Meet Katie Tik, London based Founder and CMO of Quanna

It goes without saying that the past two or so years have yielded an incredible amount of change in countless ways. For instance, some people found a new calling, pivoted careers completely, and ventured to undertake new beginnings into the wide unknown. One of those such people is Katie Tik, the London-based co-founder and CMO of sexual wellness brand Quanna, whom you may recognize her from her previous stint as a fashion and beauty influencer. Below, you’ll see exactly how she was inspired (like many of us) to start anew, and what her team at Quanna is doing to transform sexual taboos into empowerment via CBD products, honest dialogue about women’s bodies and sexual self-care, and more.

 

You’re a known fixture in fashion/beauty. What inspired you to pivot spaces and co-found Quanna?

I will always have an affinity towards all that is fashion, style, and beauty and I understand that it may seem like a peculiar start to transition into the wellness space, but my fashion background actually allowed me a perspective into this different trajectory. My professional introduction to fashion and beauty was as an influencer, a term that makes some cringe nowadays, but the core to being an influencer I believe is not attempting to be “influential” for your following, but to influence collaboration. It’s what I enjoyed most, that synergy of creatives piecing together that timeless look from head to toe along with the brilliance of vision from camera to edit, where at the end you truly embody being the canvas of a tremendous partnership. It is because of this privilege of working with so many diverse people and brands that I was offered an alternative point of view into the beauty/wellness industry.

The epiphany came to me while working with beauty brands. As well-intentioned as these products were being an investment into my skin-care needs and boosting my confidence, I realized I wasn’t dedicating nearly half my focus to different wellness concerns such as anxiety, sex, and intimate health…you can say I was only getting “skin deep” into my issues. And when it came time for closer inspection into my intimate care, I was struck with the fact that there wasn’t the same emphasis on integrity and comparable quality products in this space. Ingredient lists that I wouldn’t even put on my face would be going near/in my intimate parts – absolutely not!

On top of that, there wasn’t this clear voice for those who sought not only a better experience in the bedroom but some camaraderie in their journey towards sexual wellness. For instance, vaginal dryness or painful sex isn’t limited to just older women. Sexual wellness is an integral facet of living an authentic life and so that seedling of consciousness has motivated me to partner with my co-founder Dmitry and help everyone find some peace by prioritizing their pleasure and cultivating a healthy relationship with intimacy.

What were the biggest challenges of launching this “pandemic baby”?

Oh, where to start haha I mean I think for anyone that made large/risky decisions during the pandemic, whether personally or professionally you definitely asked yourself… “Is this the right time?” because of the world as we knew it was fearfully on pause. What is the proper next move? Launching Quanna was daunting from a financial aspect, but it was also liberating because in that same moment it just felt like a second act in a way for me and Dmitry’s professional lives. The biggest challenge though for our launch was adjusting to and respecting the reset of our society’s mindset. The post-pandemic haze of survival along with self-reflection had us all evaluating our priorities, especially in terms of the relationships we keep with others as well as ourselves. There was frankly no more time to be wasted on bs, and we wanted to tread lightly in order to educate ourselves on what was it that people were struggling with after the height of the pandemic rather than simply peddle product. Well, we’ve come to learn that sensibilities are evolving and sexual topics including intimate care are becoming less stigmatized because, after two years of physical disconnection, we as humans are craving intimacy, whether that be rekindling that fire in a long term relationship, pursuing a new lover in this era, or finally taking the time to explore your needs.

CBD has been a trending ingredient in the wellness space for a few years now. Why do you think it’s becoming increasingly mainstream, and does it have the lasting power to withstand other up-and-coming ingredients?

