Husband and wife launch range of health products

A PASSION for natural health products, particularly the healing properties of a substance called propolis derived from bees, led to the creation of a new company for husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Andrew and Carolyn Herd.

The company, Ultra Health, supplies its products throughout South Africa and to Europe, with the possibility of entering the market in China being explored.

“I started selling natural products in February 2012 as an agent. Within a month I became aware of the healing properties of propolis, also known as “Russian penicillin” and used by bees to protect the beehive from viral, fungal and microbial infections,” says Carolyn, 47.

Propolis has become the basic product for the range of natural treatments supplied and marketed by Ultra Health.

In October 2013, Andrew, 50, who hails from the corporate realm, joined the company fulltime.

“We decided to make a natural base, consisting of beeswax, honey, pollen and propolis, all of which are known to have brilliant medicinal values.

“We use avocado, coconut and sunflower oils to achieve the required viscosity which in themselves are packed with healing vitamins and minerals.”

If that sounds like something healthy to eat, Carolyn says one difference is in its application, because most other skin care products are made from liquid paraffin or petroleum jelly, and research shows they should be

After that, the couple returned to South Africa.

Carolyn was born in Durban, Andrew in Joburg. She went to St Catherine’s Convent in Empangeni. After matriculating in 1986, she studied clothing production.

He matriculated from Kingsway in 1984 and went to what was then Natal Technikon. He also went to Harvard Business School in 2008, doing courses in organisational realignment.

They have two daughters, Mackenzie, 17, and Madison, 12, and live in Durban North. Their tips for young people entering the business world:

• We all have great ideas – you need to believe that yours is as good as, if not better, than the next persons or company.

• Don’t ever stop learning something new – and find a mentor.

• Be consistent and do not waver from your values, principles and beliefs, no matter what pressures may come your way.

• Your belief system is critical. You must have a passion for what you do, so find a niche that differentiates your business or offering, and never waver from it.