A different kind of sexual conquest
“The consumer packaged goods space is dominated by men, and this space in particular, even more so. So, being a woman-owned company that’s focused on products that empower women has been interesting to work and navigate through. Then, there’s the whole branding thing, right? Trojan Magnum Armor, Fire & Ice…Sex is being marketed as a conquest, and it doesn’t align with the modern view of sexuality. So, that’s when I thought there was room for better brands — something more sophisticated and that has a positive message.”
Why I do what I do
“AIDS is still the number one killer of women my age, [between the ages of] 15 and 44. I hadn’t grown up with that knowledge. The second biggest killer is maternal death. Both are preventable with a condom. The fact that 90% of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa go through condom stock-outs [when stores run out of condoms] and that the one tool of prevention isn’t being made available to the people who really need it most was really a turning point for me.”
Condoms that make a difference
“When most people complain about condoms, it’s that they smell bad, they taste disgusting, they’re irritating, and they’re uncomfortable. So, we tried to address each of those issues by sourcing higher-quality ingredients and not putting any of the harmful additives in there. Our condoms are more sustainably made: glycerin- and paraben-free, packaged in 100% recyclable materials with vegetable-based inks. Women who contact us say, ‘I used to get yeast infections and urinary tract infections every time I used a condom, and now I don’t!’ It’s awesome that they can use condoms while helping women in developing countries.”
On removing stigma around sexuality
“We can’t continue to shame women for being sexually active. We need to give them the tools they need to thrive in their communities — and that means protection. If pregnancy is the number one reason girls are dropping out of school, it’s time we face that reality. And, why is there so much shame around a girl getting her period? Like, having to hide my tampon if I’m going to the bathroom. We’re trying to think about those stigmas and ask, ‘What does an empowered woman look like?'”
The true meaning of doing it all
“Being a CEO of a social enterprise is a full-time job. This is what I’m called to do and need to do. But, I think as women, we’re dynamic. We don’t need to be just one thing. We can be photojournalists, we can be entrepreneurs, we can be activists and philanthropists, innovators, dancers, girlfriends, wives, and moms. We can be all those things!”