Nikki Cooper suffers with MS and that's where her story began
Tell us how you came up with your idea Inner Me?
I have always been very health conscious and when I was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) I started to look heavily into vitamins and supplements and their benefits as I wanted to try and make sure I was giving my body the best possible chance of keeping the condition at bay.
When I started taking supplements I not only felt better but lookedbetter too - I had radiant skin, thick glossy hair and my nails were the best they had ever been.
I then spent two years researching and collaborating with nutritionists and pharmacists and while on maternity leave put everything into action and created Inner Me.
How have your supplements helped with your condition?
Since taking a high strength dose of Omega 3 I have had less symptoms such as l'hermittes phenomenon and paresthesia. Fish oils are thought to reduce inflammation and assist in the production of myelin. I also had a low level of Vitamin D so now take this daily.
What is it about the Inner Me range that makes it different to other supplements?
Using innovative ingredients such as MSM (methyl-sulphonyl-methane) ‘the beauty mineral’, Silica & Marine Collagen, which proactively repairs tissue, bone, hair and skin to a youthful state, Inner Me caters for all health-conscious women, and the attractive stylish packaging makes it handbag friendly – perfect for girls on the go.
Why is important that we take supplements?
Even if you have a varied and healthy diet is it hard to say, for example that the food you eat is freshly picked, has been grown on nutrient rich, hearty soil, and in the case of livestock have only been fed on their natural food?
Further more, our busy, stressful lifestyles often mean that we neglect our vitamin and mineral needs and our environment is full of many toxic chemicals such as air pollutants (cigarette smoke and car fumes), water pollutants, pesticides, herbicides, dust and pollens to name just a few.
These all add to the needs of our bodies for vitamin and mineral nutrients. One problem is that the deficiencies sometimes take many years to reveal the damage they have caused and supplements can help combat this.
A lot of people struggle to continue taking supplements, after a couple of days of promising themselves they would take more, what tips would you have for people to make sure that they take them daily?
I used to be terrible at remembering to take my supplements - hence why the packaging for Inner Me was so important. I have designed it so it is not only stylish and feminine but the innovate packaging helps keep track on what day of the week you are on.
What’s coming next for your company? Where would you like it to be in five years?
I'm very excited as Boots have recently started stocking Inner Me, and I have been working on developing new products. We currently have four in stock: Beautify Me - the ultimate beauty supplement for healthy hair, skin and nails
Lustrous Locks Vitamin Complex (RRP £15 for 28 capsules – 2 week supply) for the maintenance of healthy glossy and thick hair.
Super Strength Omega 3 (RRP £15 for 30 capsules – 1 month’s supply) perfect for attaining sumptuous skin and boosting brain function.
Vitamin D3 - for keeping bones and teeth strong and healthy as well as supporting the immune system
What are your beauty tips for winter?
1. Start your day with a lemon… squeeze it, mix it with water and drink first thing in the morning for sumptuous skin and other medicinal and digestive benefits.
2. Take MSM the ‘beauty mineral’ daily …It is a nutritional form of sulphur, which is an essential component in the formation of collagen, elastin, cartilage and keratin, perfect for giving mineralised hair. Take this together with silica, which proactively repairs tissue, bone, hair and skin to a more youthful state.
3. Feed your skin with Vitamin C... And reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which gobble up collagen and elastin causing wrinkling and ageing.
4. Take a good quality Omega 3 daily... To reduce skin dryness and inflammation on these cold winter days.
What are your essential beauty items?
Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Creme to keep my lips soft and protected against this winter chill.
Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser to give my skin a glow even on dark days.
Inner Me's Beautify Me Vitamin Complex to ensure my skin, nails and hair are naturally strong, glossy and healthy.
Nikki Cooper is founder of Inner Me - health, beauty and vitality supplements. Inner Me is currently stocked at www.innerme.co.uk and nationwide at Boots, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, LoveLula.com, FeelUnique and John Bell and Croydon.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Supplement