4 minute read
CELEBRITY: SNEZANA AND SAM WOOD
5 MINUTES WITH... SNEZANA AND SAM WOOD
As a self-confessed Bachie fan, witnessing Sam Wood and Snezana (Snez) Markoski’s love story unfold from the start back in 2015 has been nothing short of magical. The two met on the third season of The Bachelor when Snez was the first contestant to step out of the limo. They quickly formed a new family with her daughter Eve, and since then, the couple has married and welcomed three gorgeous girls, expanding their joyous family to six. Last year, leveraging Sam’s fitness expertise, they launched a new protein range called 28GO!, named after the fitness app Sam developed and later sold to myDNA for a reported $71 million in 2022. I recently had the pleasure of catching up with the genetically blessed couple at their stunningly renovated Sorrento holiday home to delve into the details of their range launching into Chemist Warehouse, reflecting their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to health and wellness.
By Michelle Ruzzene
THE GENESIS OF 28GO!
The idea for 28GO! was born from a deep understanding of community needs and the desire to fill a gap in the wellness market. “We listened to the calls for a protein supplement that was both nutritious and user-friendly, and that’s how 28GO! came to life,” Sam recounts. The couple’s dedication to their fitness community’s wishes has been a driving force behind the brand’s development, ensuring that each product aligns with their rigorous standards for health and transparency.
SAM’S PHILOSOPHY ON CONSUMER TRANSPARENCY
Navigating a market flooded with misleading health products, Sam saw an opportunity to introduce honesty and effectiveness through 28GO! “Our community expressed a need for transparent and straightforward nutritional products,” Sam says. “They were tired of deciphering confusing labels and falling prey to clever marketing. With Snez’s encouragement, we envisioned a product line that embodies purity and simplicity, focusing on genuine health benefits rather than superficial promises.”
SNEZANA’S EVOLVING APPROACH TO WELLNESS
As a busy mother-of-four, Snez’s passion for holistic health is important. She highlighted the interconnections between beauty and wellness, aiming to empower others with her insights.
“I’ve noticed that as I age, my interest in beauty supplements, especially collagen, has increased significantly,” she explains. “Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to collagen, but over time, as I’ve noticed the natural degradation of collagen in my body, its importance has become more apparent. This realisation played a big role in my decision to integrate collagen into my daily protein intake, recognising its benefits not just for my skin but also for my joint health, which becomes increasingly crucial as I grow older. My goal is to make this supplementation a regular part of my routine to help manage age-related changes like joint stiffness and maintain overall wellness.”
SNEZANA ON CRAFTING A USERFRIENDLY PRODUCT
Snezana found entering the supplement industry daunting but prioritised creating welcoming, effective, and enjoyable products. They both believe the best supplement is one you’re happy to take daily.
“Venturing into the supplement industry was daunting at first,” admits Snezana. “But I knew it was important to create something welcoming and non-intimidating. We focused on creating formulas that are effective yet enjoyable to consume. It was imperative that our products not only work well but also taste delightful. After all, the best supplement is the one you’re happy to take every day.”
ACHIEVING A DELICATE BALANCE
Achieving the right balance between health benefits and taste was a crucial aspect of their product development. Sam elaborates, “We strived to create a formula that stands out by its high health rating and its flavour. It’s about making sure our customers feel good about what they consume, knowing it’s packed with benefits and still tastes great. This dual focus has set 28GO! apart in a crowded market.”
REFLECTIONS ON THEIR BUSINESS JOURNEY
Reflecting on their journey from conceptualisation to market, Sam and Snez share that the development of 28GO! was a labour of love, marked by endless testing and refinement. “It required a blend of scientific research, consumer feedback, and personal dedication to perfect the products,” Snez notes. “Each sample was a step closer to our vision of ideal health supplements.”
