Dr. Denise K. Daley and Nasore Personal Wellness
For Dr. Denise K. Daley, science has always been a part of daily life. Her path from academic research to entrepreneurship is rooted in that seamless connection between knowledge and practice. “I have always loved being outdoors and cooking, and from early in high school, I was fascinated by science, especially the human body and the environment,” she says.
That early passion grew into a career in biochemistry and natural products research, where she earned a BSc in Biotechnology, Botany, Human Nutrition, and a PhD in Biochemistry. Her doctoral work validated the traditional use of medicinal plants, particularly Eucalyptus camaldulensis, by isolating and studying its bioactive compounds and comparing their effects to established medications like metformin and captopril.
“The results were phenomenal, and with a personal connection—my maternal grandmother had diabetes and my paternal grandmother had hypertension—I knew this work could not remain in the lab and libraries,” says Dr. Daley. That realization led her into nutraceutical and functional food research, where she earned a U.S. patent and multiple awards, including Young Scientist of the Year.
Dr. Daley’s drive to translate science into practical solutions eventually sparked the creation of Nasore Personal Wellness, her Halifax-based business focused on evidence-based herbal tea blends, nutrition, and personalized wellness strategies. “Wellness is deeply personal, but it also significantly impacts the workforce. When people are well, companies thrive,” she says.
Through Nasore—an acronym for “Natural, Soothing and Relaxing”—Dr. Daley develops programs for individuals and organizations that go beyond surface-level perks. “Ultimately, it is about embedding wellness into the DNA of the workplace, not treating it as an afterthought,” she says.
Her approach blends herbal medicine, nutrition, and science into what she calls a proactive mindset. “I often explain it like tending a garden,” she says. “You do not wait until the soil is depleted and the plants are dying to add water or nutrients. You cultivate consistently so the environment thrives.”
That philosophy extends beyond the workplace to community empowerment, especially for immigrant and diverse populations in Nova Scotia. “Food security is not just about having enough to eat, it is about knowing how to use what you have in healthy, culturally meaningful ways,” she says.
Teaching people to see their kitchens and gardens as wellness pharmacies not only strengthens health but also preserves cultural knowledge. “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion,” says Dr. Daley. “That is the power of unity, coming together to create stronger families, healthier workforces, and more resilient economies.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Daley envisions Nasore as a regional leader in sustainable wellness, offering tailored programs and products that bridge science and culture. “My hope is that our work contributes to healthier individuals, stronger communities, and more resilient workplaces, because when wellness is sustainable, everyone benefits,” she says. “This is my dream.”
To learn more about Nasore Personal Wellness, follow Dr. Daley on Instagram and LinkedIn and visit nasorewellness.ca.