Yeah, there has been this sort of CBD boom these recent years, where it’s understandable for those questioning if CBD’s benefits actually match the hype and if it is here to stay. The thing about CBD that separates it compared from other up-and-coming ingredients is the fact that scientific research on it is still ongoing in terms of its growing list of benefits. More importantly, though is that its fundamental interaction is based on a function within our bodies known as the endocannabinoid system. Now, this system has been discovered relatively recently in the early 90s when scientists determined that the brain has two receptors, CB1 (located centrally in the brain) & CB2 (located peripherally throughout the nervous & immune systems, as well as other functionally important locations such as the heart, pancreas, and stomach). These receptors respond to so-called phytocannabinoids, chemical elements found in cannabis plants. These cannabinoids number over 100 and most prominently include, you guessed it — CBD. So I think it is safe to say that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it concerns CBD’s beneficial longevity.

What is one myth about intimate wellness you’d like to dispel?

That using a personal lubricant means there’s a sexual dysfunction or that something’s “broken”. First off, there is this general assumption that vaginal dryness only affects menopausal women, which is not true. Almost anyone of any age can experience vaginal dryness due to varying reasons such as using harsh hygiene products, drug treatments like allergy and cold medications, some antidepressants, hormonal changes due to breastfeeding, or having chemotherapy, the list can go on. Secondly, using a personal lubricant ensures pleasure is accessible to everyone. During sexual stimulation, your blood vessels dilate so more blood flow goes to the genital area, and that blood rush prompts various vaginal glands and mucous cells to secrete fluids that make sex easier and more enjoyable for both people involved. But, sometimes even when you’re turned on, it takes a while for your body to get on the same page as your mind which is where a personal lubricant comes in handy for the magical trifecta: more time for foreplay, no time for friction, and more time for fu..n.

In simple terms, what does sexual wellness mean to you?

I would go with Quanna’s fundamental belief that sexual wellness is a state of body/mind that enables you to enjoy and explore sex on your own terms and in your own time. I believe this definition of sexual wellness to be empowering because it underlines the fact that it’s not so much concerned with gratifying someone else, but instead getting more in tune with who you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually. How do you explore that side of you and what are your desires?

What does Quanna do to promote dialogue around making sexuality and sexual wellness less “taboo”/shy?

We back up our words with actions. For instance, we’ve recently teamed up with our friends at FEWE to properly address the unsettling censorship over women’s concerns related to menopause, pelvic pain, postpartum health, menstrual health, sexual wellness and breastfeeding. If websites like Meta continue to flag these types of conversations, they’re essentially conveying that there is something inherently shameful about them, which is ridiculous. Language restriction online surrounding the word ‘Vagina’ or ‘Vulva’ makes searchability for educational platforms like ourselves more difficult and denies the opportunity for women and gender minorities to learn and talk openly about their bodies. This is why we challenge the taboos head-on with our peers that are fighting the good fight.

We also listen to what topics our community wants us to broach rather than just be an endless faucet of informative posts. It goes beyond just covering sex or masturbation, it’s a conversation and we aim to provide that guidance and support through our blog and social media channels. We have an excellent expert series where we speak with diverse trailblazers in their respective fields of psychology, sexual education, and more to address those uncomfortable conversations that we all are thinking about. There’s nothing off the table for us and hopefully, we do the work where our community knows that taboos no longer need to have room to intimidate anyone into silence.

What advice do you have for young women/mothers to feel more comfortable in their bodies and tapping into their sexuality—and to be vocal about it, at that?

I think it’s important to remember that sexual confidence is fluid just like self-confidence. It’s not always going to be at 100% all the time, but the baseline should be that regardless you know that you are always deserving pleasure and joy. If you want to feel more sexually confident I believe there needs to be a shift from performative sex towards pleasurable sexual experiences by practicing mindfulness and recognizing thoughts as they shift in and out of your mind and continue to bring yourself back to the moment. Feeling good in your body will change how you feel about your body. Allow yourself to be present and to communicate your desires because being able to articulate what you enjoy is a sign of sexual confidence.

