By Dr. Doireann O’Leary | Supplements Made Simple

When people ask me why I started Supplements Made Simple and created a collagen product, they often expect me to say something about spotting a “gap in the market” or having a big entrepreneurial dream.

But honestly? That’s not how it happened at all.

The truth is…
👉 I created it for me.

The Run-Up to Motherhood

A few years ago, I was preparing for the arrival of my first child - and instead of glowing with serene excitement, I was full of anxiety.

As a GP, I knew how to:

• Spot a sick baby

• Do newborn checks

• Offer medical advice

But the reality of mom life? That was foreign territory.
I didn’t know how to swaddle a baby, how to use a bottle warmer, or what the difference was between a sleepsuit and a sleep sack. I felt completely overwhelmed.

Confidence

That nervousness started to spill over into something else: anxiety about my appearance.

I worried that I wouldn’t have time to shower, do my hair, or put on makeup. I knew I’d be exhausted. And like many women, I’ve always had insecurities about how I look.

At one point, I even booked an appointment for lip fillers, hoping it might give me a boost. But after some thought, I realised it wasn’t the right choice for me.

Discovering Collagen

Back to the drawing board, I began researching ways to support my skin and hair naturally.

That’s when I discovered the science behind collagen supplements.

As a doctor, I needed evidence - and to my surprise, I found a growing body of research supporting collagen’s benefits for:

• Skin elasticity

• Hydration

• Hair and nail strength

I thought: This could help me feel more like myself during new-mom life.
A small, simple act of self-care that fits into my day.

But when I went looking for a collagen supplement I’d actually want to take - I couldn’t find one.
The taste, the texture, the ingredient lists… nothing felt right.

From Personal Need to Product Creation

Life got busy. My baby arrived.

And of course, I realised there was nothing to fear - motherhood was hard, yes, but joyful beyond anything I’d imagined.

Collagen fell to the back of my mind - but it didn’t disappear.

Months later, when life settled, I returned to the idea. This time with determination.

If I couldn’t find a collagen product that met my standards - evidence-based, effective, enjoyable to take, and affordable - I would create one myself.

That’s how Collagen by Supplements Made Simple was born.

Not from a business plan.
But from a personal need - a desire to feel like myself again.

Curious about the benefits of collagen? Read our top 5 reasons to take it daily.

Looking Back

It’s funny to think that something born from insecurity has gone on to help so many women feel confident and supported.

Creating this product wasn’t just about beauty - it was about:

• Self-care

• Strength

• Confidence - with or without makeup

If you’ve ever felt that mix of excitement and fear before a big life change… or noticed how stress can affect your skin and hair…

Then maybe you’ll understand why this product means so much to me.

Because for me, it’s not just collagen in a sachet or a shot.

👉 It’s a reminder that we can take small, meaningful steps to feel good about ourselves, even when life feels overwhelming.