Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
My life has always been about achieving success and overcoming obstacles. I grew up in New York and started college when I was only 15 years old. At the time, I was a part of a women in science program that was doing insanely cool projects like decoding the genetic makeup of anthrax. Later, I moved to Maryland and at 16 years old, I started my matriculation at Morgan State University. In college, I experienced extremely painful period symptoms. During that time, I spent a lot of time ignoring my body and became accustomed to “powering through.” When I was in my twenties, I really started my journey to find out what was going on. In the midst of searching for answers, I visited a doctor who was able to help me and diagnose a cervical tumor.
Surprisingly, that doctor also informed me of the harmful ingredients that were in my period products and potential links with my illness. I remember thinking, “Do women even know that these products are harmful?” Not long after that, I made the switch to organic products and discovered a term called “period poverty,” which describes the lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products and sanitation facilities, like restrooms. My life changed forever, and I later built Femly, an organization at the forefront of providing pads and tampons for people and places.
By all accounts, I am a successful Black female entrepreneur. I became one of the first 100 Black women in U.S. history to raise $1 million for my company via pitch competitions. I designed a first-of-its-kind, free vend feminine hygiene machine and announced my innovative product with a viral post on TikTok. The real win is being able to wake up daily and work to ensure that anyone in need of period products has them, regardless of their ability to pay. I believe in the entire well-being of women so much…
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