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Gut Health and Nutrition Tips with Clarissa Lenherr

While you might have your bathroom stocked with the best clean skincare essentials (courtesy of Goldfaden MD, of course!), you likely won’t achieve the complexion of your dreams if you’re not supporting your skin’s health from the inside out. For that reason, we consulted London-based Nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr to see how you can tweak your diet to boost your skin and promote overall wellness. Below, we asked her for her key insights on the diet/skin connection and her top tips to get glowing from within. But first: discover need-to-know info on gut health, including diet and lifestyle habits worth ditching and adopting.

 

What inspired you to specialize in gut health?

I think most nutritionists choose to specialize in something that is close to their heart or something that they have personal experience suffering from… and that goes for me. For the first 25 years of my life, I suffered from daily digestive issues and it was only when I trained in nutrition and used myself as a guinea pig, that I found long-term relief.

This personal battle allows me to bring empathy and compassion to my practice, helping my clients feel supported and understood.

What are the key signs of gut imbalance (in digestion and beyond)?

The list is endless! Health really does begin in the gut, and so many symptoms that even seem unrelated can actually be key signs of gut imbalance. Think skin changes, mood imbalances, susceptibility to colds and flu, weight gain, changes in sleep quality, lowered energy and more.

And when we think about signs stemming from the gut (mouth to anus) we can look for bloating, flatulence, reflux, burping, cramps, changes in bowel movements and pain – to name a few.

What are the worst offenders when it comes to gut imbalances, in terms of both diet and lifestyle?

Alcohol is one of the most aggressive compounds when it comes to our gut health. When in excess, alcohol can damage the lining of the gut making it harder for us to absorb certain nutrients whilst killing off our friendly, commensal bacteria in the gut. This can lead to an overgrowth of opportunist, “bad” bacteria, resulting in a mismatch of the microbiome and potentially dysbiosis.

Cutting back on the booze can reduce your chances of stomach inflammation or gastritis, which can lead to heartburn, acid reflux and sometimes even long-term esophageal damage.

Do some research into a non-alcoholic drink that will work for you at social events. I love swapping out a G&T for a gut-loving kombucha or a clean liquor non-alcoholic rhubarb gin, sparkling water and a slice of fresh lemon.

Another major offender is, unfortunately…sugar. High consumption of refined sugar can lead to an increase in free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage in the body, revealed through changes in our skin, hair, nails, gut health and energy levels.

Natural sugar substitutes such as stevia and monk fruit are safe to use as sugar alternatives, however, some individuals are sensitive to sweeteners and may experience side effects such as an upset stomach or bloating. I do not recommend artificial sweeteners, as they can irritate the gut and have been shown in studies to disrupt the health of our microbiome. (Suez J et al. Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota. Nature. 2014;514:181-6.)

Lifestyle-wise, stress is a big player and managing our stress levels is fundamental. When we are in a fight or flight “stressed” response, we divert energy and resources away from the gut. Over a long period of time, this can impact our digestive function. In addition, high levels of stress have been linked to lower levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

I prioritize taking time out and stress management techniques such as adult coloring in books, gentle stretching, outside walks and cooking. Meditation isn’t for everyone, so I always preach to my clients to find out what works for them when it comes to switching off.

What are the best foods and nutrients to boost gut health?

  • Sticking to whole, natural foods and avoiding overly processed foods as much as possible. Added preservatives, emulsifiers, glazing agents and trans fats can all trigger nasty gut health symptoms and are not beneficial for our health in general. I practice an 80/20 approach when it comes to eating.
  • Swap fruit juices for whole, fresh fruits. This will give you a fiber boost that your gut microbes will love, also aiding the elimination of toxins within the body. My favorite gut-loving fruits are stewed apples, kiwis and berries.
  • Adding live, fermented foods into your diet at least 3 times per week to benefit your gut health and mood. Think kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and miso. They are all a great source of live cultures which may help to improve the composition of our microbiome.
  • Incorporate omega 3 fatty acids into your diet, aiming to have oily fish 3 times a week. Studies have shown that people who eat foods rich in omega 3 have more bacterial diversity in the gut.
  • Include polyphenol-rich foods- research has shown that polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, can have major impacts on gut health by increasing the volume of healthy gut bacteria which are known to improve immunity, help manage inflammatory diseases within the body and feed out gut bacteria. Consume dark chocolate, pecans, blueberries, herbs and spices.

