We were lucky to catch up with Roxanne Stewart recently and have shared our conversation below.
Roxanne , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
At our brand, we are committed to serving the underserved, and one of the crucial aspects we focus on is menstrual hygiene education and destigmatization. We acknowledge that menstruation is a natural and normal bodily process, yet it remains taboo and shameful in many communities. It is disheartening to see that half the population menstruates, but there is still a lack of awareness and education about proper menstrual hygiene practices.
Our approach centers on empowering individuals with accurate and comprehensive information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. By providing accessible and inclusive resources, we aim to break down barriers that hinder open conversations around periods. Menstrual hygiene education is not limited to just women; it involves everyone. When men are involved in the conversation and understand the realities and challenges menstruators face, it fosters a supportive and empathetic environment.
We firmly believe that knowledge is the key to change. By offering information about menstrual health, hygiene, and safe practices, we hope to bridge the gap in education. We strive to reach out to underserved communities, providing workshops, educational materials, and partnerships with organizations that share our vision of menstrual health awareness.
Moreover, our commitment extends beyond just education. We also work to create products that cater to diverse needs and economic situations, making menstrual hygiene products more accessible and affordable. We aim to eradicate the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation by promoting inclusivity and sensitivity.
In summary, our brand’s focus on serving the underserved involves robust menstrual hygiene education, involving everyone in the conversation, and challenging societal taboos. We believe that when individuals are well-informed and empowered, we can collectively create a world with less stigma associated with periods, ensuring everyone can manage their menstrual health hygienically and unashamedly. Together, we can pave the way for positive change and a more inclusive society.
Roxanne , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Roxanne Stewart, and I am incredibly passionate about education and empowering individuals, especially girls, and women, when it comes to menstrual health. With over 10 years of experience in the financial sector and sales, coupled with 28 years of personal experience as a menstruator, I intimately understand the struggles that come with managing menstrual health. Recently, I was diagnosed with menorrhagia after facing heavy bleeding for over 27 years and attributing it solely to low iron. This diagnosis was a turning point, as it opened my eyes to the fact that there is so much more to consider when addressing menstrual health issues. Having the right knowledge and understanding of our bodies is crucial for advocating for ourselves effectively.
My goal is to empower girls from the very beginning to understand their bodies and articulate their experiences confidently. By providing them with comprehensive menstrual health education, we can equip them with the tools to recognize when something is not right and enable them to stand up for themselves and seek the support they need.
Inclusivity is at the heart of my mission. I firmly believe that involving men in the conversation is essential to eliminating the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation. When everyone is educated and aware, we can all become allies and advocates for each other, creating a supportive and understanding community.
In addition to our commitment to education and empowerment, we offer a vibrant and supportive community where individuals can lean on each other, share their stories, and find solidarity. Our platform provides a safe space for open discussions, fostering connections between menstruators of all backgrounds and experiences.
To facilitate learning, we offer a wide range of valuable resources, including informative articles, expert-led webinars, and interactive workshops. These resources cover various aspects of menstrual health, helping individuals make informed decisions about their well-being.
As part of our efforts to make the menstrual journey more manageable, we curate a subscription box filled with all the essentials for managing periods, along with some comforting and pampering items. We believe that self-care during menstruation is crucial, and our curated box is designed to bring comfort and relief during this time.
To further engage and educate our community, we are developing captivating animated content that explains menstrual health topics in a fun and engaging manner. These animations are designed to be inclusive and accessible to a diverse audience, making learning about periods enjoyable for all.
In addition to the animated content, we are excited to introduce “The Period Passport” – an innovative and interactive game that educates and entertains. This game allows players to embark on a virtual journey, exploring different aspects of menstrual health, period care, and self-discovery. By gamifying the learning experience, we hope to create an enjoyable way for individuals to enhance their knowledge and understanding of menstrual health.
