Ara Katz
Co-Founder, Co-CEO
Jordie (aka Jordana) grew up innately curious about everything around her—a life-long learner, observer, and asker of questions both big and small.
On a mission to understand the human body better, Jordie completed her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Nutraceutical Sciences at the University of Guelph—a small agricultural school in southern Ontario, Canada. It was here she deepened her passion for animal welfare, and developed a strong interest in nutrition and health education.
Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, she attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine to earn her Naturopathic Doctor designation. It was during her studies in Naturopathic medical school she was introduced to the microbiome and its far-reaching impact on human health. She quickly became enamoured with the deep interconnectedness of the human body and of all living things.
Driven by a mission to set the record straight in the “wellness” industry and explore new frontiers in human and environmental health—she found seed. Jordie strongly believes in people-centric health care, the humanization of science, and that information is a commodity just as important as a product.
On weekends you can find her cooking up a storm, antique hunting and planning her next tattoo. Native to Toronto Canada, She loves exploring pockets of the neighbourhood she calls home—Leslieville, with her partner Andrew.
In conversation with Jordie:
Six word story of your life. Be well. Do good. Stay curious.
What was your first brush with science? When I was in grade school, I learned about the mind-altering concept of gravity- the idea that all beings are *pulled* toward the earth; matter universally connected by an invisible force. I didn’t entirely understand the how’s, but from that point on, I knew there was a special relationship between me and the ground under my feet.
Why do you think bacteria are important? Every part of this vast world—from the depths of the ocean to your grandfather’s vegetable garden is full of bacterial partnerships that have been playing themselves out for hundreds of millions of years. These microscopic beings tell incredible stories and most of them have yet to be told.
How do you define science? Ask. Answer. Ask again. (x 109)
How do you define health? The deeply individual pursuit of homeostasis.
What are you currently reading / listening to / watching? Woman - An Intimate Geography by Natalie Angler and (re)watching Schitt's Creek on Netflix.
Favorite microbiome-nurturing food? My Nonna’s minestrone soup.
Scientist, dead or alive, you’d like to have lunch with? Dian Fossey (if you love gorillas, you’ll love her)
Microbiome perturbation you’re trying to give up? Ketchup Chips (it’s a Canadian thing)
Favorite science joke or best mindgasm fact? If you unravel the DNA in one human cell it would measure over 3 feet long.
One fact most people don’t know about you: I wrote a letter to the Canadian Prime Minister when I was 9 years old—he responded.