Laurent Dunningham discovered Grasses of Life when searching for ways to detoxify heavy metals in the body. Amazed at the transformation to her own health and lifestyle, she set out to introduce Grasses of Life to New Zealand and support more people on their journey to optimal health. Founded by Naturopath Scott Collins in 2014, they have grown to be specialists in functional super foods, focusing on a product’s purpose, performance and taste, while using only the best, functional ingredients. A passionate health coach, Laurent thrives on seeing others detox and become the healthiest and happiest version of themselves. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind what she does and her business journey so far.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
A very close friend of mine was searching for ways to remove heavy metals from his body. After looking into this and realising how difficult it was to do this, I set out on a mission to discover how others may be detoxifying heavy metals. This is what led me to meet the Naturopath Scott Collins: the founder, creator and director of Grasses of Life.
I tried a few of the main products in his range and it completely transformed not just my health but my entire lifestyle. I felt a new sense of energy, motivation and the ability to not only detoxify but to create detoxification as a lifestyle.
When I fell pregnant, I truly had the best pregnancy I could have asked for. I was able to stay hydrated all the time by adding minerals to my water, while using the organic greens powder. Alongside proper nutrition from the right foods, my body really enjoyed this time in my life.
After this experience, as a Health Coach, I couldn’t keep my discovery to myself. So with great discussion and collaboration, I introduced Grasses of Life to the shores of NZ.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I became a Health Coach in 2018 and have always been passionate and fascinated about health, including everything we feed ourselves that’s not on our plate. When I stumbled across Grasses of Life, it was in a little corner of my home where I began embracing hours of learning and researching all about hydration, detoxification, gut health and heavy metals. I had a lot of mentorship, guidance and education from Naturopath Scott Collins.
When I launched Grasses of Life NZ, I did it quietly alongside my Health Coaching Clinic for a couple of years to see how my clients responded to the products. As they got amazing results like myself, I knew there was something really special here.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough was seeing people become better versions of themselves again – in so many small ways. This led to creating wholesale opportunities for other health practitioners and businesses. After doing so, it has brought a lot of excitement and momentum and means we can now have a greater reach to potentially spread further than the Manawatu where we are based.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
That is something that continues to change, in a good way. Seasons come and go and the needs of our loved ones change. So, I find going to bed early enough to wake up at 5am before everyone else enables me to have some incredible peace and quiet. This is where I am able to continue the development and education side of the business.
I am also a big believer of being able to delegate and reach out for help. I speak up and tell my partner what I need and with a little bit of planning, we work well together.
During the day, I give my daughter and family my full attention, I remain off my phone unless it’s important and make sure to be present with her and what we’re doing.
If things get out of balance, I make sure not to be hard on myself. It just means it’s time for a readjustment, and with clear communication, this seems to happen smoothly.
