There Will Be Blood

(AND AUGUST HAS THE ETHICAL PRODUCTS TO DEAL)

Before August, you started one of the largest youth-run womens’ health non-profit organisations. How and when did that begin?

Hearing stories directly from homeless women about their experiences of not being able to afford period products was how I first learned about period poverty, back in 2014 when I was still a high-school student. I had never heard of period poverty before that, but learning about it and other inequalities related to periods (like the fact that the tampon tax existed in 40 states) at the time ignited a fire in me. I knew that I had to take action.

So that year, I started what is now known as PERIOD.org along with Vincent Forand, a non-profit that strives to eradicate period poverty and stigma through service, education and advocacy and that relies on a grassroot network of thousands of advocates.

PERIOD. distributes donated menstrual products to people in need around the world and works with chapters to eradicate period poverty in their own communities too. I led it as executive director until January 2020 before I began my journey starting August.

What is the story behind August?

August is a business, not a non-profit. So we actually make period products, as well as distribute orders to customers and donations to those in need. We believe businesses have the responsibility to GIVE BACK and work to reimagine capitalism, so for every month you bleed with August, we donate period products to an underserved school.

Everything about August was really built and shaped by our community (called the Inner Cycle): a group of passionate young people who believe in the values that we stand by. Thus, their identity of being bold and curious and enthusiastic is reflected in August’s branding. Gender inclusivity is also a huge component of who we are. Our community has really become a space where we can talk about anything, and so politics and how we can reimagine how we talk about periods are very common topics you see our members discussing.

Tell me about the process from switching from a non-profit movement to a consumer-facing business. Do you think it changes the ethics of the brand?

August was just another way of approaching my personal mission: to end period poverty and stigma. Now, I’m just doing it through the mode of a social enterprise, trying to figure out revenue streams that can serve both the needs of consumers and the needs of others who need period products but couldn’t otherwise afford them.

Impact is heavily embedded into every purchase with August. As I’ve said before, we like to give back, but that isn’t our only aim. Climate is also key! We are carbon neutral and our products are sustainable and biodegradable; expect a full impact and sustainability report from us at the end of each quarter. We also value transparency: all information on how our products are made from sourcing materials to packaging to distribution is available on our website.

How can individuals start to address period stigma?

Breaking the stigma around periods starts with talking freely about periods as the natural and powerful thing that they are! Periods are powerful. Yet, society teaches us to feel ashamed and silences us when talking about menstruation. We should be conscious of this and stop this mentality! We fundamentally need to get all of society (menstruator or not) to acknowledge that menstrual products are NECESSITIES and to act on that fact accordingly – everyone should have equitable access to them.

Do you think it is difficult to break

Stigmas

or talk about taboos while in a corporate/VC backed environment?

August is focused on women and menstruators, so it is vital to have women founded VCs on our capitalisation table – people who actually understand firsthand what it’s like to get a period and the importance of having better period care. Every VC or investor on our cap table is someone who understands our goal to change culture around periods. And if they didn’t get that, then we didn’t accept their funding!

Also, we wanted investors who supported our interest in doing things differently. Some investors are scared of that challenge because there’s more uncertainty, but I’m so thankful we’ve found investors who understand us wanting to take a risk, and will support us with exciting new ways of doing things.

What structures have you put in place that have facilitated your success?

Any recommendations for entrepreneurs and activists that are just starting out?

My advice to young people who want to make a difference is just go for it — take the risk! Find your people, find a mentor, and ask questions! Just make sure you keep finding time for yourself to check in about your boundaries and aspirations.

How did it feel to realise that you had started this massive menstruation movement?

I definitely didn’t start this movement. Fighting against period poverty and stigma has been ongoing for decades (perhaps even centuries); through history people have been fighting the patriarchy and embracing a more positive period culture. All I can say is that I’m humbled to be a part of it.