For our latest conversation, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Holly Williamson, a biochemist, entrepreneur, and the founder of STMNA Bioactives.
Holly shares with us how her own health challenges, including stress, food sensitivities, and PCOS, drove her to research and develop natural supplements that address the root causes rather than just symptoms. Her dedication to using scientifically backed ingredients and sustainable practices shines through in everything STMNA Bioactives offers.
Balancing the demands of scientific research and running a business is no small feat. Holly opens up about her daily routines, how she manages her time effectively, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. She also discusses the misconceptions around natural supplements and the rigorous standards she adheres to in order to ensure their efficacy and safety.
Holly, you’ve had quite the journey from personal health struggles to founding STMNA Bioactives. What was the moment when you realised you wanted to dive into the world of natural bioactive compounds?
I realised I wanted to dive into the world of plant bioactive compounds during my second year of university, studying chemistry and molecular biology. While on exchange in Sweden, I took a pharmacology course that revealed how drugs are absorbed and exert their medicinal effects – A process I found fascinating.
While learning about small molecule drug discovery, I was shocked to learn that many medications originate from natural sources like plants or other animals. For example, aspirin originated in willow bark. Then, pharmaceutical companies synthetically manufacture them and change the chemical structure slightly so they can patent it.
This led to a pivotal moment for me: if these natural compounds are so effective, why not use them more directly in our daily lives? This realisation sparked the foundation of STMNA (stamina) Bioactives, where we harness these powerful natural compounds to improve health, direct from the source.
Can you tell us a bit about the health issues you faced and how they shaped your approach to creating natural bioactive supplements?
Fast forward two years to 2020 when the pandemic hit, I was in my final year of university completing my honours thesis on novel peptide antibiotics. The stress of my studies, choosing whether to go to medical school or study a PhD at a prestigious research facility, who offered me a scholarship, was taking a toll on my health.
I experienced symptoms: food insensitivities, stomach issues, anxiety, poor sleep, migraines, and was diagnosed with PCOS. My doctor prescribed me a range of medications, which I knew only addressed the symptoms, not the underlying causes – stress and chronic inflammation.
With my background in chemistry and molecular biology, I started researching bioactive compounds that could help manage stress and inflammation. I discovered an abundance of research on anti-inflammatories, and other bioactives, which led to the development of Healthspan – six highly researched compounds.
Remarkably, after two to three months of taking my own blend, all my symptoms had resolved. This inspired me to start STMNA Bioactives, aiming to make this amazing discovery I had made more accessible.
STMNA Bioactives focuses on scientifically backed natural compounds. How do you make sure the supplements you develop are both effective and sustainable?
When starting STMNA, I applied rigorous scientific principles, I learnt from my studies to ensure our supplements are effective and sustainable. In my biochemistry and pharmaceutical studies, I learnt the importance of proper dosage and absorption.
For example you need to take around 200 mg of ibuprofen to have a pain relieving effect. Ever notice how the liquid form of ibuprofen works quicker? This is because the liquid form is absorbed faster into the bloodstream. The same logic can be applied to plant molecules. For instance, consider curcumin, the bioactive found in turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric powder contains only small amounts of curcumin, but concentrating this compound into a therapeutic dose increases its efficacy. However, curcumin’s poor absorption in the gut is a challenge. By combining it with black pepper extract, which enhances absorption by up to 25%, we significantly boost its effectiveness.
In relation to sustainability, we prioritised fully sustainable packaging and product design. Our packaging is completely reusable, featuring refill pouches to reduce waste. We also avoid unnecessary fillers and caking agents, ensuring our formulation is completely natural, plant-based, and highly effective. This means our supplements are both scientifically backed and sustainable.
Your anti-ageing formula has some unique benefits like anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. How do these bioactive compounds work and why are they so important for our health?
Our anti-ageing formula has three main biochemical effects: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and adaptogenic. This is targeting the root cause of early ageing and chronic illness. The anti-inflammatory ingredients, turmeric and boswellia, target chronic inflammation at a biochemical level.
For example, boswellia is particularly effective at soothing the gut lining and allowing it to heal, while curcumin, derived from turmeric, provides significant relief from inflammatory pain.
