Unlocking Vitality

Health Tips from an Aligned Entrepreneur

By Hailey Bethke | Photography courtesy of Cymbiotika

Health products rest on timeless virtues: they should be accessible and clean and allow us to feel empowered in our bodies. The COO and cofounder of Cymbiotika, Durana Elmi, believes good health is the foundation for longevity and happiness. Most supplements and personal care products on the market are contaminated with harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients, posing long-term risks to our overall well-being. To ensure her family was not unnecessarily exposed to chemicals that could jeopardize their health, Elmi founded Cymbiotika, a modern health brand offering high-quality, potent products. From Liposomal Vitamin C for immune support to Super Greens to support the body’s detoxification process, Cymbiotika products are centric to optimized living and vitality.

An Afghan immigrant, Elmi shares that she firmly believes in living a life of purpose and giving back to those in need. “I have never let go of my roots or forgotten my homeland,” she shares. “I faced many hardships growing up but always found new ways to overcome these challenges. After coming to the United States, I climbed the corporate ladder and became the director of marketing at AT&T. With my invaluable experience and business skills, I decided to change course and pursue my passion for health and wellness. Shortly after, I founded Cymbiotika, and we are now able to help millions of people around the world take ownership of their health.”

When asked how real health is ingrained in every aspect of Cymbiotika’s business model, Elmi shares that intentional formulation and clear purpose are essential. In other words, the Cymbiotika team values clean ingredients and no BS, so that’s what manifests in the final product. “We believe in a holistic approach to health that encompasses every facet of life, from your diet to the air you breathe, the products in your home, and the care you give to your skin,” she offers. “Cymbiotika represents the fusion of our passion for wellness and living a healthy lifestyle.”

Cymbiotika first developed The Omega, a supplement product that contains DHA, a critical nutrient for our brain, eyes, and central nervous system. “DHA traditionally comes from fish, although the fish do not produce DHA themselves,” Elmi explains. “They absorb the omegas from the algae they consume, which we extract for a purer, plant-based, eco-friendly source that is sustainable for the environment. Since using algae as our source of DHA, we’ve saved over twenty-three million fish!”

Today, Cymbiotika has a complete supplement line of over thirty-six products free from additives, toxins, fillers, and preservatives.

We asked Elmi her opinion on health trends and her non-negotiable daily habits. “Personally, I don’t follow health trends; I prefer to stick to practices that have stood the test of time,” she begins. “I firmly believe integrating daily movement and meditation into my life is valuable. As a full-time mom, entrepreneur, and leader, I prioritize my health and well-being because taking care of myself enables me to better care for my family, business, and employees.”

Her morning routine is a consistent staple she can always rely on to set her up for daily success and confidently meet challenges thrown her way. “Every morning, I’ll take my supplements. I love adding Super Greens to my green juice. It gives me a boost of energy and a feeling of vitality. Then, I’ll take Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that combats premature aging and reduces oxidative stress. Throughout my day, I make it a point to incorporate regular breaks because it’s important to take a moment to pause and breathe deeply. Whether it involves an outdoor walk or a quick HIIT workout, I ensure that I engage in some movement every day.”

“It’s about learning from failures and celebrating victories, no matter how small.”

Elmi credits her childhood in Afghanistan for how she built such a remarkable foundation of self-trust and success as an entrepreneur. “I rely a lot on my intuition and inner strength,” she explains. “During moments when all hope seemed lost, I knew I had to find a way—and I always did. It’s about learning from failures and celebrating victories, no matter how small.”

“Afghanistan was a very scary place to grow up in,” Elmi recalls. “I remember the confinements of my home, and endless restrictions also took a toll on me. I also grew up with a very strict father. Sometimes, when you have a strict parent, you can go in one of two directions: self-destruct or use that hardship to make something of yourself. During that time in my life, when I felt trapped, I eventually realized my father meant well. I realized he had a different upbringing and different values. I also realized that I wanted to become wildly successful and independent. My strict upbringing propelled me to get where I am today. I studied hard to get into UCLA; from there, I dedicated myself to becoming the businesswoman I am today.”

She emphasizes, “I really believe every hardship happens for a reason—to help you learn more about yourself or prepare you for what’s to come in the future. I am incredibly grateful for my past because I am now a positive product of my hardships. I feel I can endure anything because of what I went through. I am very motivated to overcome all that comes my way and pave the way for my daughters.”

Elmi has undoubtedly been a change maker in the wellness space, both externally and within her company. The Cymbiotika team comprises 67 percent female employees, and 71 percent of the directors are female. “I will always continue to nurture and empower the female workplace. It’s a blessing to be surrounded by so many creative, intelligent, and resilient women,” she shares. “We will always pave the way for more women to achieve their dreams, regardless of societal expectations or limitations.”

Elmi’s diverse life experiences have trained her to become an expert at overcoming adversity. Her tip to encourage others to do the same is to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. “It’s about maintaining a mindset that welcomes difficulty as a chance to learn, adapt, and evolve. Be bold enough to invest in your thoughts, self, business, and those around you. Don’t be afraid to fail. In business, in life, in relationships—just go for it! If it doesn’t work, dust yourself off and try something else. Whatever you do, go all in!”

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To connect with Elmi and the Cymbiotika team, head to Cymbiotika.com and follow along on social platforms @cymbiotika and @duranaelmi.

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Rapid-Fire Facts with Durana Elmi

Favorite mantra: “The only thing that controls you is your thoughts.”

One piece of advice you would give your daughters: Always remember true beauty shines from within, and kindness is one of the most beautiful things a person can possess. Being kind to others and having a good heart will make you radiate beauty in a way that goes far beyond appearances.

A life-changing book: Obstacles Welcome by Ralph de la Vega

One thing that will always make you laugh: My husband’s sense of humor

Favorite sweet treat to indulge in: I love wine over sweets any day

Favorite Cymbiotika products: Super Greens, Vitamin C, and Glutathione!

Favorite form of movement: HIIT workouts

A simple joy you experience in your daily routine: Spending quality time with my daughters!