pioneering force in the health food industry, Jonathan Carp's journey with Miracle Noodle is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and continuously evolving. Listen/watch the episode: https://lnkd.in/ehP_ZVMf #BrandArchitects #EntrepreneurialJourney #HealthInnovation

"We Googled 'pubic hair care' and found nothing. So we created an entire category." Bora Celik chats with the founders of Fur, Laura Schubert and Lillian Tung. This is their story. In 2014, Laura Schubert had a lightbulb moment. She realized she'd never discussed body hair grooming with her sister or close friends. Curious, she turned to Google, only to find a void where body hair care should be. Laura saw an opportunity. She approached her best friend Lillian Tung, then working at L'Oreal, with a bold idea: pubic hair oil. Lillian's initial reaction? "You're absolutely crazy." The beauty market was already saturated, every consumer dollar stretched thin. But Laura's entrepreneurial spirit was undeterred. She handed Lillian a sample, and the magic of the formula won her over. Together, they embarked on a journey to create not just a product, but an entire category. FUR was born from a desire to normalize body hair care conversations. They welcomed all grooming choices without judgment, recognizing that shame and taboo had no place in self-care. The path wasn't easy. They faced skepticism, even ridicule. But they persevered, investing in product quality and PR to establish credibility. They went beyond industry standards, ensuring their products were dermatologically and gynecologically tested. As FUR grew, so did the challenges. Measuring success across multiple channels, navigating the ever-changing digital landscape, and balancing growth with agility became ongoing puzzles to solve. Today, FUR leads the category they created. From high-end boutiques to Ulta Beauty, they've proven that addressing a taboo topic can revolutionize an industry. More: https://lnkd.in/evJfcPAw #BrandArchitects #BodyPositivity #BeautyInnovation

He never imagined he'd end up in the fertility business. His career had nothing to do with healthcare or women's health. But sometimes, life has a funny way of redirecting our paths. Join Bora Celik as he chats with Jake Kent, the co-founder of Dandi Fertility. In the midst of a global pandemic, Jake found himself living with family - a common story for many. But for Jake, this unexpected living situation became the catalyst for a game-changing venture in fertility care. As he watched a close family member navigate the complex, often heartbreaking world of fertility treatments, Jake realized something profound: the clinical approach to fertility lacked the human touch. The physical discomfort of injections, the emotional toll of uncertainty, and the isolation of the process - all of these were unaddressed by traditional care. This realization sparked a year-long journey of discovery. Jake didn't just research; he listened. He spoke with over 100 women, immersing himself in their stories, their struggles, and their unmet needs. He sat in fertility clinic waiting rooms, observing the environment and energy. He brought on fertility doctors as advisors, melding clinical expertise with a vision for more compassionate care. The result? Dandi Fertility - a company that's redefining the fertility journey. It's not just about creating products; it's about building a support system. From physical comfort during injections to on-demand virtual support from experienced nurses, Dandi is filling the gaps Jake observed firsthand. But Jake didn't stop there. Recognizing the power of community, he partnered with Olympic champion Tara Lipinski, who had her own fertility struggle story, to head up Dandi's community efforts. He created an ambassador program that empowers women to share their journeys authentically, fostering connection and breaking down stigmas. Jake's story reminds us that the most impactful innovations often come from a place of deep empathy and personal connection. By bridging the gap between clinical care and emotional support, Dandi is changing lives, one fertility journey at a time. In a world where healthcare can often feel impersonal, Jake and Dandi are proving that empathy and innovation can go hand in hand. They're not just treating a medical condition; they're supporting human beings through one of life's most vulnerable journeys. Dive deeper into Jake's inspiring journey: https://lnkd.in/efwC2XQb" #FertilityCare #StartupStory #HealthTechInnovation #BrandArchitects

