When journalist Stephanie Drax, founder of Leapfrog Remedies, first tried lactoferrin, a protein that has potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, she was amazed by its effects against her family’s colds. She launched Leapfrog IMMUNE - a citrus-flavoured chewable tablet with 250mg of pure, natural lactoferrin with zinc and vitamin C – at a time when immunity has never been higher on the priority list.
I came up with the idea when…
Two and half years ago I had two boys at nursery, and it was a merry-go-round of coughs and colds in our family. I looked for a solution and began writing an article on good gut health (I’ve written about travel/lifestyle for Sunday Telegraph, FT, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, House & Garden, Country & Townhouse etc for years). During my research a scientist told me about lactoferrin - he said he hadn’t had a cold in 30 years! So, curious journalist that I am, I tried the raw material, and it worked like a charm. After 6 months of taking notes on our experiences, I decided to formulate a chewable lactoferrin supplement with leading scientists and wellness experts (we believe chewable has better absorption than capsules that you swallow).
The biggest challenge is…
Explaining what lactoferrin is when, in fact, no one is a stranger to it. It’s already a vital part of your innate immune system and is working inside you now as your first line response to viruses and bacteria in your environment. Your body naturally produces lactoferrin every day – it’s in your eyes, nose and mouth for example - ready to neutralise or suppress pathogens as they appear. When we’re stressed, tired, run-down, not eating properly, or simply ageing, our innate lactoferrin may be depleted faster than it is restored. This can leave us vulnerable when exposed to germs. Lactoferrin is also a key component of breastmilk – it’s a critical player in a baby’s immune development. Our lactoferrin is sourced from premium cow’s milk, which is biologically very similar and allows us to harness its incredible benefits in a supplement.
The average day is spent…
Checking the latest data and speaking to scientists who are working with lactoferrin (there are over 8,900 published and peer-reviewed scientific studies). As a journalist I also love interviewing experts in wellness on our IGTV. I’m also speaking regularly to my formulation expert right now as we are developing more products for the range – starting with a kids version (as Leapfrog IMMUNE is for over 12s). I get several emails from customers with questions and compliments – every glowing review of Leapfrog IMMUNE puts a spring in our step.
The team consists of...
A collection of brilliant minds: immunologist & lactoferrin expert Dr Marian Kruzel (University of Texas), pharmacist Dr Hamid Merchant (University of Huddersfield), nutritionist Emma Davies (of Lucinda Miller’s NatureDoc Clinic), and Renée Elliott, the founder of Planet Organic. My hugely talented designer from Mayk and a social media manager are both great to bounce ideas off every day.
The business has grown by…
Getting Leapfrog into the hands of wellness writers and icons. Renée Elliott (founder of Planet Organic) has called Leapfrog IMMUNE “magical” and Liz Earle has been the most amazing support, too. She waited to try IMMUNE when she felt a cold coming on, and then experienced the Leapfrog effect: “Genius. I genuinely love this,” she said when she interviewed me on an Insta Live “I got a sniffle, I reached for Leapfrog IMMUNE and it went away. I’m blown away by it.” Her followers were intrigued: they tried it, and now they keep coming back, which is wonderful.
The thing no one ever tells you about running your own business online...
To regularly check in with suppliers about lead times. I didn’t expect to sell out so quickly – Leapfrog IMMUNE sold out in 6 weeks after we launched – and then I had to wait several weeks for more product. When I conceived of Leapfrog as a cold remedy, I had no idea its anti-viral benefits would be of interest during a pandemic.
My favourite quote…
“It always seems impossible until it’s done”.
I am where I am today because of…
An incredible crew of cheerleaders, some of whom are on my team and others are people in the industry who gave me advice and the courage to start Leapfrog.
I am who I am because of....
Tenacity. I’ve always tried, tried and tried again.
The best advice I've been given...
That business will never be as hard as parenting.
In five years I’d like to be…
A globally recognised player in the lactoferrin supplements market with several products in the range.
The websites/apps I most frequently use are…
Seesaw (for homeschooling, but hallelujah that’s come to an end!), Dropbox (for sharing images between my designer, social media manager and myself), Instagram (I’m doing regular IG Lives to explain the brand and lactoferrin) and Canva (for all our Journal and social design needs).
The most rewarding experience we’ve had to date…
Being Commended by The Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards 2021 having only launched 5 months before. And launching in Selfridges last month – a dream come true.
March 2021
READ MORE:
Recovering from Covid
Who To Follow To Eat For Your Microbiome
Wellbeing Breaks for 2021