On our platform, we aim to foster open-mindedness and encourage sharing stories. Our followers gain knowledge about various options available for managing menstrual health. We emphasize that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather multiple ways to find relief and comfort. By being open to different possibilities, we can engage in meaningful conversations and explore diverse approaches to improve our menstrual experiences.
I am committed to providing valuable information and resources, promoting open conversations, and supporting individuals in their journey toward better menstrual health. Together, let’s break down barriers, end the silence, and create a world where menstruation is embraced as a natural part of life, and all menstruators can lead happier and healthier lives.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The story of my pivot begins with my strong attachment to family. Growing up in a close-knit family of 5 girls, surrounded by 5 nieces and nephews, I had always been accustomed to the comfort of having my loved ones nearby. It was a deep-rooted connection that I cherished, and it brought immense joy and support to my life.
However, life took an unexpected turn when I got married and moved just 30 minutes away from my family. For me, this seemingly short distance felt traumatic, as I was no longer a part of everyday life with my parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends. As the oldest, the change was particularly difficult for me to bear. I felt a sense of loss and longing for the daily interactions and warmth that I had always known.
Then, another significant change was proposed when my husband suggested moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The idea of being even farther from my family was something I couldn’t accept easily. It felt like an immense emotional challenge, and I couldn’t imagine being away from everything and everyone that meant so much to me.
Despite my initial resistance, life had different plans for me. I eventually came to realize that stepping out of my comfort zone was an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Being in new situations and environments allows us to learn, adapt, and evolve. As my family continued to grow, each member found new roles and paths to explore.
Moving to Tulsa provided me with a chance to expand my horizons and gain new perspectives. It taught me the value of embracing change and understanding that personal growth often lies outside of our comfort zones. I found myself meeting new and interesting people, learning from their experiences, and broadening my worldview.
As I embark on this journey of personal growth, I now focus on building a future where my family is not limited by our immediate surroundings. I want my nieces and nephews to grow up with abundant opportunities and the understanding that, even when physically apart, working toward the betterment of the family is what truly matters.
I believe that life experiences gained outside of our familiar circles can enrich our lives and, ultimately, benefit our loved ones. By venturing into the vastness that the world has to offer, we bring back unique perspectives and insights that can help strengthen and improve our family bonds.
Through this pivot in my life, I have come to appreciate the importance of adapting to change, embracing new experiences, and cherishing the connections with my family no matter the physical distance. I hope that by embracing this mindset, my family can continue to grow and thrive while making the world a better place through the lessons we learn and the love we share.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Embracing support has been a transformative realization on my entrepreneurial journey. In the early stages of starting Sanicle, I used to believe that success depended solely on my ability to control and manage every aspect of the business. I was hesitant to delegate tasks, fearing that no one else could handle them as effectively as I could. This mindset not only added unnecessary pressure on myself but also limited the growth potential of my team and organization. However, as we’ve progressed, I found it increasingly challenging to keep up with everything on my own. It was at this critical juncture that I began to embrace the idea of seeking and accepting support from my team. Initially, it was a daunting prospect, as I feared losing control over essential aspects of the business. But I soon realized that delegating tasks did not mean losing control; rather, it allowed me to focus on strategic decisions and long-term planning.
As I began to delegate responsibilities, I witnessed the empowering effect it had on my team members. They felt a sense of trust and ownership over their work, which, in turn, bolstered their commitment and dedication to the organization’s goals. I came to appreciate that by sharing responsibilities, I was fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability within the team.
Moreover, embracing support not only lightened my workload but also opened doors to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Different team members brought diverse skills and experiences to the table, enriching the decision-making process and problem-solving approaches.
Another significant aspect of accepting support was recognizing the value of my team’s expertise. I discovered that by trusting and empowering them, I was acknowledging their capabilities and showing them that their contributions were invaluable to the success of the business. This, in turn, boosted their morale and job satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sanicle.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanicle.us/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sanicle.us
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanicle/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanicle_us
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanicleofficial
- My Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/roxannegstewart
Image Credits
Fotokopyllc