Transforming Health: A Journey with Sonny Drinkwater and WellEasy
The following is a conversation with Sonny Drinkwater, an entrepreneur and co-founder of WellEasy, which is a membership-based online platform that aims to make healthy living accessible and affordable for everybody.
A Vision for Healthier Living
Sonny Drinkwater, alongside his co-founder Josh, embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people perceive and consume food in the UK. WellEasy began as a small venture in a garage and has since grown into a thriving online platform with over 10,000 members. At the heart of their mission lies the vision to improve the nation's health by simplifying access to nutritious and affordable food options.
Understanding the Problem
Sonny highlights a significant issue plaguing the UK and beyond - the overwhelming consumption of ultra-processed foods, which comprise a substantial portion of daily diets. This shift towards convenience has eroded the appreciation for quality, nutritious ingredients, leading to a host of health problems. WellEasy addresses this by offering an array of curated products designed to encourage healthier eating habits.
The WellEasy Model
Drawing inspiration from business models like Costco, WellEasy employs a membership scheme that provides members access to discounted prices on a variety of healthy products. This includes an extensive selection of groceries ranging from snacks to beauty and home products. By prioritizing quality, sustainability, and community approval, WellEasy ensures that its offerings meet rigorous standards.
Overcoming Challenges and Building the Future
Creating a company in the competitive wellness sector is no small feat, and Sonny shares the ups and downs of this entrepreneurial journey. From initial growing pains as a B2B snacking business to pivoting towards a consumer-focused model, WellEasy's trajectory has been one of perseverance and innovation. The co-founders' dedication to their mission remains steadfast as they work to expand their product range and improve affordability.
Spreading the Message
Sonny emphasises the crucial role of education in transforming societal eating habits. By fostering an understanding of real food and promoting a simpler, more holistic approach to wellness, WellEasy is making strides towards changing perceptions. The company's efforts are supplemented by their match membership program, which provides access to low-income families, NHS workers, and students, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Looking Ahead
With plans to further expand their range of products, including their own branded items, WellEasy is poised to make a significant impact on the health and wellness landscape. Sonny envisions a future where healthy, high-quality food options are as affordable and accessible as their less nutritious counterparts.
Conclusion
The conversation with Sonny Drinkwater sheds light on the potential for change within the food industry and the power of community-focused initiatives. Through WellEasy, Sonny and his team are not only building a successful business but also fostering a movement towards healthier living for all. As they continue to grow and innovate, their mission serves as an inspiration for those looking to make a difference in the world of health and wellness. living as a founder.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of the listeners and supporters of the podcast for everything you've done to help us build the name, and the brand, and to get the message out there around microbiome being critically important and gut health being really important for wider body health.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:55 Eating real vs processed foods
00:03:16 Starting WellEasy
00:07:49 Poor food choices in the UK
00:09:49 Food product testing
00:12:39 Defining ultra-processed foods
00:15:39 Changing how we look at food
00:17:30 Balancing food, life and relationships
00:21:28 Are some supermarkets better than others?
00:23:37 Managing life as an entrepreneur
00:27:00 Biohacking
00:31:22 Supply chain issues
00:33:15 Eating healthily at work
00:35:10 More about starting WellEasy
00:38:14 WellEasy’s membership scheme
00:44:28 Challenges of eating healthily
00:56:09 “Healthy” snacks for kids
00:59:03 Political involvement in healthy eating
01:01:28 Vision for WellEasy
01:03:09 Prebiotic fibre