Former Beauty Executives Launch Digestive Health Startup

Holly Brooke and Joely Walker have successfully transitioned from their careers in the beauty industry to launch a new venture focused on digestive health. The co-founders of **We Are Regular** introduced their innovative supplement aimed at alleviating constipation just four weeks ago, quickly generating significant sales and positive customer feedback.

Brooke, who previously served as the commercial director for **Skin Rocks**, and Walker, a former beauty director at **Grazia magazine**, created the startup out of personal necessity. Brooke has battled chronic constipation for over 15 years, relying on up to **30 pills daily** to manage her symptoms. Her journey began at the age of 17 when a doctor diagnosed her with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and suggested increasing her fiber and water intake. This advice, however, did not provide the relief she sought.

Reflecting on her experience, Brooke stated, “I’ve suffered with constipation my whole life.” She emphasized the far-reaching effects of her condition, noting how it influenced her mental well-being and hormone levels. “Having toxins sat in your gut has a huge impact on your mental state,” she explained, adding that her elevated cortisol levels left her in a constant state of stress.

After exploring various health consultations and remedies, Brooke devised her own solution, which involved a complex regimen of supplements costing around **£400** monthly. This extensive pill routine sparked an idea for Walker. “I said that is not okay to need to take all those just to function,” Walker recalled. They aimed to create a more convenient solution by combining the beneficial ingredients into a single daily supplement.

The result is a powdered supplement designed to be mixed with water, forming a greens drink that incorporates ten key ingredients. These include **L-Glutamine**, magnesium citrate, and ginger, among others. The product is packaged in stick packs for easy portability, catering to customers who lead busy lives.

Breaking the Stigma Around Digestive Health

Recognizing a gap in the market, the founders have tailored their messaging and packaging towards women. Research indicates that women are more likely to experience constipation than men, and there exists a prevailing “poo taboo” that contributes to feelings of shame around the topic. Walker noted, “We know through speaking to lots of people on the street that loads of women feel shame around this topic.” They aim to foster an empowering community where individuals can discuss these issues openly.

Brooke added, “I know if you find others who suffer constipation—your poo pals—you do talk about it a lot with them because it’s a relief to find someone who has experienced it.” Their approach has resonated with many, as evidenced by the popularity of their social media campaigns, which include the trending hashtag **#pooptok** on TikTok.

To ensure a successful launch, Walker utilized her editorial connections to secure features in several national newspapers, leading to thousands of product orders within weeks. “We’ve had so many repeat purchases already,” she reported, expressing excitement about their brand’s rapid growth.

Future Plans and Expanding Product Lines

Looking ahead, Brooke and Walker are eager to expand their product offerings to serve additional demographics. They frequently receive inquiries from parents wanting to know if children can take the supplement, as well as from pregnant women who often experience constipation but cannot use the current product.

Brooke expressed a desire to create formulations suitable for these groups, stating, “There are so many people who are calling out for a product like this, so we will aim to help as many people as we can.” As their brand continues to grow, they remain committed to addressing the needs of customers who struggle with digestive health.