Meet Pat Horodyska and Susi Zellmer | DYO+ Co-founders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pat Horodyska and Susi Zellmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pat and Susi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Interview with VOY ATL – Susi and Pat from DYO+

1. What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Both Susi and I are advocates of a healthy lifestyle! When we met, both living in Atlanta, Susi was studying nutrition counseling via an online course in Switzerland. With her expertise, which she shared with me on our walks, we quickly became the go-to people in our circle of friends in regard to alternative healing. Of course, we did not intend to replace medical advice from a doctor, but we did successfully help friends who were very grateful for our advice. We both wanted to create something special, something useful, beautiful, good… something that would make a difference.

2. What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

The industry is in an enormous growth phase, as people have more and more interest in healthy lifestyles and want to age in a healthier way. Accordingly, more and more nutritional supplement products are offered on the market, in different qualities. Before we found our German manufacturer, we visited several production sites, from very large to very small ones. Unfortunately, a lot of them, especially the smaller ones, disappointed us with standards that did not meet our expectations – they were missing quality, hygienic requirements, etc. Therefore, when we met our supplier, located in a beautiful place in the south of Germany and producing effectively for over 100 years using modern technologies and meeting a lot of international standards, we had no doubts we want to produce with them. In addition, we assisted our manufacturer in getting FDA registration. We are very happy and proud that the manufacturer cooperated with us through the rigorous certification process and that it went so well. Given that our products contain natural, carefully selected ingredients, we intend to apply for an “organic” label in the near future.

3. Risk taking: How do you think about risk, what role has risk played in your life/career?

There is a saying: “No risk, no fun!” You have to start such an endeavor with this attitude, because of course it involves numerous risks – every day anew. We learn a lot from our mistakes, but we also laugh a lot and – what is very important: we try to stay optimistic even in the situations that are truly challenging. As they say – there are no failures, there are only lessons!
The biggest challenge for now is to make consumers aware of our brand and help them understand well all the benefits that come along with it – a high quality of the product, scientific research behind it and proven results. Given the market is very saturated with supplements, it is not easy to stand out, especially if you do not dress your product in shiny packaging because of the environmental concerns (as DYO+); or if you sell you product in glass containers – and not easy-to go plastic bottles. We all have a tendency to rush non-stop but we need to realize that those fast solutions we are often offered, are not so great, neither for our bodies, nor for our world.

4. Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

The most important decision for us is choosing the right business partner. There are a lot of things you can’t influence, but if you have the right business partner by your side, it makes life a lot easier. You have to trust each other blindly; you have to complement each other perfectly and you should function as one unit that does not allow any discord. This is exactly how we operate!

5. What is the most important factor behind your success/the success of your brand?

We are two strong women who do not give up so easily and have the gift of being able to reflect on our decisions objectively. We try to be open and improve our service every day. We are also happy to see so much support and attention for women-owned business. It is always the people behind the business who can bring joy and success to it.

6. What is the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?

There are many difficult decisions we make every day, especially when we trade off our time between work and family or leisure. Start-up requires a lot of working hours and drains a lot of energy. You must be a strategic leader and an innovative entrepreneur, but at the same time an office worker. You must try to do a lot yourself, as you do not always have the funds to hire outside help. We are lucky that Susi (co-founder) is a professional and well-trained international designer with over 20 years of experience in running her own business. Pat is based in the US so she can cover our communication and she is more technology savvy. With a time difference between the US and Europe, we cover our business almost 24/7. We were also lucky to learn so much on the way and build a successful team of people who support each other and can depend on each other.

7. Work life balance: How has your work-life balance changed over time? What do you think about it?

Have you ever been to the One Porsche Drive in Atlanta? If you ever do, and drive with a professional race driver – we believe you get a right feeling of how it is to run a startup business. However, we feel very lucky to have each other, our families, friends, and community who keep us grounded. Just like everyone else, we try to balance our private lives with work, and we feel very lucky that we do what we love because even if we fail a bit on maintaining a balance sometimes, it’s because of passion for our business and we do not regret that.

8. Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you? What do you like about it?

We have many and we post them often on our Instagram account (@mydyoplus). If you need an inspiration, just give us a follow and stay encouraged to learn with us.
Here is one for today: “The key to being happy is knowing you have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go.” Therefore, we chose our new path with DYO+, bringing something good and valuable to the clients and something that makes us happy on the way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
DYO+ is a an Atlanta-based, newly launched in the US supplements brand from Germany offering balanced drinkable doses full of precious nutrients designed to maximize the body’s bioavailability. It’s a duo support system for health, beauty, plus a little something more for the environment. DYO+ products are made from the finest raw materials of the highest quality, by German experts with over a century of experience. They are defined by research and crafted for their full effectiveness to support a natural approach to health, appearance, and well-being. DYO+ moves with an attitude that promises both positivity and integrity.

DYO+’s mission is environmental sustainability and ongoing education. They are a proud partner of One Tree Planted, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of reforestation projects internationally. DYO+ aspires to offer a business approach based on sincerity and sustainability, supporting change for a brighter future, with a view towards social justice and environmentally conscious action.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Atlanta? Pre-covid it would be:

1. High Musem of Art
2. Bike Tour around the city (with our friend Robyn: robyn@biketoursatl.com) – regardless of COVID – outdoor:)
3. Concert in Atlanta Orchestra (with a female conductor)
4. Dinner at Umi

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We provided that last time. So all previous references valid;) To name few:
Laure_glorieux (Photographer)
Mojy Shahab (Catering)
Patty Webb (Real Estate)
Ranea DeCross (Real Estate)
Sandrine Curnyn – Naumann (SNC_interiors)
Melanie Mueller Prince (MelBoteri Bags)

Website: www.dyoplus.com

Instagram: @mydyoplus

Linkedin: DYO+

Facebook: @mydyoplus

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7mxyKsyAgEnTTkNwP5QuQw