Q&A with CEO & Co founder Trent Scanlen
Discover the passion behind the product
Why did you start a supplements company?
I have always taken supplements to help me naturally improve my health. So as a customer, I always thought that I could do better - now I’m determined to prove myself right :)
We have built a custom lab in Twickenham, have an impressive scientific and medical team, and are continually innovating plant science, just as the world is realising there are multiple natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
Why can’t a balanced diet solve all of our nutritional needs?
Like most people, my diet fluctuates but the needs of my body remain the same. Some days my diet discipline fails and I eat bad foods with my kids, I don’t worry too much as I know my main supplements are in my bloodstream - I have dysregulated inflammation due to my sport and previous damage to my body from cancer treatment - so this is the most critical issue I look to supplements to solve.
You have come through cancer yourself which must have been extremely difficult for you and your family. Did your priorities shift after this?
Everyone that survives cancer is given a gift, I cherish it. It made me prioritise my life, surround myself with things I was passionate about and stop sweating the small stuff (as often!)
Why is CBD such an important supplement?
The rise in CBD in the last 5 years since we started Truth Naturals has been phenomenal, however a lot of confusion and distortion has clouded the market. We believe broad spectrum CBD from Colorado, blended with MCT oil has been the best performing for us, and our customers. CBD suffered from the stigma of being a “cure-all”, our research has shown it has broad use for anxiety and calmness, less as an anti-inflammatory - that is why we focused on curcumin with our new brand Kurk.
What is your favorite sport?
I grew up in Australia surfing, so that holds a dear place in my heart - but my passion is now martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - I love training, competing, and coaching athletes and children.
What are your personal health goals?
I want to be an active dad for my sons and keep training and competing in martial arts as long as possible. I train in a very physical sport where injuries and tissue damage is common, so i need effective pain inflammation and rest supplementation - so Truth Naturals and Kurk are personal projects as well as a professional one.
What is the best customer conversation you have had?
There have been so many over the years, but a favourite of mine is still when I first met Dr Alexia. She was a customer for a year and when I discussed the science with her we had an instant connection and she is now on our scientific advisory board.
Why did you decide to crowdfund?
I have always wanted to give our customers a chance to be a part of our company. They help us improve as a company, grow as a brand, and this is an excellent way to reward them for their help. We have had over 100 of our customers invest in Kurk - double my expectation and further prove that we are making a real impact on peoples lives, naturally!
