Parenting can be a joy, but also, let’s be honest, completely exhausting. Enter LØUCO, the wellness-driven brand co-founded by Dr Jo Mennie, designed to support women navigating the physical and mental demands of modern parenthood. With a science-backed approach to supplements and self-care essentials, LØUCO helps tired mums feel energised, balanced and just a little more like themselves again. The Mini Edition sat down with Dr Jo to talk about the power of small rituals, why looking after yourself is never selfish, and how she is making wellbeing accessible for parents everywhere.
What inspired you to create LØUCO and how does your medical background influence everything you do?
As a doctor and researcher in women’s health, I became increasingly frustrated by the supplement space, especially when it came to products targeted at women. So many so-called ‘healthy’ options are filled with emulsifiers, gums, sweeteners or cheap filler ingredients that we know can disrupt gut health and hormonal balance. These products are not only ineffective, in some cases they can do more harm than good.
LØUCO was born out of a desire to do better. To create high-quality, evidence-based nutrition designed for women’s real needs especially in the postnatal period, which is still deeply under-discussed. The science tells us this is a time of profound depletion that can last for years, affecting everything from immunity and energy to collagen production and mental clarity. Women deserve support, transparency and simplicity, not confusing claims or compromised ingredients.
We developed two daily protein-based blends: Nourish designed to meet the core nutritional needs of women through every stage of life, including pregnancy and breastfeeding, and Perform for those who are more active and want a powerful yet gentle performance product. Both combine protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals all designed for hormonal balance, gut health and sustained energy.
So many parents feel depleted but do not know where to start. What is your advice for making wellbeing achievable during the chaos of family life?
Start small and start with nourishment. Giving your body something supportive first thing in the morning is one of the most powerful daily rituals you can build. It doesn’t have to be complicated a protein shake or a batch of breakfast bars prepped in advance can make a big difference. The key is setting yourself up to succeed before the chaos kicks in.
Not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay. But small, consistent actions lead to lasting change. What’s motivating is how quickly you feel the difference when your body is getting the right nutrients – improved mood, energy, and resilience. It becomes a positive feedback loop that makes it easier to keep going.
LØUCO is all about helping parents feel like themselves again. What small daily rituals make the biggest difference for you?
I always give myself a 15-minute head start in the morning. That quiet moment before the household wakes up sets the tone for the day. I’ll usually have my LØUCO shake during that time; it’s quick, grounding and gives me energy that actually lasts.
In the evenings, I write a short to-do list for the next day as it helps me clear my head and switch off. These rituals don’t take long, but they’re powerful anchors in a busy, unpredictable life.
How do you balance being a founder, doctor and parent, and what have been your biggest lessons in managing it all?
The biggest lesson? You can do it all, but not all at the same time. Each of those roles matters deeply to me, but I’ve had to learn to prioritise and protect boundaries between them.
There are seasons for everything. Right now, I know I’m in a chapter where I can’t push at full capacity in my career while also being the kind of parent I want to be. That’s not a failure, it’s a choice. There will be time later for bigger work sprints. For now, I’m focusing on quality over quantity, being present where I am, and building a business that reflects those same values.
The wellness world can feel overwhelming. How do you ensure LØUCO stays rooted in real science rather than trends?
This is at the core of who we are. As both a doctor and someone with a PhD in Women’s Health and Cancer Research, I feel a deep responsibility to raise the bar in this industry. There’s so much noise and sadly, so much misinformation especially on social media.
At LØUCO, we create everything in alignment with the latest female-focused science. Trends may help start conversations, for example, there’s finally growing awareness about women needing more protein and creatine, but we always go deeper. We educate our community on what they truly need, what they don’t, and how to read past the marketing spin.
Our products are developed with complete transparency, and every ingredient has a reason to be there. No gimmicks. No compromises. We want to empower women to understand what they’re putting in their bodies and to feel confident that it’s doing them good.
What is next for LØUCO and what would you like exhausted mums everywhere to know?
This year, it’s all about building connection. We’re launching events and educational panels to create space for honest conversations about nutrition, postpartum recovery, and the standards we should all be demanding from our wellness products.
We’re also working on some exciting innovations to make daily protein intake even easier and more enjoyable which is really exciting.
And to every tired mum out there: you’re not imagining it. Postnatal depletion is real and it can last up to two years or more. If you’ve had children close together, the recovery period can be even longer. You deserve care, nourishment, and support not just for your energy today, but for your long-term health. You don’t need to do everything. Just start with one good thing a day and let that be enough.
Discover more: www.louco.co
Instagram: @loucohealth
READ NEXT: Redefining Motherhood: Insight, Strength & Support From Disabled Mums
