Building a Nutritional Brand: Jennifer Mo on the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

In this episode, Jo interviews Jennifer Mo, a nutritional formulations expert and co-founder of the award-winning brand Pura Collagen. Jennifer shares her extensive background in sports nutrition, anatomy, and bioscience, highlighting her journey from a college athlete to a professional working with elite athletes and specialized military personnel. She discusses the inception and growth of Pura Collagen, a brand focused on scientifically formulated collagen supplements for skin, hair, nails, and joint health. Jennifer's story emphasises the challenges and triumphs of building a business in midlife, including the importance of PR, regulatory compliance, and investing in your team. The conversation also explores the personal sacrifices and resilience required to succeed as an entrepreneur, while touching on themes like the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, work-life balance, and the value of mentorship.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Meet Jennifer Mo: From Sports Nutrition to Pura Collagen

01:39 Jennifer's Journey: From Aspiring Doctor to Nutritional Expert

03:06 The Science Behind Supplements: Jennifer's Early Fascination

06:19 From Retail to Military: Jennifer's Career Evolution

10:23 Corporate Challenges and Personal Growth

13:17 The Pandemic Pivot: Birth of Pura Collagen

14:32 Building Pura Collagen: From Kitchen Experiments to Market

23:08 Launching Pura Collagen: Overcoming Initial Hurdles

26:42 Pura Collagen's Unique Approach and Market Strategy

29:15 Understanding Product and Packaging

29:48 Addressing Menopause with Innovative Products

33:04 Challenges of Starting a Business in Midlife

34:49 The Impact of the Pandemic on Career Choices

37:01 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Overcoming Fear

38:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Team Building

43:36 Navigating Financial Challenges and Growth

44:52 Joining Forces with a Larger Brand

46:39 Reflections on the Entrepreneurial Journey

48:10 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts

 
Jennifer’s 3,2,1:

3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:

1.           PR – to help get cut through in a crowded industry

2.          Legal experts to look at labelling and packaging information

3.          Team – especially investing relationships outside of the workplace 

2 things you wish you’d done differently:

1.           Had a better understanding of equity and fund raising 

2.          Not allowed friends and family to invest – too much pressure, you don’t want to let them down.

1 person you’d like to thank:

1.           CEO, 24 Hr Fitness, Mark Mastrov for understanding how to support women, for guidance and access to his knowledge.  Also, Barry De Vilbiss, VP Retail at the same time – taught me about retail and shifting product.   

Pura Collagen www.puracollagen.co.uk

Instagram @puracollagen @vectorconsumer 

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded on location at Eight Works Podcast Studios, Eight Moorgate, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
Email eightworks@eightclub.co.uk 

Jo is a professional coach, writer, and speaker, specialising in transformation and change.
Instagram @jojoglynnsmith
TikTok @TheMidlifeEntrepreneur
Email me: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com
www.joglynnsmith.com