Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tanya Fletcher-Scott, Founder and CEO of Femdacity, located in Peachtree City, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Femdacity designed washable and highly absorbent Leak-Proof Panties. The Femdacity Panty absorbs 30ml of liquid (6 times the protection of a regular tampon) yet is comfortable to wear every day. Given the Thinx Lawsuit, we have seen an increase in sales because our panties DO NOT contain scary chemicals. In addition to panties, Femdacity sells cloth pads, water-proof laundry bags, menstrual cups, and menstrual cup sterilizers.
Our customers are primarily girls and women who menstruate; however, many of our customers use the Femdacity panty to manage their occasional bladder leaks.
Tell us about yourself
I am a wife, mom of girls, engineer, and overall creative. In 2018, I decided to go back to school and pursue an MBA. While in school, I learned about period poverty, particularly in BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) communities. Period poverty is defined as the inability to afford menstrual hygiene supplies. Not being able to afford menstrual supplies prevent girls and women from being able to attend school and/or working. As a mom and engineer, the issue resonated with me, and the use of reusable menstrual hygiene products appeared to be an obvious solution. With that, I pulled out my sewing machine and set out to create a highly absorbent and reusable leak-proof panty. As we share the products and discuss the issue of period poverty, I still see there is a great opportunity to educate girls and women on the benefits of incorporating reusable menstrual hygiene products into their routines.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being a role model to my daughters. I knew NOTHING about clothing design and manufacturing. I simply had a mission and committed to learning all I could about the process. My daughters are my biggest cheerleaders.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is building brand awareness to let people know about our fabulous product. While social media is a great tool, I’m learning one of the best forums is pop-up events where I can meet customers and get direct feedback.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top 3 tips I would give are:
- Ensure there is demand and a market for the product and/or service. Your product or service may seem cool to you, but if no one is willing to purchase it, then you just have a hobby and a wish.
- Leverage your current full-time job to help you in your future business. Everyone wants to jump ship and quit their jobs…I get it! Instead, leverage your job income to get out of debt and create a savings cushion you will need to run your business. In addition, volunteer for special projects, education, and training that will teach you some of the skills you will need in your business. Some of these skills include leadership development and delivering presentations.
- Find a community. Entrepreneurship can be lonely. Family and friends, while well-meaning, may not understand why you want to leave your ‘good job.’ It’s important having the ideas and positivity of other entrepreneurs pour into you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://femdacity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbraceYourFemdacity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femdacity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/femdacity
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femdacity/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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