On Board With...Laura Capewell, Founder of Wellness Brand, Arella

From Crohn's to collagen and beyond: How one woman's healing journey became a multi-award winning wellness brand

As we head into 2026, Arella founder Laura Capewell is reflecting on a breakthrough year and gearing up for what's next. After seeing both Arella Collagen and Arella Pause become multi-award winning products, securing listings with well-known retail outlets, and partnering with brands like Latest in Beauty for their first ever menopause beauty kit, Laura has recently expanded her range with Arella Skin - a vegan mixed-berry gummy supplement inspired by her four daughters - and has new supplements and complementary wellness products in the pipeline.

We sat down with her to discuss how personal crisis became purpose, why she champions vegan collagen, and what keeps her grounded when running a female-founded wellness brand on a mission to fill the gaps in women's health support.

Laura, would it be safe to say that Arella isn't just a business, it's a way of life?

Absolutely. Before I began creating my plant-based supplements, I was navigating some serious health challenges following a Crohn's disease diagnosis and a hysterectomy that resulted in surgical menopause. These were life-changing experiences that made me rethink everything about my approach to health. I embarked on a journey which led me away from quick fixes and toward gentler, more natural solutions. I really found myself drawn to plant-based medicine and a holistic lifestyle which helped me restore balance from within.

Of those two major health experiences, was there one that impacted you more than the other?

They were both hugely significant in different ways. Crohn's was my wake-up call—the beginning of tuning into my body, understanding how food and stress impacted my health. But the surgical menopause changed me on a deeper level. That experience was so physical, emotional, and all-consuming. It brought up grief, identity shifts, and a lot of questions. It also gave me my 'why' for Arella.

What was missing from the medical advice you were given?

The emotional support. The real talk. The lifestyle changes. I was given medication but no advice on nutrition, mindset, or what happens when your hormones crash overnight. There was a huge gap when it came to natural tools, holistic practices, and feminine wisdom. That gap is exactly what Arella now aims to fill.

How did the idea of Arella as a wellness brand come about?

The idea struck me during a conversation with a friend about menopause symptoms. I remember saying, "Why does no one talk about this? Why are we all just pretending this is normal when it feels anything but?" That moment planted a seed. I turned my questioning into my mission - to create products that are intuitive, effective, and impactful for women in the wellness space.

The brand name carries its own symbolism, doesn't it?

Yes, Arella means 'angel' or 'messenger' in Hebrew. It represents guidance, light, and feminine wisdom. I wanted the brand to feel protective and empowering, like a gentle but strong hand on your back.

You hold a BA (Hons) in Business, a Diploma in Nutrition (DipN), and you're a certified Life Coach. How do these qualifications influence the way you run Arella?

They help me keep the vision holistic. I see the business through multiple lenses - strategy, science, and soul. I love data, but I also deeply value intuition and empathy. That balance runs through everything we create.

You launched with Arella Collagen. Why lead with this particular formula, and why did you create a vegan version?

I was inspired to lead with collagen because of the profound benefits I personally experienced, especially for gut health when I was struggling with Crohn's disease. Collagen became a key part of my healing journey, supporting not just my skin but also my digestive system. But I wanted to create something that aligned with my plant-based approach to wellness. What sets Arella Collagen apart is its use of VeCollal®, the world's first scientifically backed vegan alternative to Type 1 collagen. While traditional collagen supplements rely on marine or bovine sources - which often carry toxins and that off-putting taste - Arella Collagen harnesses biomimetic science to mirror the body's natural collagen more effectively and sustainably. Clinical studies show that VeCollal® boosts collagen production by an impressive 134%, making it not only ethical and sustainable, but also high-performing. Collagen support is vital for everybody over the age of 25, and my aim is to increase awareness of how important this is for whole-body health.

And Arella Pause – how is that different?

Arella Pause is specifically designed to support women through all stages of menopause and anyone navigating hormonal imbalances. It's more than just a symptom reliever - it's a daily wellness ally with a clever 7-in-1 formula that works holistically. The blend includes pine bark extract and sage to ease night sweats and promote deeper rest, a complete B-vitamin complex and cinnamon for energy and mental clarity, plus biotin and vitamin E for skin, hair and nails, and selenium and vitamin C to bolster immunity. I take it every evening, and it's become such a steady part of my routine - I genuinely notice the difference when I miss it. It's a modern, plant-based approach to feeling balanced from the inside out.

Now you're launching Arella Skin. Tell us about that.

We've recently expanded the range with Arella Skin, a vegan mixed-berry gummy supplement inspired by my four daughters. Each had been dealing with skin inflammation and breakouts linked to blood sugar imbalance, and I wanted to help them address the root causes, not just the surface symptoms. Arella Skin combines Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc to help clear blemishes, reduce acne flare-ups, and promote smoother skin from within.

What's been the biggest learning curve since launching Arella?

That you cannot rush purpose. Things take time to build, especially when you're working with intention. Product ideas emerge organically from conversations, women's needs, and the gaps I notice in the market. Our customer feedback fuels my passion. I've heard from women who say their skin finally feels like theirs again, or that they feel calmer and more like themselves. Being part of someone's healing journey is an incredible privilege.

What were some of your highlights from 2025?

It's been an incredible year. Both Arella Collagen and Arella Pause have become multi-award winning products, which feels like such validation of what we're creating. We've also had some wonderful collaborations - partnering with author and life coach Rosie Nixon, skincare brands Amonique and Rosalique, and seeing our award-winning Arella Pause form a key part of Latest in Beauty's first ever menopause beauty kit alongside 16 other incredible products in celebration of World Menopause Day. We are also thrilled that both Collagen and Pause will be listed with well-known retail outlets. We are also proud to showcase that both products carry the GenM MTick - the world's first symbol for menopause-friendly products. It's our way of making menopause support more visible and showing our commitment to supporting women through every stage.

What are your resolutions for 2026?

To speak more, to connect deeper, and to keep creating from the heart. I want to continue having honest conversations about perimenopause, surgical menopause, and the natural tools that can support women through these transitions. We've got some beautiful things in the pipeline too – a new sleep support supplement - and complementary wellness products such as a fabulous copper bristle body brush that I'm really excited about. Each new product comes from a genuine need I've experienced or heard about from our community.

Finally, what keeps you motivated through challenging moments?

Remembering why I started - and thinking of all the women who have told me Arella helped them feel seen. Today, Arella stands as a testament to the power of plant-based healthcare, the importance of listening to your body, and the belief that wellness should nurture you from the inside out. For me, it's not just about supplements - it's about championing a message of self-care and empowerment that improves quality of life for the long term.

Find out more about Arella

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