Business Partners and friends, Claude Tellis and Kareem Cook never imaged they would one day join forces to build a multi-million dollar health and wellness company when they met back in college at Duke. Little did they know that their journey into entrepreneurship, policy reform and disease prevention would actually impact their communities in ways that change the way and underprivileged communities think about health.
Aware of the obesity epidemic which currently plagues the U.S., particular amongst America’s youth, including a 40% child obesity rate in Los Angeles alone, Claude and Kareem recognized that access to unhealthy foods in the middle schools and high schools posed a threat to the health and wellness of thousands of students. They campaigned to have vending machines filled with junk foods removed from the LA school system, and replaced with healthier, wholesome options. They successfully enacted this change when awarded the contract for every public high school and middle school in L.A. in 2013 the partners acquired Naturade in 2013. Part of their commitment has lied in ensuring their products are available in areas where healthy, organic food options are lacking, and doing so hasn’t come easily.
Currently, the two business partner launched VeganSmart, a natural meal replacement and supplements company made available to everyone at affordable prices. With no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, preservatives, dairy, eggs, gluten or soy, VeganSmart shakes go beyond classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, with tasty varieties including Wild Berries, Chai, and their newest line, Love is Love. Co-created with former Bad Boy Records hip hop artist Styles P, Love is Love is a vegan, nutritional protein shake that is inspired by the artist’s own passion and dedication toward health and wellness. Included in the product line are flavors such as Cookies N’ Cream and Chocolate Raspberry.
The brand continues to motivate other health and wellness advocates. Professional surfer and 2015’s first place Gold Medalist of the ISA’s Open Women’s World Surfing Championship, Tia Blanco as well as Celebrity Fitness Trainer and Yoga Guru, Liz Arch , and hip hop artists such as The Lox – Styles P, and Grant Hill. Together, Claude and Kareem hope to create a positive change in the diets of millions of Americans, one community at a time.
