By: Trix King
When former professional athletes Sebastien and Caroline Graeff faced persistent health challenges after their competitive careers, they did not seek solutions but created them. The French-born siblings, who competed at elite levels in tennis and snowboarding, respectively, transformed their quest for better health into Naiad, a wellness company that’s changing the supplement industry through innovation and sustainability.
Athletic Excellence Meets Health Innovation
The Graeffs’ journey to entrepreneurship began on the professional sports circuit. Sebastien, a two-time All-American tennis player who represented Monaco in the Davis Cup, and Caroline, who competed in snowboard FIS World Cups for France in the halfpipe discipline, understood the physical demands of elite athletics. However, the aftermath of their athletic careers sparked their entrepreneurial vision.
“After years of high-impact training and competition, our bodies needed support that existing supplements couldn’t provide,” explains Caroline Graeff. The siblings’ search for effective joint health solutions led them to discover mangosteen, an ingredient that would later become the foundation for one of their flagship products, MangoSoothe.
Building a Brand with Purpose
The transition from athletes to entrepreneurs allowed the Graeffs to address a disparity in the supplement market. Their company, Naiad, developed a line of products targeting specific health concerns they encountered firsthand: joint discomfort, stress management, muscle recovery, and weight management.
Their athletic background influenced product development and approach to business. The same precision and dedication that drove their sports careers now guide their commitment to product quality and environmental responsibility. Each Naiad supplement undergoes rigorous quality control measures.
Their Brain Zen incorporates lemon balm, an ingredient with research suggesting benefits for stress management. There’s also the MangoSoothe. These products reflect Naiad’s commitment to simple, well-researched formulations designed to support joint health, stress management, and overall wellness.
Naiad’s holistic approach to wellness distinguishes it from the crowded supplement market. In addition to providing supplements, the company provides comprehensive support through free health guides, educational content, and lifestyle recommendations. This approach stems from the Graeffs’ understanding that optimal health requires more than just supplementation—it demands a complete lifestyle approach.
A Sustainable Future for Wellness
The Graeffs prioritize both product effectiveness and environmental stewardship in their business operations. Drawing from their connection to nature through sports, they implemented sustainable practices throughout their operation. Naiad utilizes eco-friendly packaging solutions and maintains carbon-neutral shipping practices. “Our experience as athletes taught us that every detail matters,” says Caroline. “We apply this same principle to our business, from ingredient sourcing to packaging choices.” This attention to detail has made Naiad stand out in sustainable supplement practices.
The Graeffs continue to invent in the wellness space, combining their athletic expertise with research to develop solutions for common health challenges. Their journey from professional athletes to wellness entrepreneurs demonstrates how personal challenges can boost meaningful change in an industry. More than a supplement company—they’ve established a model for how athletic experience and environmental consciousness can be combined to create effective and sustainable health solutions.
Published by: Khy Talara