Our formula includes the amazing adaptogen ashwagandha, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its ability to reduce cortisol levels, which often spike during stressful periods. Ashwagandha also aids in improving mental clarity and sleep quality. Adaptogens like ashwagandha help the body adapt to stress more effectively.
Reducing stress and chronic inflammation is crucial as they are linked to an increased risk of age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By addressing these underlying issues, our anti-ageing formula not only helps improve immediate symptoms like joint pain, digestion issues, and brain fog but also contributes to long-term health and wellness.
Balancing scientific research and running a business must be quite a challenge. How do you manage your daily responsibilities and still maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Balancing science and running a business is definitely challenging, but I’ve found really effective ways to manage a healthy work-life balance. They say ”People start businesses to escape the 9-to-5 grind, but soon discover it’s more like a ‘whenever-you-wake-up-to-whenever-you-fall-asleep’ kind of deal!”
I often joke that while I sought to dodge the typical Monday through Friday schedule, I’ve ended up embracing a lifestyle where my work and I are inseparable, often clocking in seven days a week. Despite the extended hours, running my own business allows for a flexible schedule. I’m tied to standard business hours for essentials like emails, customer service, and team meetings, but beyond that, my time is my own.
This flexibility lets me sneak in an hour for a home cooked lunch or a refreshing walk, or even take a morning off when needed—knowing I can make up for it later. Prioritising my health and wellbeing ensures that I’m always at my best when I’m working, fully energised and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.
I have also learnt that when I am naturally most productive, I’m not a morning person, so I reserve my peak focus times between 2 pm and 4 pm for intensive work or business brainstorming. I also have a rule not to work past 6 pm unless it is absolutely necessary, allowing me to unwind before a good night’s sleep.
Additionally, I have been cycle syncing, aligning my work schedule with my menstrual cycle. This is really interesting because it allows me to maximise productive days during the follicular phase and be more forgiving during the luteal phase, leading to a better understanding and harmony with my body. This method not only optimises my productivity but also supports my overall wellbeing.
As a thought leader in natural health solutions, what are some of the biggest misconceptions you come across about natural supplements, and how do you address them?
There are several misconceptions in the supplement industry that I encounter frequently, and at STMNA Bioactives, we address these through rigorous science and compliance.
First, there’s a misconception that natural supplements are unregulated in Australia. In reality, our products undergo rigorous assessment by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It’s important to note that while our supplements adhere to strict safety and efficacy guidelines and are registered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), we cannot market them as “TGA approved.” Consumers should look for an “AUST L” number on packages, which indicates TGA registration.
Second, many people believe that taking higher doses of supplements will yield faster results. We counter this by offering what’s known as a ‘therapeutic dose’—carefully calculated to be effective without being excessive. Consistency is key, and our products are designed to be taken regularly over at least a three-month period to achieve the best results.
Lastly, concerns about the safety and ingredients in supplements, like fillers or caking agents, are widespread. At STMNA, we prioritise purity by formulating our supplements without any unnecessary additives, ensuring they are safe and beneficial for our customers.
By addressing these misconceptions, we aim to educate consumers and provide them with effective, safe, and scientifically validated health solutions.
Outside of your professional life, you enjoy cooking, playing hockey, and practising reformer Pilates. How do these activities help you maintain your overall well-being and work-life balance?
Maintaining work-life balance isn’t just a highlight reel I post on social media; it’s a crucial part of my day, especially with a schedule as packed as mine. Hockey is my go-to for blending exercise with a bit of socialising. It’s not just about scoring a goal; it’s a chance to catch up with friends and sneak in some cardio under the disguise of a friendly match.
Reformer pilates is another favourite – it keeps me flexible and strengthens my muscles. It is also so much fun if you’ve never tried, I highly recommend going to a class.
And then there’s cooking, my decompression zone. It’s where I can experiment and create, much like in a lab but with immediate edible results. It’s therapeutic, really—plus, there’s always the option to pair the outcome with a nice glass of red. These activities not only keep me active but also bring a sense of joy into my busy life.
