Known - Collagen 60s

What does living life well mean to you? 

To me, a life well lived is one in which I remain aligned with my mission and goals, while at the same being present in and grateful for the present. 

I find that I am happiest in the seemingly small moments - slow lunches, good food, good company, being in nature, and spending time with my family all make me feel most alive. 

Running a business that aims to bring about positive change in South Africa (and the world!) keeps me filled with purpose and seeing the big picture. On bad days or when I find myself getting distracted from the cornerstones of living well, I return to the reason I got started - on both my personal and professional wellness journeys. 

Can you share a bit about your wellness journey so far? 

I have been deeply interested in hormonal health since before I started Kiko Vitals. My own journey has seen me navigate a number of fairly significant challenges in this respect, and it is these that inspired me to make wellbeing not only a vocation, but a way of life.

While I am passionate about ongoing learning and development, I find that it’s the simple, daily habits that really shift the needle the most on my own journey. I always start the morning with fresh lemon water and 20 minutes to myself, whether it’s to journal, meditate, or take a walk. I love heated yoga, and will try to go a few mornings or evenings a week. It’s such a great way to move my body and release stress or stagnation.

What is your professional background in health and wellness? 

I am certified as a Hormone Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, giving me a solid understanding of the intricate relationship between lifestyle, nutrition, and hormonal balance. 

I also have a strong background in data science, and am a passionate  investor in femtech, blending my passions for wellness and technology to further the harvesting of invaluable data on what the women of South Africa really need (and how to better serve them). 

Kiko Vitals was born from the convergence of my passion for holistic health and my belief in the power of technology to bring about positive change. 

What specific areas of wellbeing are you most passionate about? 

Women’s health - in particular the state of South African women’s hormone and gut wellbeing.

According to recent studies, approximately 20% of South African women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that disrupts hormonal balance and can lead to infertility, obesity, and diabetes. Menopause, affecting women typically between the ages of 45 and 55, brings additional challenges, with 80% experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. These hormonal imbalances, plus many more, are often left undiagnosed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. 

Efforts to improve women's hormone health in South Africa must focus on education, early detection, and accessible options for both prevention and treatment, and this is where I feel that we can really make an impactful difference. 

What inspired the birth of Kiko Vitals? 

Kiko Vitals was born from my vision of helping to revolutionise wellbeing in South Africa through all-natural solutions for hormone, gut, and holistic health. 

We are a proudly South African, empowerment-driven company committed to leveraging scientific research and holistic approaches to develop products that are not only 100% natural, but also scientifically-formulated and results-driven.

What is your personal favourite Kiko product, and why? 

I love the Kiko Trilogy, as it addresses the connection between gut and hormone health. By taking the Hormone Balance, Debloat + Gut Glow, and Prebiotic + Probiotic every day, I know that I am nourishing my gut with the good bacteria it needs to thrive, as well as supporting my body’s natural hormonal harmony. 

Where can our readers find and stay in touch with you? 

 You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @kikovitals, on LinkedIn at @kiko-vitals, or on our website at www.kikovitals.com.