Jess Martin and Dan Holt have known each other since they were six years old, meeting at Oratia Primary School. Their friendship has stood the test of time, leading them to make a life-changing decision: leaving their corporate jobs to pursue a shared passion for helping Kiwis relieve muscular and joint pain.
The Birth of X-ZONE
In classic Kiwi DIY style, X-ZONE products were initially formulated for high-performance horses. Friends and family who tested the formulation loved the results and repeatedly requested "that stuff for the horses" for their own use. This demand sparked the evolution of X-ZONE into a human product.
Since acquiring the business in 2016, Jess and Dan have expanded X-ZONE's offerings into three distinct ranges—Relief, Joints, and Sports—tailored to address specific pain relief needs.
The Inspiration Behind X-ZONE's Herbal Pain Relief
Jess and Dan draw their inspiration directly from their customers. "We aim to reduce pain using natural, safe herbals (phytomedicines) to positively impact their lives," they explain.
Lessons Learned in Business
Running a business has taught Jess and Dan many lessons. "If you have an amazing, effective product that delivers on its promises, everything else becomes much easier," they say. However, being a small business means facing challenges like wearing multiple hats—from accounts to advertising to packing.
Adventure and Self-Care
For Jess and Dan, adventure and self-care go hand in hand. Stepping out of their comfort zones promotes personal growth, boosts confidence, and reduces stress. "Adventures can be as simple as taking a different route home. They break routine, offer fresh perspectives, and generate new sensations in the body and mind. The sense of achievement from conquering challenges can boost mood and resilience," they share.
August Adventures
In August, Jess and Dan love to escape the New Zealand winter by heading towards the equator for some much-needed R&R. "Our personal favourites are Bali and Samoa," they reveal. "Heading to the Tropics means you can load up on Vitamin D, boost your melanin levels, reset your circadian rhythm, get grounded on the beaches, while exploring new sights, sounds, and culture."
However, they also appreciate what New Zealand has to offer in August. "Our preferred places are anywhere with hot pools like Rotorua or Hanmer Springs," they suggest.
Balancing Work and Relaxation
Finding a balance between work and relaxation is crucial for Jess and Dan. Jess loves horse riding and being in nature, while Dan enjoys playing guitar. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important as they navigate their 50s. Their lifestyle hacks include watching the sunrise, bush walking, growing and eating microgreens, cutting back on sugar, carbs, and alcohol, eating local and seasonal foods, regular infrared saunas, using blue light blocking glasses at night, and daily grounding to get electrons from the earth.
X-ZONE's Herbal Pain Relief is included in MyTreat's August 2024 'Adventure' Wellness Box amongst other treats. Subscribe now.