We recently connected with Edith Bellizaire and have shared our conversation below.

Edith , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Jane’s Special Packs was created in 2022 and inspired by my mother, Claudia Jane. She is a retired physical education teacher in Selma, Alabama. I grew up hearing my mother have the “Period Talk” with her students and the changes they would experience. Her goal was to make sure no student missed school or was embarrassed simply because of their periods. She taught students how to wear and properly dispose of maxi pads, and personal hygiene. I witnessed her for years purchasing extra maxi pads, tampons, liners and underwear in our local stores to donate to students without. She kept period supplies, personal hygiene items and extra clothes in her office for students who needed them. She even kept laundry detergent and would wash students’ school clothes while they were dressed out for physical education class when needed.

At nine years of age my own menstrual journey began. I remember my “Period Talk” with my mother and how important it was to her that I fully understood the changes occurring to my body. The talk didn’t last long, but the nervousness of going to school did. I worried about having supplies available when needed, and what I would do if a period accident occurred.

My mother’s goal became our mission when I started Jane’s Special Packs. The goal is to help ease the anxiety and burden menstruators feel when dealing with the uncertainty of their periods. Not being prepared or having limited resources to purchase menstrual supplies should not be the reason someone misses school or work. My mother’s overall goal was to make sure she preserved each student’s dignity. Jane’s Special Packs would like to do the same for both adolescents and adults. We hope you will join my daughter and I on this mission to get supplies into the hands of those who need them.

Edith , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Edith Wright Bellizaire. I grew up in the historic town of Selma, Alabama. Growing up participating in community service projects and organizations was a must in my family. My mother was known for taking my friends and I to the local food pantry to serve food, stopping to pick up trash, visiting nursing homes or performing puppet shows at our local library.

Community service didn’t just stop once I left Selma, I continued giving back during my collegiate years at Southern University and A &M College (B.A.) and Louisiana State University(MPA). After obtaining my master’s degree, I decided to take my talent of relationship building, public speaking and my passion of giving back to the nonprofit sector. Over the last 18 years, I have raised over $25 million for local agencies. In those years, I had the pleasure of training 800+ volunteers and delivering 2000+ presentations.

With years of fundraising experience under my belt, my daughter and I decided to start Jane’s Special Packs with a mission dear to our hearts. Jane’s Special Packs aims to be a resource for those individuals that suffer from period poverty. Period Poverty is when an individual is unable to access menstrual supplies such as maxi pads and tampons.

This summer, we created a period educational series called “Let’s Talk…Period.” We create a safe space environment where attendees can feel free to discuss any questions they have about periods. Topics discussed include period health, hygiene, period pain, period stigmas, and how it impacts the lives of so many.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2013, my husband and I had a great opportunity to move to Houston, Texas. I was pregnant with our first child, and we made a family decision for me to not work until the birth of our daughter. Eleven years later and that life changing decision was one of my best. I’m a full-time mom, own my event planning business and last year was able to achieve a lifetime goal of becoming an executive director for my own 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

The huge adjustment had many challenges.. Leaving my job and becoming a full time mom in a new city with no friends or village was overwhelming. I learned to tap into those same skills I used in my professional career. My relationship building and communication skills helped me meet local moms and create a new village. I was able to continue my event planning business in Louisiana and Texas. In 2022, the desire to do more sparked my drive to start Jane’s Special Packs with my 9 year old daughter.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Paige is a smart, driven and loving young lady. If I had to pick anyone to run this organization with, it will always be Paige. She bring a fresh perspective to the table. She adds value and ideas that help ensure we reach her generation and address current issues.

Paige is a pre-teen and starting Jane’s Special Packs in 2022 was just the right timing. The conversations we had around period health, what to expect and how to be prepared had us thinking about others that may not have these conversations. Periods are a natural process for our bodies. We should never feel shameful or keep it a secret. We want to make sure no one experiences shame or lack of supplies.

After this conversation with Paige, Jane’s Special Packs was formed and we hope to continue the legacy of my mother Claudia Jane. We are so excited she can witness her passion of providing menstrual care supplies thorough our organization.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://janesspecialpacks.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janesspecialpacks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edith-bellizaire-7770005/