icon-account icon-glass

Popular Searches

Popular Products

The Lean Protein
Whey protein powder for weight-loss.
The Energy Booster
Pre/intra-workout powder with BCAAs.
The Glow Booster
Collagen supplement for skin.

CATEGORIES

Urban CEO Jack Tang On What It Takes To Grow A Modern Wellness Brand

30th November 2020

Community Health

30th November 2020

By Caitlin Bell

In 2014, Jack Tang and Giles Williams founded Urban with the intention of starting a massage-at-home service. However, what started as a way to book wellness online become much more. We recently spoke to Jack to find out about Urban's journey over the past few years, how they've dealt with lockdown, and how he ensures he take care of his own personal health and wellness.

Hi Jack! So what inspired you to launch Urban?

In 2014, my business partner and I saw how unfairly wellness professionals were treated in the industry. They would often be working in salons and taking home as little as 20% of the service price. We saw this as an opportunity to disrupt a growing industry and not only offer a fairer share of the economics for the professionals, but also provide customers with on-demand wellness at their fingertips. This is something that I believe is now more important than ever.


Why is wellness and taking care of ourselves so important in this modern day and age?

Wellness is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking time to care for ourselves helps with all elements of mental wellbeing, from coping with stress, to dealing with turbulent situations, and generally living healthier and happier lives. 

More broadly, we’re all living much faster-paced, busier lives, which makes self-care and taking time out of our day to focus on our own wellbeing increasingly more important.

What makes Urban stand out in a market that’s becoming increasingly more saturated?

We’re constantly innovating and solving the broken experiences within the industry in order to place our customers (both end users and practitioner partners) at the heart of everything we do. We invest heavily in tech to ensure we offer the best in class experience. We recruit great people who are deeply passionate about this industry and we have nurtured a strong community of partner professionals to offer their services on the Urban platform.


Can you explain how technology has played a key role in Urban’s development?

Technology is at the core of our business. It is the underlying platform that hosts all of our partner-practitioners’ businesses and is where customers can discover and book them. We use technology to solve complex problems and make mobile businesses far more efficient (for example, routing and shortening travel time between appointments, diary management, payments, reviews and rating), while at the same time giving our customers access to on-demand wellness at a moment's notice. We offer and will continue to offer a wide suite of tools for partners to run their businesses more effectively.

Urban was founded on the principle of having therapists come to wherever the customer is. How was this affected by lockdown and how did Urban overcome the obstacles presented by this time? 

Lockdown has not only directly affected our business, but it has also prevented our partner-practitioners from going about their own daily business and earning an income. At the start of lockdown, the team worked tirelessly to launch a digital pop up consisting of private one-to-one video sessions that allowed us to continue to provide an income to our practitioner community, as well as staying connected to our customers and enabling them to stay well during lockdown.

View this post on Instagram

Natural, authentic and strong: three words Urban pro Mal B uses to describe her style of Thai massage, which she mastered in the Chiang Mai countryside. Now based in South London, we caught up with her between bookings...⁣ ______⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 1. How are you finding life back on the road?⁣ ⁣ Luckily I've had a lot of bookings which has helped me back on my feet – people need to de-stress in these difficult times. Everyone has been very understanding of the new safety guidelines and still rate my massages very highly.⁣ ⁣ 2. Is there anything you wish more people knew about Thai massage?⁣ ⁣ A lot of people tend to associate it with stretching, probably due to how it has been presented in western media. My style uses acupressure techniques along the main energy "sen" lines of the body.⁣ ⁣ 3. What's your number one aftercare tip?⁣ ⁣ Upping your magnesium intake. Whether that’s a bath with lots of Epsom salts or a magnesium supplement, it's the quickest way to relieve tightness in the muscles!⁣ ⁣ 4. How have you been keeping well? Any new self-care routines?⁣ ⁣ It’s been really important for me to keep active. I've started working on my cardio and strength training up to three times a week. As a massage therapist I need to take care of my own body so I can deliver the best treatment everytime.⁣ ____⁣ ⁣ Find Mal on Urban 👉 urban.co/p/mal⁣ ____⁣ ⁣ 📸 by @gregorydewode 😷 Please note that all Urban pros now wear masks as well as visors.

A post shared by Urban App (@urbanapp) on


We’ve also partnered with Collective Benefits to provide mental health support to our partner-practitioners during this time, giving them access to mental health practitioners for live support. Additionally, we’re also working with the financial services company Steady Pay to offer our partners a stream of advanced revenues using their historical trading history on the Urban platform. This is money which is to be paid back when they're able to resume their activities at a later date.

How do you ensure that you take care of and prioritise your own personal wellness, mentally and physically?

At the core of my own wellness regime is regular eight hours of sleep - I think this is really important and underestimated by a lot of people in business. I also make sure to put away my phone and enjoy quality time with my family and friends as much as possible, be it while at dinner or simply doing the cooking and washing up in the evening.


