Alife-threatening car crash changed John Biggs’ life. During the course of a fouryear recovery involving 17 surgeries, he investigated countless natural solutions to minimize the pain and speed his recovery. What he discovered allowed him to heal physically and mentally, inspired him to study nutrition in university and start a company so he could share his findings with others.
“I recovered completely largely thanks to nutrition and herbs,” says John. “I went on to earn a degree specializing in nutrition because I wanted to share with the world what could be accomplished with these modalities from a credible, scientific approach and perspective.”
In 1993, John graduated with his BSc specializing in foods and nutrition and started consulting. In 1994, he founded Optimum Health Vitamins as president and CEO.
In 1993, Nicola began her studies in aromatherapy and herbalism. Before her path would cross with
anthropology and cultural medicine. They met in 1997 in Optimum Health’s south Edmonton location (inside Debaji’s Fresh Market). In 1999, John and Nicola married and continued to grow the family-run business.
After becoming aware of skincare products that claimed to be natural but actually weren’t, Nicola discovered the Dr. Hauschka line of skincare, which was truly organic and biodynamically grown. She was excited by how the products not only transformed her skin but also by the realization that she could use her education and skills to teach customers about skincare that works with the body’s natural rhythms and physiology. With that, Kolya Naturals was born.
“We founded Kolya based on a passion for herbs, flowers, oils and the pleasure of using and creating with them,” says Nicola. “We are committed to skincare and beauty products that are not only pure, wholesome and healthful but also truly effective in treating and caring for the skin. We believe in nourishing the body and skin
Optimum Health and Kolya • 31 years •
Kolya started as an independent spa and skincare boutique on Edmonton’s Whyte Avenue, but today Optimum Health & Kolya operate together under the same banner.
With three locations, Optimum Health & Kolya carries over 15,000 natural health products including eco-luxury skincare and makeup, low-waste personal and household items, DIY ingredients for making one’s own skincare and cleaning products and an eco-refill station.
In addition, following his passion for helping people heal, John, with his designations of
BSc, NCP and OHP, still consults and is one of two Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) practitioners listed in the Edmonton area.
“Health from the outside in and beauty from the inside out is what motivates us,” says John. “When people talk about a holistic approach, they often either focus on one or the other when in fact, what you put on your skin goes in and what you take into your body shows up on the outside. Health in this regard provides a vital launch pad for ever-higher levels of mental, spiritual and physical wellness.
“Beyond this, we as humans have evolved with plants, bacteria and everything in the natural world. So, to think that these natural compounds are not capable of producing massive changes in our physiology and biochemistry is absolutely nonsensical. An excellent argument can be made for the premise that our nutrition and what we eat has been a bigger driver of our evolution as a species than any other single factor.”
John continues, “We are driven by a reverence for nature and complete awe for what can be accomplished with its healing power when applied correctly. This has been endlessly reinforced over the last 35 years of seeing people
Congratulations Optimum Health on celebrating 31 years providing healthy options and exceptional customer service.
peoples’ lives, I am always excited and passionate to continue delving deeper into further cuttingedge ways to help people.”
John and Nicola are also passionate about supporting the local community.
“With our focus on community, what we choose to use first is in our own backyard, so to speak,” says Nicola. “If we can, we use Canadian-sourced ingredients.”
In addition to providing high quality products, John and Nicola ensure outstanding service in all their locations.
“We go beyond the extra mile for our customers!” says John. “We are always doing our absolute best to create a win-win-win relationship with our staff, customers and community. We have a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in our customers’ lives, not just selling them products. The most rewarding aspect for us is when someone who has been dealing with a health challenge comes back and reports exceptional results with what has been suggested to help them.”
John adds for those that have yet to discover Optimum Health & Kolya, “Please take the time to explore the depth and understanding involved in our product offerings. Our innovation is our own line of extremely effective, high-quality supplements (over 80 to date) and Kolya’s line of food grade herbs and essential oils called Earth’s Aromatique. They are based on decades of
Community is very important to John, Nicola and their team. Giving back includes supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, Edmonton Humane Society, Ryan’s Well Foundation, and volunteering for local initiatives.
John and Nicola thank and praise their team of committed, like-minded staff who take such great care of their beloved customers.
“We never lose sight of the fact that without either, we wouldn’t exist.”
The future is bright as Optimum Health and Kolya will soon unveil a wholesale line of branded supplements.
South Edmonton
7115 - 109 Street NW, Edmonton, T6G 1B9
780.432.5464
Downtown Edmonton
11810 - 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, T5K 2T8 780.452.5705
Sherwood Park
110 - 101 Granada Blvd Sherwood Park, T8A 4W2 780.467.6650
www.optimumhealthvitamins.ca