When I was 17, I had one goal in mind. I wanted to become a Firefighter for the London Fire Brigade. However, I had a problem. I was in-experienced, and I knew if I wanted to stand a chance, I had to build myself up. Stronger, fitter and more capable.
So I joined my very first gym. Like most teenagers stepping into that world for the first time, I had more questions than answers. I would watch what other people were doing and try to emulate their workouts. As I gained some knowledge, I knew I needed to reach out to a professional for help. That’s when I walked into my first supplement shop in Romford and met Stephen.
Stephen wasn’t just selling products. He gave me guidance, knowledge, and encouragement. He showed me which supplements would fuel my body and support my training, but more than that, he gave me the confidence to believe I could grow into the person I wanted to become.
Fast-forward to today, I’m no longer that skinny 17-year-old. I’ve been a Firefighter for 15 years, and two years ago, created my own mushroom supplement brand. Rooted in the same values Stephen taught me years ago; Quality, trust, and real results. The passion behind Mako Labs has always been that the right supplements can change someone’s life for the better, and we are lucky enough to be in the position to experience that everyday.
As our customer base grew and we upgraded our equipment, me and my business partner knew it was time to start reaching out to trusted supplement shops to see if they would be interested in stocking our products. So we sat down with a coffee and began to research local shops in the area. We made a list of a few that we liked the look of and began to do a deep dive into each one of them. We started with social media, and clicked on the linked Instagram of the shop we liked the most “The Nova Group UK”. I couldn’t believe my eyes, the very same man who helped me all of those years ago was looking right back at me.
I tell my business partner Jay we aren’t contacting anyone else today, and inform him of mine and Stephen’s history. We send Nova a message explaining who we are and what we do and we immediately get a call. Steve is exactly how I remember him, kind, helpful, friendly and encouraging. After a lengthy chat and catch-up, he sets up a meeting in a few days time to go over the product and the business.
17 years ago I was walking into Stephen’s shop to begin my own journey with supplements - Now? I’m walking in to place my own supplements on his shelves. Mako’s Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, the same kind of support I once needed, now crafted to help others on their journey.
It felt like coming full circle. Two old friends meeting after many years. I am so thankful to Stephen and the Nova Clinic team not only for the opportunity to work with them going forwards, but for the help and confidence you gave a young 17 year old starting out his own journey.
We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship going forward, one driven by passion, friendship and hard work as we work together to better the lives of our customers.