The Janmohamed Siblings' Journey to Building Optibac Probiotics into a Global Brand
In 2004, three siblings - Farah, Jalal, and Soraya Janmohamed - embarked on an entrepreneurial venture that would revolutionize the world of probiotics. With their family's legacy as community pharmacists in mind, they founded Optibac Probiotics, which has since become the UK's best-selling brand in its field.
As Soraya Janmohamed reminisces about her childhood experiences growing up in a pharmacy, she feels an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and warmth. Her father, Feroze Janmohamed, was not only a pillar of the community but also a mentor to his children. He instilled in them the importance of hard work, dedication, and compassion, values that have become the cornerstone of Optibac Probiotics' success.
After completing their university education and gaining external business experience, the Janmohamed siblings returned to the family fold to help grow the business they had inherited from their father. With a clear vision for the future, they set out to transform Optibac into a global brand that would make a significant impact on people's lives.
The Early Days of Optibac Probiotics
In its early days, Optibac Probiotics was not just another company; it was a family-owned venture with a clear mission to provide high-quality probiotics to customers. The siblings' first step was to build relationships with biological institutes and research centers to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements in the field.
Their father's friend in New Zealand, who had introduced them to the concept of probiotics, played a significant role in shaping their business strategy. He would recommend probiotics alongside antibiotics, explaining that it helped maintain good bacteria levels in the body. This insight sparked an idea in the Janmohamed siblings - they could create a line of probiotics that complemented traditional medication.
The Founding Principles of Optibac Probiotics
As the company grew, Soraya and her siblings established core values that guided their decisions and actions. One of these principles was to prioritize research over marketing. They believed in conducting thorough scientific studies before launching any new product.
Their commitment to science led them to develop a gold-standard policy for probiotics, ensuring that every strain used by Optibac had been scientifically proven to have specific benefits. This approach set the company apart from competitors and helped build trust with customers.
Challenges and Opportunities
With increasing competition in the market, Soraya acknowledges the pressure to stay ahead of the curve. "We need to make sure we secure and keep hold of our best-selling brand," she emphasizes. However, Optibac Probiotics' focus on integrity has sometimes led them to hold back on launching new products, even when there is significant interest from customers.
One area where they have faced challenges is in addressing the growing demand for probiotics linked to specific health concerns like skin health and weight loss. Soraya explains that while these areas are critical, the research in these fields is still not robust enough to justify launching new products.
Women in Leadership
Optibac Probiotics has made significant strides in promoting women's leadership within the company. With 82% of employees being women, the business has become a model for gender equality in the workplace. Soraya credits their father with instilling values that have contributed to this achievement: "He taught us things right from the get-go... He wasn't a big marketer but for the first five years all our focus was on sales."
Giving Back
Over its 20-year journey, Optibac Probiotics has given over £2m to charity. This commitment to social responsibility reflects the company's values of compassion and community involvement.
As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Janmohamed siblings look back on their incredible journey with pride. From humble beginnings as a family-owned business to becoming a global brand, Optibac Probiotics has made a lasting impact on people's lives worldwide.
Conclusion
Optibac Probiotics' success story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and businesses alike. The Janmohamed siblings' dedication to their craft, commitment to science, and emphasis on integrity have earned them a loyal customer base and respect from the industry.
Their journey is a testament to the power of family values, community involvement, and a passion for creating a positive impact on society. As Optibac Probiotics continues to grow and evolve, its legacy as a trusted brand will endure for generations to come.