Eczema led to a billion-view beauty trend. Here's how Peach & Lily's founder turned her skin struggle into a skincare empire. Alicia Yoon's journey began with a personal battle against severe eczema. Little did she know that her quest for healthier skin would spark a global skincare revolution. As founder of Peach & Lily, Yoon didn't just create products – she pioneered a movement. The "glass skin" trend, born from a Korean beauty concept, now boasts billions of views on social media. But Yoon's true innovation lies in her approach to business. Imagine a skincare company that offers free, personalized advice from licensed estheticians. That's Peach & Lily's "Ask Lily" service – a testament to Yoon's belief that education and trust-building trump short-term profits. When launching their latest product, Rescue Party, Yoon didn't follow the crowd. Instead, she introduced a unique calcium complex for skin barrier health, venturing into uncharted territory in the beauty world. But Peach & Lily's impact extends beyond skincare formulas. For their 5-year anniversary, the brand turned the spotlight on their community, featuring real customers on New York City billboards and in major campaigns. It's a celebration of the very people who made their success possible. Yoon's commitment to making a difference doesn't stop at skin health. Peach & Lily plants a tree for every order containing their products, constantly seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint. They're also a major supporter of Restore NYC, an organization combating sex trafficking and supporting survivors. In an industry often criticized for promoting unrealistic standards, Yoon has created a brand that empowers people to achieve their healthiest skin. It's a story of how personal passion, scientific innovation, and genuine care for customers can transform not just faces, but an entire industry. Dive deeper into her conversation with Collabs.io founder Bora Celik here: https://lnkd.in/eimDV6_X #BrandArchitects #Skincare #GlassSkin #EntrepreneurialJourney

The store aisle stretched before her, a sea of pastel bottles and glossy packaging. She picked up one product after another, scanning ingredients lists that might as well have been written in ancient Greek. With each label, her frustration grew. How was it possible that in 2018, she couldn't find a single skincare product that didn't feel like it was made for her grandmother? This wasn't just another shopping trip gone wrong. For Shai Eisenman, it was the moment that would spark a revolution in the beauty industry. Six years ago, Shai wasn't a skincare mogul. She was just another person struggling with skin issues, feeling let down by an industry that seemed stuck in the past. Skincare aisles were filled with the same old products her mother used, with innovation reserved for those who could afford triple-digit price tags. But Shai had a wild idea. What if skincare wasn't just about the product, but about the people who use it? What if a brand actually listened – really listened – to what people wanted? Armed with nothing but determination and a vision, Shai hit the streets. She talked to 200 people, asking them what they truly wanted from skincare. Their answers formed the foundation of what would become Bubble. Fast forward to today. Bubble isn't just a brand; it's a movement powered by a 20,000-strong community. Every product, from concept to launch, is shaped by real people with real skin concerns. It's democracy in action, with a 90% approval rating required before anything hits the shelves. But Shai's journey wasn't without challenges. How do you create prestige-quality products at drugstore prices? By cutting profit margins, not corners. By focusing on efficacy, not fancy packaging. By saying no to fillers, fragrances, and artificial dyes that do nothing for your skin. The result? A skincare line that's shaking up the industry. Products that usually cost $100 are now available for $15. It's not magic – it's just smart business with a heart. Yet for Shai, Bubble is about more than just great skin. It's about mental health, self-confidence, and facing the world head-on. Because she knows firsthand how much your skin can affect how you feel about yourself. From focus groups to a thriving community, from a personal struggle to an industry revolution – Shai's story is a testament to what happens when you truly listen to people and dare to challenge the status quo. In a world of corporate giants, Bubble proves that sometimes, the biggest waves start with the smallest ripples. And Shai? She's just getting started. Curious to learn more about Shai's journey and the Bubble Skincare revolution? Dive into Collabs.io founder Bora Celik's chat with Shai as part of our #BrandArchitects series: https://lnkd.in/eqf6f5xu #SkincareCommunity #BeautyInnovation #AffordableLuxury