How does the state of your gut impact how clear and balanced your skin is?

The connection between the gut and our skin is crucial, and one of the main regulators in this gut-skin axis is how the gut microbiota communicates with the skin. It does this mostly via intricate interactions with the immune system to regulate systemic and local inflammation.

Raised insulin levels have been associated with boosting sebum production and increasing androgen hormone production which shows in our skin health, therefore keeping insulin levels in check is important for the gut-skin axis. In addition, an unbalanced gut microbiome is linked to inflammatory skin conditions, so keeping your gut health on track is fundamental for good skin.

What nutrition tips or hacks can improve skin from the inside out?

We all know that staying hydrated is important, but drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, which is key when looking fresh. It has been shown that people who drink large quantities of water are less likely to suffer from scars, wrinkles, soft lines and aging. Aim to hydrate every day with at least 2 liters of filtered water, add lemon to give you a vitamin C kick and 1 tbsp of chia seeds for those anti-inflammatory omega 3’s.

Aim to include yellow, orange and red-colored fruits and veggies daily. These richly colored fruits and veg get much of their color from compounds called carotenoids, some of which can be converted into Vitamin A, which is essential for skin cell reproduction. They are also a great source of Vitamin C, which helps in the manufacturing of collagen.

Spotlight omega-3s. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are renowned for their health benefits. When it comes to skin, omega-3s can help to improve hydration, reduce inflammation, manage the skin’s oil production and potentially minimize signs of aging.

So how can we pack these into our diet? The best way to consume omega-3s is through regular consumption of oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and anchovies. Not a fish eater? Flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts are vegetarian sources of omega-3s. But be mindful that omega-3s from plant sources need to be converted in the body before they can be used, so they may not be as effective.

If neither of these options appeals, you can also consider an omega-3 fish oil or algae-based supplement.

About CLARISSA LENHERR

Clarissa Lenherr is a Registered Nutritionist (mBant) and founder of Clarissa Lenherr Nutrition, a nutrition consultancy where she uses her extensive knowledge and experience to advise on all aspects of nutrition. Clarissa practices from her clinic on Harley St, London, offering clients one-to-one nutrition consultations, corporate seminars and health brand Consultancy.

Clarissa graduated from the College of Natural Medicine with a distinction in Nutrition after three years of studying biochemistry and nutritional therapy. Here she completed 200 clinical hours, giving her the skills and knowledge to work with clients on a personalized basis. Continuous training and further learning courses enable Clarissa to gain increased expertise, ensuring she is abreast of new findings and developments in the captivating scientific field of nutrition. She is a certified member of The British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT), The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

As a private nutritionist, Clarissa has helped hundreds of clients back to optimal health. Her mission is to take the science of nutrition and convert it into easy-to-implement strategies so that her clients can achieve ultimate well-being. She is passionate about re-educating, myth-busting and removing stigmas and preconceptions that have developed around nutrition and health so that individuals can discover and celebrate nutritious food. She practices personalized and preventative nutrition, advocating the “not one size fits all” approach.

Her specialties include digestive health, auto-immune conditions, weight management and health optimization. When not in her practice, Clarissa spends her time delivering keynotes and workshops for the world’s leading companies, empowering their employees with the skills, techniques and knowledge to transform and optimize their health, happiness and productivity.

Clarissa has worked with over 200 companies globally including Ebay, BT, Prudential, Chanel, Lloyds, Coca Cola, Investec, Deloitte, Adobe, Allen and Overy and more. Clarissa’s extensive knowledge of the science of health and food has enabled her to frequently comment for publications such as The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Metro, Women’s Health and The Evening Standard.

