Sole Wellness Podcast EP 52: How I Built a Footcare Brand That Helps Thousands Move Better

Sole Wellness Podcast EP 52: How I Built a Footcare Brand That Helps Thousands Move Better

I first started SynxBody 14 years ago… that went fast! But before we took the business on Shark Tank, we were in debt, still working in our clinics treating patients and didn’t know if our great idea was even that marketable. 

Listen On:

 How I Built SynxBody: The Story Behind the Brand That’s Helping Thousands Move Better

Fourteen years ago, SynxBody was just an idea, sparked from the podiatry clinic room and born from a genuine desire to help people move better, live pain-free, and stay active for longer. 

Fast forward to today, and we’ve come a long way: funded through Shark Tank, stocked in Chemist Warehouse, and trusted by thousands. But trust me, it didn’t start out like that.

 

The First Prototype and the Big Risk

I still remember receiving our first product prototype from China. It was far from perfect, but it was real and that made it exciting. Back then, we were juggling running our Podiatry clinics with trying to get SynxBody off the ground.

We were in debt, unsure if this would fly, and most days felt like two steps forward, three steps back.

But we kept going.

 

The Shark Tank Turning Point

Going on Shark Tank wasn’t just a publicity stunt, it was a lifeline. We were $140,000 in debt and at a crossroads. That appearance changed everything. Not only did we get offers from three Sharks, but it also forced us to fine-tune our pitch, our product, and our purpose.

From that moment on, SynxBody wasn’t just a side project. It was a business with momentum.

 

What Makes SynxBody Different?

We’ve always stood out because we’re clinician-founded. Every product we make comes from years of experience treating real patients. Whether it's our One Stop Insoles, Heel Balm, Compression Sleeves or Podiatrist Grade Pedicure Collection, every item is backed by science and designed to be truly effective - not just another wellness trend.

And quality matters to us. That’s why we now use advanced German and Italian machinery in our production facilities to make sure every item meets our standards. I recently returned from the Canton Fair, and I can honestly say - the future of SynxBody looks better than ever.

 

Lessons from the Trenches

I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way - from rushing product development to underestimating the challenges of scaling a business. But each misstep taught me something valuable. If you're a founder, here’s my quick advice:

  1. Be clear on your ‘why’ early.
  2. Don’t be afraid to pivot.
  3. Invest in great people and great systems.
  4. Protect your margins - especially when growing.
  5. Back yourself, even when it feels like no one else will.

 

Podcast Episode breakdowns:  

  • 01:24 - How my recent visit to the Canton Fair has changed the future of SynxBody…

  • 02:05 - Behind the scenes of how I developed the first SynxBody product 14 years ago

  • 05:05 - Why we went on Shark Tank and exactly what we did to prepare for it 

  • 07:20 - How Shark Tank helped us pay off $140,000 of debt

  • 08:35 - How we got stocked in chemist warehouse

  • 09:24 - Why SyxBody stands out amongst our competitors

  • 11:20 - How to deal with growing pains in a business

  • 12:26 - The biggest mistakes I’ve made in my business and the lessons they taught me

  • 14:07 - Why I love China but nearly didn’t go on my last trip 

  • 16:30 - Why we use German and Italian machinery for our products in our Chinese warehouses 

  • 20:00 - The many exciting new products that I’m working on 

  • 23:21 - The five things I wish I knew before starting my business

… and SO much more.

 

The Road Ahead

I’m so excited about the new products we’re working on — things that truly solve everyday pain points and help people live actively for longer. If you’re curious, you can find everything we mentioned on the podcast here:

  • One Stop Insoles
  • Heel Balm
  • Compression Sleeves

And if you’re not already part of it, come hang out with us in the SynxBody Squad on Facebook. We do weekly Q&As, give sneak peeks at upcoming products, and run exclusive product testing opportunities.

 

Thank You for Supporting the SynxBody Journey

Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or are just discovering us now, thank you for supporting a business that started from a place of care and continues to be powered by purpose.

Here’s to moving better — together.

👉 Explore our full range at SynxBody.com

 

Latest Podcast Episodes