We thought our customers would like to know a bit more about the story and team behind Rose-Hip Vital. In the first of our series, we introduce Maureen Diamond. Maureen and her husband Colin began this business so we figured she is the perfect person to tell you the story on how it all started, why they believed Australians would benefit from this natural product and how the business has grown over the years. We also asked Maureen a bit about herself, her passions and how she stays healthy
How did you start your journey with Rose-Hip Vital ?
My Rose-Hip Vital Journey started when my husband Colin and I used to feed the homeless people at the Domain in Sydney with an organisation called Clothesline. We would go to the Domain every Thursday night for a few hours and help out. It was while we were helping the community that we met the original Australian distributor of Rose-Hip Vital, and in 2008 we acquired the company.
We knew nothing about the complimentary health industry and in particular the product, Rose-Hip Vital. After researching and trialing the product we saw a fantastic opportunity. It has definitely been quite a journey.
When we first started, we had a few customers that we had inherited from the previous owner and knew no-one in the pharmacy or natural health industry. In 2009, we engaged a local PR company who successfully got the product onto a segment on TV. The segment was so successful and we experienced such an overwhelming response that it was hard to keep up with the demand. Colin and I quickly assessed that we needed extra help to cope with the demand and we started recruiting. Seven years later, those staff members are still with us!
Our oldest son, Russell, joined us in December 2009, which was 18 months after the business had started. Russell and Colin were both instrumental in presenting the brand to the National Distribution Centres who supply all pharmacies across Australia. These presentations ended up securing a phenomenal growth in sales.
Colin had already piqued the interest of Chemist Warehouse and the father and son pair worked hard to develop the relationship. It has now grown to such a level that Rose-Hip Vital is one of their leading natural brands for treating Arthritis across all of their stores nationwide.
In 2011, our second son Justin joined us to take on the responsibility of introducing and distributing the animal versions of the brand, Rose-Hip Vital Canine and Rose-Hip Vital Equine. His passion for the brands and love of animals has seen the expansive growth of the products into the animal care industry. He has secured listing of the products in all animal distribution centres, as well as securing major retailers such as Petbarn, PETstock and many other vets, pet shops, saddleries and produce stores. It is such a remarkable achievement that we can now offer market leading joint health and wellbeing to all our furry friends.
It has been an incredibly satisfying journey from which we have learnt so much and still continue to learn. Educating the people who sell the product, the people who use the product and the health professionals who recommend it, such as doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, naturopaths, vets and pharmacists has been both challenging and rewarding.
We have also learnt that people who suffer from joint pain and arthritis and are are always willing to try something new. They're willing to try because a new product just might help, or they're sick of taking products with nasty side effects the Rose-Hip Vital brands certainly cover both of these issues!
Another rewarding experience is being able to help out my friends. One of my friends suffered badly with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and decided to give Rose-Hip Vital a go. She no longer suffers from the excruciating pain she used to live with every day. The fact that we've been able to help a close friend all because of what my family and I have created with Rose-Hip Vital is an amazing feeling. Its also wonderful that we are able to help so many Australians who are suffering from inflammation and pain in their joints. You can read their stories here.
Do you take Rose-Hip Vital yourself?
I have taken Rose-Hip Vital daily since 2008 because I suffer with various painful problems, being bursitis in both hips and issues with my lower back and neck with bulging discs. I often take the loading dose when I feel particularly sore. I also regularly attend exhibitions where we present our brands, and when I know I'm going to be standing all day, I double up on the dose. I do this for a few more days until I am back on track with pain management.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy being with our grandkids, as well as watching movies, reading and socialising with friends. I also love eating out and travelling.
What are your top wellness tips that you follow day-to-day?
- Eat healthy, which involves eating more vegetables and fruit.
- Try and keep fit by walking and doing weight resistance training at the gym.
- Cut out carbs and sugars (which I try to do but Im only human!)
- Drink more water, which I am not brilliant at doing!
What is some advice you'd give to your younger self?
- Be more active
- Eat more healthy foods and dont just eat all the sugars and carbs, which unfortunately I over indulged in during my younger days. Sugar was not known as the sweet poison as it is known as now, and at that stage we were eating carbs every day!
Maureen and Colin volunteering on the streets of Sydney for Clothesline Coffee.
