Dr. Monika Stuczen is a Medical Microbiologist with nearly two decades of experience in research and development. Throughout her career, she has contributed to numerous healthcare and personal care innovations, both in academic and industrial settings. She is a recognized leader, educator, and advocate for health, educating individuals on the significance of gut health and its influence on overall well-being. Additionally, she is a staunch proponent of mindfulness, holding the view that chronic stress and an unhealthy microbiome are key factors in the development of cancer and other serious diseases. Originally from Poland, she relocated to the United Kingdom after earning her Master's Degree to further her career in medical research. In 2013, she obtained her Doctoral degree from Manchester Metropolitan University and took on a challenging managerial role in the Medical Industry. Disenchanted with the corporate world, she founded her own company in August 2024, drawing on her personal battle with cancer and her journey to recovery.
Dr. Monika Stuczen, Medical Microbiologist, CEO & Founder
Tell us a bit about your story, how did you build your career until this point?
I could likely compose a substantial book about my life story, but I'll try to keep it brief. I am originally from Poland and graduated with an MSc in Biomedical Sciences from a Medical University there. Post-graduation, I relocated to the United Kingdom, where I embarked on a career as a Research Scientist, engaging in fascinating clinical trials that compared Western standard treatments with ancient medicinal practices. Within a year, I was thrilled to accept a fully funded PhD opportunity. I earned my doctorate in Medical Microbiology in 2013 and was immediately presented with a senior management position in the industry. Transitioning to management was a significant leap, as I had no prior experience; nonetheless, I embraced Richard Branson's philosophy: "If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later." Over eight years, I dedicated myself to research and the development of innovative healthcare products.
Over this period, I have greatly expanded my knowledge and established myself as an expert in Medical Microbiology, presenting at numerous conferences and contributing articles to journals. In 2021, a year following my cancer diagnosis, which I will detail later, I embraced a greater challenge by joining a large corporation as a Senior Research Manager. In my three-year tenure, I contributed to remarkable innovations alongside highly skilled engineers and scientists. However, with the UK market in crisis, the company made the difficult decision to lay off 1000 employees in July 2024, and I was among those affected. My departure was not as devastating as it was for many engineers who had dedicated their careers to building and sustaining the company. This experience led me to realize that in the eyes of large corporations, individuals are often seen as mere numbers, dispensable during hard times. Motivated by my lifelong ambition to start my own business, I took the leap to transform my passion and dream into reality, thus founding SAYANA by Nature.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today?
The cancer diagnosis I received in 2020 profoundly altered my perspective on life. It may seem controversial, but the illness forced me to reassess my priorities and understand what truly matters. Like many, upon diagnosis, I questioned, "Why me?" I maintained a healthy diet, exercised regularly, and pursued my passion for mountain hiking. However, I overlooked a critical factor: chronic stress and trauma. Stress is a significant health threat, often underestimated in its role in the development of diseases, including cancer. Post-diagnosis, I underwent two surgeries and radiotherapy, which left me extremely weak and susceptible to infections. Despite being cancer-free, I lacked energy and strength. After trying various supplements and modern treatments to no avail, I discovered Ayurveda and Functional medicine. Integrating ayurvedic practices and taking adaptogenic supplements led to a remarkable improvement within weeks, enabling me to reclaim my life and passions. Motivated by my experience, I founded SAYANA by Nature, aiming to assist others dealing with low energy, chronic stress, compromised immune systems, and gut health issues—crucial elements of overall wellbeing.
What drives/inspires you?
My daughter is my greatest inspiration. She has always been my 'why.' Now 20 years old, she is a university student. I became a single mother when she was 6, raising her alone until she was 12. Those years were challenging, as I had little support while balancing work and parenting in a foreign country. Yet, she was an extraordinary child, always understanding and never causing trouble. I couldn't have achieved what I have without her. Many women find motivation in their children, but I'm aware that some hesitate to leave abusive partners or pursue more demanding jobs, fearing they can't manage. I believe we possess incredible strength to reach our goals, not just for ourselves but for our children's futures. Eight years ago, I found a wonderful partner who supports me, making life easier, but life has shown me that I can achieve anything, even without a man by my side.
What inspired you to create SAYANA by Nature?
I founded SAYANA by Nature inspired by my personal battle with cancer, chronic stress, and post-treatment fatigue. Following my surgeries and radiotherapy, I was left utterly depleted. My doctor had warned that I might never regain the fitness and energy levels I once enjoyed. Nevertheless, by adopting simple Ayurvedic practices and supplements, I managed to overcome my health challenges. Today, I feel more vibrant and energetic than ever before. In our modern world, chronic stress, obesity, cancer, and diabetes are leading causes of mortality. Yet, this trend can be reversed through straightforward, natural approaches such as a healthy diet that supports a robust gut microbiome, consistent exercise, stress management techniques, and the judicious use of natural supplements. My vision is bold: to foster healthier, joyous future generations by educating them about the benefits of living in harmony with nature and our natural cycles, for a longer, healthier life.
Can you tell us more about your products?
Our selection includes a wide range of adaptogens, probiotics, and Ayurvedic teas to harmonize body and mind. Adaptogens, like Chaga and Reishi, are unique mushrooms that help your body manage stress, fatigue, and anxiety. They promote balance by modulating both physical and mental stressors and offer additional benefits such as immune system enhancement, increased energy levels, and improved endurance and stamina. Our collection also features probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for our health. Consuming probiotic supplements can boost your beneficial microbial flora, helping to inhibit harmful bacteria and strengthen your immune defence against infections, as well as support metabolism and cognitive function. Additionally, we offer Ayurvedic teas, which are herbal infusions of various spices designed to balance your body and mind.
What is your next goal or project?
Our goal for 2025 is to become the top Natural Supplement Brand in the UK and to expand internationally. Additionally, we aim to launch a natural cosmetics line, the result of nearly two years of research and development into natural active ingredients. These innovative and ground breaking natural actives are intended for our cosmetics line, with the hope that they will inspire a shift towards natural beauty solutions over chemical-laden or invasive alternatives, which can often do more harm than good.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
I suppose it's similar to what I would alter in the food industry. I hope that all supplement manufacturers will utilize natural ingredients and create their products without adding chemicals, bulkers, and fillers. Many affordable food supplements use capsules made from plant cellulose, which is subject to costly processing and produces harmful by-products. At SAYANA by Nature, we are dedicated to clean nutrition, hence our products are devoid of harmful substances and crafted using cutting-edge technology. Pullulan is the encapsulation material of the future, derived from tapioca and processed with water.
Would you like to give any advice to people who maybe in the similar situation as you?
Indeed, never surrender. Don't allow anyone to halt your progress. Pursue your dreams, and if you encounter naysayers who claim you "can't do it," let their words fuel your motivation. Recognize that their disbelief reflects their limitations, not yours. Be ready to pivot your career path if it no longer aligns with your passions or brings you joy. Above all, remember that stress is lethal, and nothing surpasses the importance of your peace of mind and family.
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