"Self Care Is Not Selfish": Sarah Carolides on Cutting Through Wellness Noise and Leading by Example
In our ongoing series celebrating women leaders who are reshaping the wellness landscape, we sit down with Sarah Carolides, Head of Nutrition at Zooki and a respected functional medicine specialist. With her Cambridge University background in science and recognition by Vanity Fair as one of 'The A-List people to know in London,' Sarah brings a unique perspective to the intersection of cutting-edge nutritional science and practical wellness solutions.
Sarah's journey from academic science to functional medicine leadership exemplifies the evolution of modern wellness—one that demands both scientific rigor and genuine accessibility. At Zooki, she's been instrumental in bringing pharmaceutical-grade liposomal technology to the consumer wellness market, making advanced nutritional delivery systems both effective and enjoyable.
In this candid conversation, Sarah shares her insights on navigating the noisy wellness landscape, the critical importance of questioning everything in an era of social media influence, and the unique nutritional challenges women face throughout their lives. She also opens up about the personal side of wellness leadership—how she maintains balance while practicing what she preaches, the necessity of saying no, and why self-care is ultimately an act of love for those who depend on us.
Whether you're a wellness professional, a woman seeking evidence-based health solutions, or simply curious about the science behind the supplements you take, Sarah's perspective offers valuable insights into the future of functional nutrition and women's health.
Sarah, with your Cambridge University background in science and your journey into functional medicine, what drew you to join Zooki as Head of Nutrition? How do you use your expertise to advance the company's mission with liposomal technology, and how do you bridge the gap between rigorous academic science and accessible wellness solutions?
The supplements market is unfortunately populated with many companies that manufacture low grade, poor quality cheap products that are either not absorbed well or made from synthetic ingredients that the body cannot utilise. When I was approached by Zooki 4 years ago, I found a young start up that was determined to use the best ingredients possible and align that with a medically proven delivery system that means they can actually be absorbed and make a huge difference to the consumer. Liposomal technology is not new - it’s been used for over 40 years by the pharmaceutical industry as the preferred drug delivery system for medications and vaccines. But not many supplement companies had adopted it because it’s a complicated manufacturing process and can be expensive. Zooki have successfully bridged the gap between the advanced medical technology and accessible wellness by making the liquid sachets extremely tasty; which is a game changer for both nutritionists and their clients - for the first time people actually look forward to taking the supplements because they enjoy the taste so much. In terms of my expertise, we spend a lot of time on education to convey the importance of the quality of the ingredients and the delivery system so that people know they are getting value for money.
As someone who's been recognized by Vanity Fair as one of 'The A-List people to know in London' and works with high-profile clients, how do you see the wellness landscape evolving for women today? What role do you believe targeted nutrition plays in supporting women's unique health challenges throughout different life stages?
The wellness landscape has evolved hugely over the last 25 years - most of it undoubtedly positive but we now have the challenge of social media. Most of the really good practitioners that I know have not had time to develop a large social media following because they are too busy seeing clients. Conversely, some of the loudest nutrition and wellness influencers are amazing at social media but not necessarily that good at the actual science! So we do have to be careful at cutting through the noise and the fads. One thing I came away with from Cambridge university was definitely the belief that you ‘question everything’ and I spend a lot of time dissecting scientific papers to see whether the research actually holds up or not. For women though, there is far more understanding now that the body is a complicated, interconnected system. Women are starting to push back if a doctor tells us that our symptoms are normal because we are women. There is still an enormous gender imbalance between the monies spent on research into male vs. female issues. Interestingly, nutrition is one area where there is perhaps more interest being taken in female issues though, perhaps because women are attracted to studying and practising nutrition. Identifying the different challenges that women face throughout their hormonal journeys and then addressing the underlying processes, supporting nutritional deficiencies and making sure they are fuelling and supporting their health can be powerful and even transformative for all ages.
In your role leading nutrition strategy at Zooki while maintaining your practice as a functional medicine specialist and contributing to research publications, how do you personally maintain balance and wellness? What advice would you give to other women in wellness leadership who are trying to 'practice what they preach'?
That’s a really good question. As working women we often put ourselves last - behind family, clients and all our other responsibilities. And one thing I think many wellness practitioners find difficult is saying No as we’re programmed to help people. Something I’ve learnt in the last 5 years or so is to prioritise what I enjoy and career-wise, what I know I am good at. I make time to see friends and children and have also become stronger at turning down invitations that I know I’m not going to enjoy! But I’ve been practising wellness for so long that many of the fundamental pillars are very much part of my daily life, in terms of drinking water, going to bed early, avoiding processed foods and sugar and so on. I’m also at the age now where exercise has become a necessity rather than a luxury so I walk to work as often as I can and have started investing in 121 Pilates and PT sessions. Something I have definitely learned through nursing elderly parents and supporting hundreds of clients over the years is that Self Care is not Selfish. By looking after your own health you are actually looking after the people who will otherwise have to care for you if your health fails. One way you can show love to your children or dependents is to look after yourself so they won’t have to.
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