An Aberdonian whose own experience with gut health issues led to her launching a digestion supplement is taking the business into export markets.
Gemma Stuart got her firm, Gutsy Health, off the ground earlier this year.
Aimed at helping people struggling with digestive system problems, the business quickly expanded into Ireland and Ms Stuart is now eyeing opportunities in the European Union.
Her trademarked product – Gut Wealth – is specifically focused on those suffering bloating, inflammation and irregular bowel movements.
A lot can go on between chewing and pooing. We try to have fun with the topic, while being serious about helping people.”
Gemma Stuart, founder, Gutsy Health.
The 38-year-old entrepreneur has had irritable bowel syndrome for more than 20 years and it took about half of that time to get a diagnosis.
She said: “While researching gut health, I found there’s loads of info out there, but it’s really hard to understand or is unrealistic to adapt for modern life.
“People want products that work, are easy to add to their routine and are palatable.
“I couldn’t find any products on the market that did all three.”
Her liquid supplements are said to be the first of their kind in the UK.
They are made using a blend of vitamins, minerals and postbiotics.
Awareness of postbiotics, which are “friendly” bacteria that live inside your gut and convert fibre into compounds that have benefits for your health, is growing – something Ms Stuart aims to capitalise on.
She said: “I worked with a team of experts to create a product that works, tastes good and is easy to add to your daily routine.
“We know we have some education to do with consumers – they’re often initially skeptical after years of having gastro-intestinal issues.”
Too much stigma and shame
Her business is embarking on education programmes, and shares weekly information about digestive wellbeing and how to manage symptoms of poor gut health.
She added: “There’s a lot of stigma and shame around digestive health issues so we bring a bit of light to the topic.
“A lot can go on between chewing and pooing.
“We try to have fun with the topic, while being serious about helping people.
“We’re really proud to be opening up the conversation around digestive health, as well as providing a solution that works for so many people.”
@gutwealth.co Our founder Gemma shares some of the things that have held her back in the world of business #bussinessowner #guthealth #smallbusinessowner
Gut Wealth is sold in boxes of 30 sachets, and a subscription service allows customers to control when they receive their products.
The company has recently partnered with a new fulfilment centre in Belfast to allow expansion in Ireland and the EU.
North-east roots
Ms Stuart grew up in Bridge of Don and went to Oldmachar Academy.
She is following in family footsteps when it comes to small business ownership.
Her grandfather and great-grandfather owned a shop in Keith.
Gutsy Health was originally registered in Aberdeen but is now run from an office in Edinburgh.
“We still distribute and fulfil our orders from Aberdeen,” added Ms Stuart, who has a home in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, and family in Stonehaven, Keith, Huntly, Kintore and Nairn.
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