A Family Legacy of Innovation and Integrity
Optibac Probiotics was founded by siblings Farah, Jalal, and Soraya Janmohamed in 2004. Their journey began at the family’s community chemist in Andover, where their father Feroze had a passion for delivering exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming environment for all customers. The siblings learned the pharmacy ropes under their father’s guidance before venturing out to create a global brand that would become the UK’s best-selling probiotic company.
From Community Chemists to Global Probiotics
Soraya Janmohamed still remembers walking through the doors of her family’s community chemist, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of their father’s business. It was a place where she, along with her sister Jalal and brother Farah, learned the values that would shape their entrepreneurial spirit. After completing university and gaining external business experience, the co-founding trio returned to their family’s roots to launch Optibac Probiotics.
Growing the Business through Innovation and Integrity
Under the leadership of Soraya Janmohamed and her siblings, Optibac Probiotics has experienced rapid growth, with projected turnover exceeding £24 million. The company now employs around 100 people, with a remarkable 82% of its workforce being women. Gender equality is also deeply ingrained in the company’s board, reflecting their commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
"We’ve had amazing people come in and teach us things," Soraya says, crediting the impact of external experts who have contributed significantly to Optibac Probiotics’ success. One notable example was an HR consultant who suggested introducing six-month maternity leave, a move that aligns with the company’s values and commitment to supporting its employees.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Optibac Probiotics has made a significant impact on the community through various initiatives. The company has donated over £2 million to charity, demonstrating their dedication to giving back to society. Employee benefits also reflect this commitment, including:
- £500 worth of free probiotics annually: A gesture that not only supports employees’ health but also reinforces the importance of gut well-being.
- Increased holiday days and reduced hours: Recognizing the value of work-life balance and the need for employees to recharge.
- A week’s extra pay at Christmas: A tradition inherited from their father, who believed in showing appreciation for his team’s hard work.
The Founding Principles: Learning from Experience and Embracing Innovation
Soraya Janmohamed credits her father with imparting invaluable lessons that have guided Optibac Probiotics’ growth. Two key principles stand out:
- Hire people smarter than you: A mantra that reflects the company’s commitment to collaboration, learning from others, and embracing expertise.
- Focus on sales and customer service: Lessons learned from their father’s community chemist experience, where building strong relationships with customers was paramount.
The Journey of Discovery: From Community Chemists to Probiotics
The siblings’ introduction to probiotics came through a chance encounter with a client who had traveled from Australia. Intrigued by the concept, they began researching and experimenting with probiotic products. This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of Optibac Probiotics’ journey in gut health.
The Future of Gut Health: Embracing Research and Innovation
As Soraya Janmohamed reflects on the company’s journey, she acknowledges that there is still much to be learned about gut health and its connections to overall well-being. Optibac Probiotics remains committed to:
- Grounding research in science: Ensuring that new products and initiatives are backed by robust evidence.
- Prioritizing customer trust: Recognizing the importance of maintaining a strong reputation built on integrity, quality, and transparency.
In Conclusion
Optibac Probiotics’ story is one of innovation, integrity, and family legacy. From humble beginnings as community chemists to becoming a leading probiotic brand, the Janmohamed siblings have remained true to their core values: learning from experience, embracing collaboration, and prioritizing customer well-being. As the company continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to gut health, research, and philanthropy serves as a beacon for others in the industry.