Also, I have routine treatments help me to manage stress and anxiety. I make sure to have them regularly each month and find that they’re the perfect way to restart my body and mind.

What’s been the most rewarding part of growing Urban? 

It definitely has to be seeing the impact that we've had on both our customers' and partner-practitioners' lives. It has been transformative for the financial wellbeing of our partners, and has empowered our customers to look after themselves in a way that fits around their busy schedules.

To learn more about Urban, you can find them here. For an exclusive 20% off Urban's services, use code INNERMOST20. 

< Older post Newer post >

Need Expert Advice?

Take the quiz

Take the quiz

If you're not sure where to start, take our 5 minute health consultation to get product recommendations tailored to your goals.
Read more

Other Insights

Whey Protein 101: Everything You Need to Know

Whey Protein 101: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re at all interested in health, fitness or nutrition, you’ve probably heard about whey protein. It’s one of the most commonly used sources of protein for supplements and it can offer a wide range of benefits to users.  But let’s hit the brakes a second – what exactly is whey protein? And what are these supposed benefits? Let’s break it down.  What is whey protein? Whey protein is a high-quality protein source which comes from whey (no prizes for guessing that) – otherwise known as the watery stuff which separates from the curds when making cheese. Once separated, the whey is processed to remove lactose and other components we don’t need, leaving behind a concentrated whey protein which is then dried into a powder form. Sounds a bit strange, granted, but it’s a real powerhouse. Whey protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids (the ones our bodies can’t make on their own). It’s also quickly absorbed by the body, making it a great choice for a post-workout refuel. Benefits of whey protein With comparisons out the way, what are the benefits of adding whey protein into your workout plan? 1. High nutritional value Whey protein is widely considered the best form of protein supplement because of its superior nutritional profile. Not just a complete protein, whey typically contains more protein per serving and is absorbed by your gut much faster than other types of protein. In short, you get more of the good stuff and you get it faster, too. Win-win. 2. Supports muscle growth and repair Whey protein’s high protein content and broad suite of amino acids makes it perfect for both muscle repair and those looking for gains. Whey contains a high concentration of the BCAA leucine, which is the primary amino acid involved in muscle growth. This makes it a great accompaniment to your workout routine. Regular intake of whey protein has also been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is a huge plus for recovery and general wellbeing. 3. Supports weight management and satiety Whey isn’t just a great supplement for muscle growth, it can also be hugely beneficial for those trying to manage their weight. Whey protein has been shown to significantly reduce feelings of hunger, which can make it much easier to stay on track with a healthy diet. For example, Innermost’s The Strong Protein contains just 147 calories for a 40g serving, making it an effective, delicious and convenient solution to keep on deck.  4. Convenient and versatile Speaking of convenience, it doesn’t really get more convenient than whey protein. You can throw together a delicious, nutritious shake in seconds whether you’ve got your favourite milk on hand or just water. Or, if you’re feeling creative, head to the kitchen and bake with it (protein pancakes – yum), or mix it into oats, yoghurts and smoothies for some serious treats that taste and feel good. Whether you’ve got time to cook up a storm or you’ve only got 30 seconds before you need to be out the door, whey protein makes nutrition easy. How can whey protein support your fitness goals?  Whey protein is a great supplement for a range of fitness goals. Let’s take a look at how. If you’re trying to build muscle… Whey alone won’t do the job – you’ve gotta put the work in. When you’re done sweating up a storm, take your whey right after your workout (as soon as possible but definitely within 60 minutes for maximum impact).  Whey helps to repair muscles which are damaged during exercise as well as promoting growth to make you stronger for next time. You know what they say, no pain, no gain… If you want to push your workouts even further with whey on hand to repair the damage, try pairing your protein shake with The Power Booster for an extra hit of power, strength and speed. If you’re focused on fat loss… Swap out the snacks for a whey protein shake to cut down on calories and keep you fuller for longer between meals. The high protein content of whey can also help to preserve muscle mass if you’re in a calorie deficit, which is another big plus.  If you’re training for performance or endurance… When you’re looking to perform at a high level or for an extended period of time, repetition is a key part of the process. However, with repetition comes aches, pains and inevitable recovery time. Whey protein is a great recovery aid which can help to reduce muscle soreness and support your immune system while your body is undergoing physical stress. Work whey into your diet and get back on the grind in no time. How does whey compare to other proteins? When you’re shopping around for the best protein, there are a lot of factors to consider. Let’s take a quick look at how whey protein stacks up against the competition. Whey vs casein protein Both whey and casein are derived from milk, with casein making up around 80% of the total protein content of milk. The question here is: why isn’t casein seen as much on the shelves?  There are a few reasons, one of the main ones being casein is absorbed by the body at a much slower rate. The amino acids in whey protein stay in your bloodstream for around 90 minutes until they’re absorbed, whereas casein amino acids can stay in your system for as long as five hours. If you’re looking for a quick hit, especially after a workout, whey is the way to go.  The branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) profile of whey is also superior to casein, meaning it can be more effective at building muscle.  Whey vs soy protein Soy offers a good alternative option for many as it’s a plant-based source of protein which also contains all nine essential amino acids. While studies have shown little difference in muscle growth and strength development between soy and whey protein, there are other downsides to soy protein which whey doesn’t have. Soy protein contains considerably less leucine and lysine than whey (the amino acids responsible for muscle growth and repair, blood sugar regulation and the production of hormones and energy), which can be a big turn off for many.  As such, whey is widely considered a higher-quality protein source than soy, but soy protein typically comes with a smaller price tag, making it an appealing choice for many. Whey vs pea & rice protein Two other popular sources of protein are pea and rice protein. These are often used together, like in The Fit Protein or The Health Protein, to offer a balanced and well-rounded vegan protein option. Both rice and pea protein contain all nine essential amino acids, albeit in a slightly lower density than whey. To put it plainly, whey retains its crown as the most complete protein source, but for those who can’t or don’t want to have whey, pea and rice protein offer a fantastic option.   It’s the whey to go When it comes to protein supplements, whey is widely considered to be the most complete form you can get your hands on – and for good reason.  With a high concentration of protein per serving, broad range of amino acids and huge variety of ways to enjoy it, whey is an easy way to support your fitness goals, whatever they are. If you can’t have whey, or maybe just don’t want to, check out our range of vegan supplements for some plant-based alternatives.   We’ve shown you the whey (sorry), now go forth and conquer.  References Schoenfeld, B., Aragon, A. (2018) How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution. Int Soc Sports Nutr. Click here. Zhou, L., Xu, J., Qin, L. (2015) Effect of whey supplementation on circulating C-reactive protein: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients. 7(2). Click here. King, N., Slater, G. (2015) The effect of a whey protein supplement dose on satiety and food intake in resistance training athletes. Appetite. Click here. Schoenfeld, B., Aragon, A. (2007) Bovine milk in human nutrition – a review.  Lipids Health Dis. Click here. Lynch, H., Buman, M. (2020) No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Click here.
Read more
The Dangers of Silica