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Meet the Founders of Austin-based Clean Beauty Retailer, Fine Line

Fine Line was created out of a desire to foster Austin’s growing community of wellness-minded people.

Despite the multitude of places to buy clean beauty products online, we believe nothing takes the place of IRL human connection. We hope you come to Fine Line to find your clean beauty favorites, but also to try new things and meet new people. Come say hi and stay awhile. – Cissy & Ashley

How do you start your mornings? 

Cissy: My mornings start with a cup of coffee, a short meditation and some sort of exercise (typically biking or pilates). Exercise is key for me to start the day feeling good. After showering, I get to the fun part – my skincare routine. I love taking my time with all things serums, eye creams, moisturizers and gua sha treatment.

Ashley: After I hit snooze a few times, I head straight into my skincare routine to wake me up. I’ve been trying to limit my caffeine intake so I’m experimenting with alternatives like Rasa and Four Sigmatic. 

Why is clean beauty important for you?

Cissy: Clean beauty is important to me because it aligns with my intention to lead a healthy lifestyle. The clean products now available on the market make it possible to get great results without negatively impacting our health. I am a long time fan of the movement to educate people about what they put on their skin and feel lucky to be playing a small part as co-founder of Fine Line.

Ashley: There aren’t many shortcuts in life but I believe clean beauty is an easy way to improve your overall health. Cissy and I have both always been wellness obsessed and when we came to Austin, we met a lot of like minded people but didn’t see many opportunities for us to come together. The community aspect is the best part of clean beauty, and that’s what inspired us to build something ourselves.

Favorite mood-boosting meal?

Cissy: My favorite meal to make at home is a salad with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted chickpeas, pistachios, avocado and olive oil. I never get sick of this salad and it makes me feel good!

Ashley: I live for roasted red peppers, artichokes, and avocado over brown rice with a little olive oil and vinegar. Nothing fancy, which is probably why it boosts my mood so much!

What are your go-to daily beauty products and why?

Cissy: Oh boy, this could take a while. I love trying new products so I regularly rotate my regular lineup. Right now some of my go-to daily products include Goldfaden Doctor’s Scrub, Goldfaden Needle-Less, Indie Lee Superfruit Facial Cream and One Love Organics Botanical B Cleanser.  I love Doctor’s Scrub for exfoliating my skin. Needle-less is so effective at smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Indie Lee Superfruit Facial Cream is packed with so many great ingredients like Vitamin C, plant peptides and hyaluronic acid.

Ashley: Same…how much time ya got? My routine is actually quite simple right now – Ere Perez Ginkgo Micellar Water, Goldfaden Needle-less (this is a miracle product we can hardly keep on our shelves!), One Love Organics Youth Preservation Serum and Furtuna Skin Restoration Balm to bring my sensitive, dry skin back to life. I break out along my jawline from time to time and use Goldfaden Facial Detox to nip it in the bud. This product was actually my entry into Goldfaden – I read about it on Goop and figured if it was good enough for Gwenyth, it’s (more than) good enough for me!

The makeup I can’t live without:

Cissy: I generally keep it simple when it comes to makeup. I can’t live without Vapour’s Mesmerize Mascara, my Olio E Osso lip/cheek tint balm and the Ere Perez Vanilla Highlighter. 

Ashley: I love the Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation…it’s skincare and makeup in one! I love a red lip so use their Carrot Colour Pots in Hello and Holy, and always finish with the Vapour Mesmerize Mascara.

What does wellness mean to you?

Cissy: For me, it means taking care of my mind and body through healthy eating, exercise, positive relationships and conscious consumption. I feel my best when I stick to these goals. 

Ashley: I think it changes. Some days it’s waking up early and going to pilates. Other days, it’s closing my computer early, ordering takeout, and binging Netflix.

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