Meet the Founder: Jules Miller of The Nue Co.

Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us, Jules. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your career? What led you to start your own business?

When I was in my mid-twenties, I developed really bad IBS – I ended up being hospitalised a few times, and I was constantly bloated and uncomfortable. I was taking endless supplements to help deal with my bloating and cramps, which actually made them worse, but I didn’t give a second thought about what was actually in them. I researched formulations and ingredients and found as a general rule, 50% of the ingredients in supplements are composed of synthetic fillers, bulking agents, and processed ingredients. I was disillusioned by brands touting misleading messaging, using questionable ingredients, and producing poor quality products. Inspired by my grandfather, who was a chemist and lecturer at Cambridge University and would quite often create his own natural supplements, I then set out to create a line of efficacious supplements merging innovative science and nature.

What are the core values of the Nue Co.?

Our belief as a brand is that health is an ecosystem, comprising your physical, mental, social and environmental wellbeing. Our collective health is intrinsically connected to the health of the planet and we believe it’s our responsibility as a business to raise the bar for our sector through operating in a way that respects and preserves our environment, whilst supporting social sustainability.

Why is sustainability such an important aspect to your business, and how do you ensure these standards are maintained?

As a Climate Positive, plastic neutral business, we choose to operate in a way that respects the environment. Sustainability is woven into everything we do as a business, from working with infinitely recyclable materials for our packaging, sourcing ingredients through global community organisations for traceability, to supplier sourcing and auditing and continuing to offset our carbon emissions. Ultimately, we’re working towards becoming a net positive business and are actively putting in processes to ensure we not only reduce our carbon footprint, but contribute to positively impact the planet.

What has been your proudest career moment so far?

I continue to be inspired by the products that we make and the impact that we have on our community; from the reviews from our customers, to the feedback we get on social media and pictures they post on Instagram.

Within the category specifically, we operate as a brave brand that often breaks down the wellness category norms in order to be part of conversations that are affecting the health of our community today. Whether that’s mental health or supporting charities across the world like our partner charity:water. I truly believe that our health is intrinsically connected to the health of our community and the planet.

And what has been your greatest challenge?

Starting and growing your own business will bring challenges on a daily basis. I would say the greatest challenges I have faced have been around balancing advice and having confidence in my decisions as a leader. When I first started I assumed I needed help from people who had more experience, and thought they knew more about my ideas and how they should be executed. My advice would be to always go with your gut feeling and do your homework so you can make educated decisions yourself.

Finding the right people has also been incredibly important. We have worked hard to build a strong team, not only internally, but also find suppliers and partners that share our values as a brand. Without that confidence and trust in the people we work with, the business wouldn’t be able to thrive.

It’s probably hard to say, but do you have a favourite product in the range?

I swear by our signature Prebiotic + Probiotic. As someone who suffered from IBS for over 5 years, I know the difference to your life a product like this can make. It’s a great introduction to supplements and something that everyone should start to incorporate into their routine for longterm gut health. Two capsules a day can help feed the friendly bacteria in your gut and allow them thrive. Rather than using live strains of bacteria which tend to die off, our formula works with bacteria spores - these lie dormant until they reach our small intestine where they “activate”.

What would be your advice for someone who is interested in finding the right supplements but not sure where to start?

Do you research, get to know the supplement facts tables and if you’re unsure of anything, ask! A brand should be able to answer any question you have and provide evidence of clinical or consumer trials.

What is your number one wellbeing tip?

I’m a great advocate for listening to your body, knowing what it needs and when it needs it.