The Dangers of Silica

Ever opened a sachet of hydration powder, only to have a puff of dust cloud waft up into your nostrils? You're not imagining it. Most electrolyte drinks on the market contain silica - a synthetic anti-caking agent added to keep powders dry, free-flowing, and easy to manufacture at scale. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes ingredients that doesn’t need to be there… unless your priority is speed and profit margins, not people. Let’s break this down. What is silica? Silica (aka silicon dioxide) is a compound found in sand, quartz, those little sachets that come with new shoes, and yes - in many processed foods and supplement powders. In this industry, it’s added to prevent clumping and help powders flow smoothly and zip through high-speed packaging machines. It’s not added for your health. It’s added for efficiency.  And here’s the thing: silica is not inherently dangerous when eaten in small quantities — it occurs naturally in some foods, after all. But when it’s inhaled, it’s a whole different story. Let’s talk about silicosis Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by breathing in fine particles of silica.  Many of these powders are so bone-dry and ultrafine that you can’t help but inhale a bit when you open a sachet. And while regulators have deemed it “safe” for consumption, they’re not telling you what happens when you’re breathing that dust in day after day. We think it matters. Why it’s used anyway (and why we don’t). Silica makes life easier for big manufacturers. When a powder is dry and ultra-fine, it runs like a dream through industrial machinery. That means more sachets filled per minute, fewer machine stoppages, and higher production yields. In other words: cheaper, faster, more profitable. It’s what most brands do - especially the ones backed by big investors who demand a return on their money. That’s just the way it works. Innermost is proudly independent. Something we don’t talk about often enough is that we’re 100% self-owned. No outside investors. No pressure to cut corners to meet someone else’s margin goals. That means we get to put your health - not shareholder value - first. We created The Hydrate Blend to be 100% natural, functional, and free from synthetic fillers. No nasties. No shortcuts. And absolutely no silica. Yes, it might cost a little more than the cheapest stuff on the market - but it’s better for your body, and your lungs. Let’s call it what it is. Most people will never think twice about inhaling the powder that wafts up out of their electrolyte powder. But we do. Because we know the supplement industry loves to hide behind shortcuts and call it innovation. Loves to throw in cheap ingredients because they’re easier - not because they’re better. Loves to race to the bottom on cost while pretending they’re leading on health. That’s not us. That’s never been us. We’re not here to cut corners. We’re here to raise standards. And sometimes that means doing things the hard way - like formulating a hydration product without any silica in it, knowing full well it’ll be way harder to do. But your health is worth the effort.
Read more