Orange County residents Taylor Lamb and Jewel Zimmer discuss founding Juna (juna-world.com), a line of plant-based products to help women naturally improve their mind, body, sleep and gut health.
Juna co-founders and fellow O.C. moms Taylor Lamb (left) and Jewel Zimmer PHOTO COURTESY OF JUNA
How did the two of you meet and decide to work together?
TL: Jewel had a background in the fast-paced world of fine dining, while I had experience in launching brands and working at startups. What we both had in common was the rigorous demands, stress and long hours that came with these respective industries. After becoming moms, we realized that we needed to prioritize our own well-being in order to show up better for our children and others. This shared goal brought us together to help women like us feel better through the healing power of plants.
What needs did you notice in the market that led you to found Juna?
JZ: The market is starting to shift and consumers are now prioritizing mental and physical health by leaning toward preventative care and natural alternatives. They’re asking tough questions about everything they put into their bodies, whether pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals. Working with some of the world’s top functional medicine doctors, herbalists and chemists, Juna has designed a targeted system of solutions that help women become more resilient to their unique stressors, optimize their body and mind, and seamlessly fit into their daily routines.
What were you surprised to learn about the science behind sleep, stress and gut health?
TL: It all starts with your gut! The health of the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in regulating women’s sleep, stress, inflammation, hormone balance and more.
Juna’s Detox Drops with chlorophyll kick-start the body’s detoxification process. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUNA
Which ingredients are most essential to your line?
JZ: We currently work with over 160 different plant-based and/or natural ingredients and we have lots of favorites we are obsessing over. Phytomelatonin from St. John’s wort is a 100% plant-based form of melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles in the body. This natural version of melatonin is a key ingredient in our bestselling Nightcap sleep gummies for its ability to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep quality. Chlorophyll, the hero ingredient in our bestselling Detox Drops, is known for its powerful antioxidant complex and is one of the most potent sources of detoxification in the world. Juna uses the highest quality of chlorophyll from organic mulberry leaves and adds lemon, mint and vitamin C to create a powerhouse detox formula for a refreshing morning drink that actually tastes great. Some experts claim that magnesium deficiency is the single-largest health problem in our world today. Juna uses elemental magnesium with over 72 trace minerals and magnesium citrate to support neurotransmitter and hormone regulation, which resets sleep-wake cycles and binds to GABA receptors in your body to produce calming effects. You can find this star ingredient in our sleep collection.
What are your most popular products?
TL: Every morning before putting anything in our bodies—yes, even before coffee—we drink a large glass of water with Juna’s Detox Drops. They taste refreshing and kick-start your body’s detoxification process. Our Nightcap sleep-enhancing gummies are formulated with scientifically proven functional botanicals to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and support the body’s powerful detoxification and renewal transformation that takes place while you sleep. Enjoy one gummy nightly before bed!
“ORANGE COUNTY TRULY IS A HUB FOR HEALTH, WELLNESS AND BEAUTY.” –JEWEL ZIMMER
Why was Orange County the perfect place to base Juna?
TL: Although our products are sold across the U.S., Orange County truly is a hub for health, wellness and beauty. Beyond the amazing year-round weather, we are so fortunate to be based here and have a community of like-minded wellness friends.
What’s next for the brand?
JZ: We are excited to be rolling out three new products this year, with a focused expansion on gut health and sleep. The first new product will be our powerful plant-based Detox digestive enzymes in April!
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