Introduction
Menstruation is completely natural, but the same can’t be said about a vast majority of period products. Tampons and pads — the most common choices — often use plastics and can carry toxic chemicals. Exposing consumers to these toxins vaginally, where substance absorption can be 10x to 80x higher than oral administration, could have serious health implications.
Tampon Tribe is looking out for both the planet and women with sustainable, organic period products. Its product line includes vegan and compostable pads and liners, silicone-free and recyclable menstrual cups, and comfortable period underwear. We reached out to co-founder and CEO Jennifer Eden to hear more about the inspiration behind the company and Tampon Tribe’s pandemic experience.
Note: This interview was conducted over phone and email. It has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Yasmin Sharbaf
In your own words, how would you describe Tampon Tribe?
Jennifer Eden
Tampon Tribe is an organic and plastic-free period products company, giving everyone access to high-quality, safe, and sustainable personal hygiene items delivered to their door.
Yasmin Sharbaf
What inspired you to take the leap and start this company?
Jennifer Eden
It all began when I had had enough of the excruciating pain that came with my monthly period due to endometriosis. I started researching and found that processed and chemical-filled period products on our shelves could be contributing to all my pain.
My co-founder, Gaby, and I started searching for sustainable organic period alternatives. We came up short.
So we started our own brand — a new category of period care.
Wall Street has Morningstar, S&P, and Bloomberg
The equity crowdfunding market has KingsCrowd.
Yasmin Sharbaf
Who is on your team and how did you come together?
Jennifer Eden
My co-founder, Gaby, is an expert in international business, operations, and management, and we have worked together for more than 15 years. We both successfully exited our businesses overseas before coming to the US.
My background focuses on international marketing, product innovation, and business. Athan and Giana bring strong pedigrees in business and sales to the team, and our support crew has a combined experience of 50 years in business operations.
Yasmin Sharbaf
How is Tampon Tribe transforming the feminine hygiene products industry?
Jennifer Eden
Tampon Tribe delivers safe, toxin-free, organic, and sustainable period products to your door.
We are the only company in the US to make tampons, pads, and liners 100% Global Organic Textile Standard- and ICEA-certified organic. Our certified hypoallergenic and vegan pads and liners are wrapped in biodegradable potato-starch film, use no glue, and have plant-based backings.
Our leak-free menstrual cups are made of medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer, while our organic Ashers Period Underwear is per- and polyfluorinated substance-free, antibacterial, and anti-odor.
The total addressable period market is $68.7 billion worldwide and $4.2 billion in the US alone. The modern consumer is demanding organic and transparent brands, which are growing at a 7.2% compound annual growth rate.
Sustainability is also key for us. Tampon applicators have the shortest use-life of any single-use plastic on the planet. Seven billion plastic applicators and 12 billion plastic-backed pads end up in US landfills each year (45 billion worldwide)!
Yasmin Sharbaf
What does the competitive landscape look like, and how do you differentiate?
Jennifer Eden
When stacked against our competitors, like LOLA, Cora, and L., we are the only company in the US to use only certified organic cotton, leave out fillers and synthetic covers, and be totally plastic-free.
Wall Street has Morningstar, S&P, and Bloomberg
The equity crowdfunding market has KingsCrowd.
Yasmin Sharbaf
Can you elaborate on the bonus revenue you had in 2020, and why your revenue declined in 2021?
Jennifer Eden
Sure. In 2020, when we realized that the majority of our corporate accounts would be put on hold due to the pandemic, we pivoted to add personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal care items to our lineup. We sold to some of our largest clients, such as Amazon and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as to a range of schools, companies, and businesses. That made our 2020 revenue skyrocket. In 2021, PPE demand stopped, and we returned to our core products, which still saw 20% year-over-year growth!
Yasmin Sharbaf
COVID-19 disrupted the supply chain market worldwide, which led to a shortage in tampons. How has Tampon Tribe overcome this problem?
Jennifer Eden
We have strong direct relationships with our manufacturers, and we have great inventory and market forecasting capabilities. We also manage the logistics ourselves and speak directly with the shippers. Both Gaby and I are from an international business background, so we ensure that we are always one step ahead.
Yasmin Sharbaf
How do you intend to use the money you raise this round to scale the business?
Jennifer Eden
We plan to use the money as follows:
- $240,000 on experienced sales people
- $300,000 in inventory
- $48,000 on the Amazon team
- $305,000 for marketing on social, influencer, and affiliate programs
- Boosting the core team and tech/software as a service
Wall Street has Morningstar, S&P, and Bloomberg
The equity crowdfunding market has KingsCrowd.
Yasmin Sharbaf
As you think about the business 5-10 years down the road, what do you see exit opportunities looking like? Have you set any future goals for the company?
Jennifer Eden
Yes, this is definitely something that we are looking at. We have a very clear strategic path to hit $50 million in revenue in five years, which will put the company in a very attractive exit position.
We look forward to seeing where Jennifer and her team take the company. Tampon Tribe is currently raising on Wefunder.
About: Yasmin Sharbaf
Yasmin is passionate about the intersection of business, art, and science. Prior to KingsCrowd, Yasmin worked on a cryptocurrency investing research project for Wellesley College Investment Office where she assessed the risks and rewards for university endowment investment into cryptocurrency. She has also previously worked in a neuroscience lab studying language and memory of songbirds. Yasmin’s dream is to make investing and financial education accessible to everyone. In her free time, Yasmin enjoys going on adventures, learning new languages, and exploring different cultures. Yasmin studied Neuroscience and Studio Art at Wellesley College.