Founder's Story
After completing my BSc in Nutrition in Beirut, Lebanon, I set out to pursue a career in Medical Nutrition Therapy for cancer. But during my dietetics training in a hospital, I started feeling deeply discouraged by how polarising that space was. Even within nutrition, there seemed to be a constant divide: those who believed in science often dismissed natural remedies, and vice versa.
After going through a really difficult period emotionally (partly because of that experience but also due to other personal struggles), I decided to take a step back. I started therapy and was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. I was immediately prescribed SSRIs, which ended up making me feel worse. Around that time, I also began working as a Marketing Specialist at a pharmaceutical distribution company (which sold dental, nutraceutical, and skincare products), even though I knew absolutely nothing about business.
Eventually, I traveled to India with my mom, who was seeking complementary treatment for her arthritis. It was there that I discovered adaptogens—natural herbs and mushrooms used for centuries as tonics—and I became fascinated by their potential healing benefits. I also began taking Ashwagandha, which helped me tremendously. That trip inspired me to start exploring ways to bridge the gap I had felt stuck in before: the gap between modern science and holistic wellness.
Back at work, the CEO of one of our partner companies let me into his lab to experiment with adaptogenic ingredients. That’s where the first rough idea of Amphi was born (although it was called something VERY different at the time, and it's a little too cringe to share). I eventually flew to Saudi Arabia and pitched this very amateur concept to the board of directors of the Pharma company. The CEO looked at me and said, “You know nothing about business. Go do an MBA and come back.” Annnd that's what I did.
I applied for a Master’s in Entrepreneurship at UCL and left Beirut with a heavy heart, right after the explosion of 2020. With time, support from UCL, and a lot of trial and error, I refined the concept until Amphi Botanicals became what it is today.
But less than a year after launching, the situation in Lebanon worsened again. I started feeling incredibly guilty as I felt like I had left behind my people, my struggles, my city. That’s when the idea of “Wellness is Collective” really started taking shape. I didn’t just want to sell wellness products; I wanted to make wellness more accessible, more inclusive, and stress the importance of looking after the collective JUST as much as we are looking after ourselves. That’s how our social impact work began, and it’s something I’m deeply proud of, with much more to come!
You can read more about those initiatives in the Impact page below.
This is a very simplified version of the journey but I’m genuinely grateful to have you here and to be sharing this path with you.
Yasmeen x
Amphi Botanicals was first conceived when the world reached its peak of polarity
Everything was either black or white- the idea that science and spirituality could co-exist seemed outrageous. But it isn’t. We aspired to discover that middle ground. That sweet spot which draws upon elements of science, mysticism, herbalism, and nutrition, to create the most restorative and balancing tonics for the health conscious.
And since our ethos centers around balance, it is only natural that at the heart of our formulas lies the power of adaptogens. The wonderful mushrooms and herbs that have been utilized in ancient practices for centuries. The potent ingredients that assist the body in adapting to physical, chemical, or emotional stressors. Adaptogens are the key components of our formulas, the main inspirations behind our functional beverages, and are the middle ground between science and spirituality.
With balance, healing, and powerful herbs in mind, Amphi Botanicals was created. Incorporating the healing powers of Mother Earth herself, our formulations are free from all synthetic additives- colourants and preservatives alike. We aspire to bring to you only the purest sources of nourishment- packaged in single-serving sachets for your convenience- to feed your body, mind, and soul.
The name Amphi is derived from the Ancient Greek prefix, meaning “on both sides”
This name was chosen to further reiterate our ethos of balance within duality. One cannot exist without the other.
Our icon is inspired by the Goddess Amphitrite, the queen and goddess of the sea who was said to nourish all that inhabit it. Our Goddess icon enables us to evoke elements of mysticism and ancient practices, and also ties into the idea of nourishment and healing.
We thank you for joining us on this journey, and for taking the time to read our story.