"Holy smokes!" That's not typically what you'd expect to hear about olive oil. But it's exactly what Aishwarya Iyer wanted people to say when tasting Brightland's creations. Aishwarya's journey began with a simple observation at a farmers market. People meticulously chose their produce but grabbed olive oil without a second thought. This disconnect sparked her curiosity. She dove into the world of olive oil, discovering a universe of complexity. It wasn't just about olives – it was about soil, harvest timing, milling techniques, and storage methods. Each element contributed to the final taste, creating a science and art form all its own. But Aishwarya's vision went beyond taste. She imagined bottles so beautiful you'd want to display them proudly on your counter. This led to collaborations with artists, turning each bottle into a miniature canvas. The Brightland team loves to experiment. Once, they created a pizza oil blend that captured the essence of an old-school pizzeria. It was supposed to be a limited run, but customers couldn't get enough. Now it's found a permanent home in their collection. Aishwarya's approach to growth is refreshingly human. When customers asked for the perfect vinegar to pair with their olive oil, she listened. This openness to feedback has shaped Brightland's evolution, expanding from oils to vinegars and even honey. But for Aishwarya, it's not just about products. This year, her focus is on nurturing her team and connecting with customers in new ways. She's even considering stocking products in local shops, meeting people where they are. Brightland's story reminds us that innovation can happen in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, it's hidden in plain sight – like a humble bottle of olive oil on your kitchen shelf. Check out more of Collabs.io/Subkit founder Bora Celik's conversation with her here https://lnkd.in/eVxASAzT #BrandArchitects #EntrepreneurJourney #FoodInnovation

The pungent aroma of sardines filled the air as Becca Millstein wandered through a bustling Spanish market. Little did she know, this sensory experience would spark a business idea that would revolutionize an entire industry. It was 2020, and Becca, a New Hampshire native, was studying abroad in Spain. As she explored the market, her eyes were drawn to the vibrant array of tinned seafood. These weren't just cans of fish – they were culinary treasures, beautifully packaged and revered as delicacies. The contrast with her American experience was stark. Back home, tinned fish meant bland tuna sandwiches and was often seen as a last-resort pantry item. But here in Spain, it was celebrated. The wheels in Becca's mind started turning. When the pandemic hit, Becca found herself reaching for tinned fish more often. Its long shelf life, convenience, and nutritional value made it a perfect quarantine staple. As she savored these gourmet tinned delicacies, a lightbulb moment struck: why wasn't there anything like this in the U.S.? The $5 billion American canned fish market was ripe for disruption. With half her life savings and a wild dream, Becca decided to take the plunge. She launched Fishwife, aiming to bring the European tinned fish culture to American shores. But the journey wasn't smooth sailing. Becca faced challenges that would have deterred many entrepreneurs: - Overseas suppliers required minimum orders of 25,000 units – a massive investment for a startup. - Unlike other food products, there was no easy way to test tinned fish at local farmers' markets. - The industry was set in its ways, resistant to change and innovation. Undeterred, Becca got creative. She developed branded sample boxes, allowing her to gauge interest before committing to large production runs. The response was overwhelming – people were hungry for a change in the tinned fish aisle. Becca's persistence paid off. Today, Fishwife's eye-catching tins are making waves in grocery stores nationwide. The brand has transformed tinned fish from a forgotten pantry staple to a sought-after culinary adventure. But Fishwife isn't just about tasty seafood. Becca has built sustainability into the core of her business, partnering with responsible fisheries and using recyclable packaging. She's proving that it's possible to disrupt an industry while also caring for the planet. Becca's story is a testament to the power of fresh ideas and unwavering determination. She saw an opportunity where others saw only sardines, and in doing so, she's redefining an entire category of food. Want to dive deeper into Becca's entrepreneurial journey and learn from her experiences? Check out more of Collabs.io/Subkit founder Bora Celik's conversation with her here: https://lnkd.in/dEPaxJww #BrandArchitects #StartupStories #FoodInnovation