Ever wonder what to do with your dirty tampon or pad? No, we know you’re supposed to throw it away! But how? Many of us throw it down the toilet.
I mean, no one really wants to sit there in a public restroom, wrap toilet paper around a dirty tampon, gingerly (with the other clean hand) lift up the grimy lid of that metal sanitary disposal box (which for some unknown reason is at eye-level!!), and toss it in blindly because your head is turned and your breath is held.
We found the perfect partner for your Maxim Organic and Natural Cotton Tampons and Pads! If you’re keeping your feminine hygiene clean then you definitely need a healthy and eco-friendly way to dispose of them. What’s the solution? Scensible bags! These little baggies smell good so they fight the odors wafting out of that metal disposal box. They’re made of biodegradable plastic, so they’re environmentally friendly! After using them, you won’t have to feel bad about contributing to landfills or causing bird-choking.
Why are we sure you’ll love them? Not only are they pink and girly, they’ll also save you money! Flushing tampons down the toilet causes blockages that are very difficult (and expensive) to clear! Did you know plumbers refer to tampons as “Red Rats”?! Flushed feminine hygiene products can also bypass sewer systems and get into various water ecosystems, posing threats to wildlife and their environments.
Ann Germanow, the founder of Scensibles, is our Fierce Woman for March. Not only has she created a solution that affects all women in a positive way, but she has also made the effort to give back to women through both education and actual products! To learn more about the Ann, being a female entrepreneur and the innovative ways she used her passion and business to give back, read below!
M: We define Fierce Women as those who believe they can change the world with their each breath. Who in your life would you describe as a FW and why?
A: I would like to highlight not one fierce woman but a group of strong women who I volunteered with for over 15 years to better the lives of those in need in my community.
In the late 80’s I joined the Junior League of Rochester, an organization of women whose mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through trained volunteers. The fierce women I worked closely with were not the stereotypic “white gloved” Junior Leaguers (most recently portrayed in the movie and book “The Help”) but women who tirelessly dedicated time and energy to create innovative programs, raise funds to give back to strategic partner agencies, and develop and implement signature projects to meet the needs of a specific community problem.
They were creative, passionate, competent, bright, dynamic women who juggled work and family commitments but never declined an opportunity to make a positive impact on the organization and those we served. These women inspired me to follow my beliefs with enthusiasm and determination.
M: What values do you hold dear that have become company values for Scensibles?
A: From the company’s inception I have made a commitment to give back to those in need. I believe that every effort, not necessarily the size of the gift, can make a difference. I hope to create awareness that disadvantaged young ladies in the USA do not always have ready access to feminine hygiene protection products in a dignified manner.
The 46.6 million Americans who participate in SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) cannot use the benefits to purchase basic necessities such as feminine care products? I believe that sanitary pads are not a luxury but essential for the well-being of all women, no matter what her family’s financial situation may be.
Over the years we have donated hundreds of period starter kits for young girls, stocked supply cupboards for agencies serving teens and women and provided Scensibles as gifts for charitable events. Most recently, I originated Pad Party, a fun-filled pampering event. Attendees were asked to donate sanitary pads, panty liners or tampons, which were then distributed to women and girls throughout the Rochester, NY area. It is my hope that by collaborating with other woman business owners and organizations, Pad Party will be duplicated in communities across the US.
M: What tips do you have for other women entrepreneurs? What challenges have you faced in your course to make Scensibles a widely used product?
A: My only words of wisdom for other women entrepreneurs — do your research before launching into a business venture. Don’t invest funds and energy until you conduct focus groups and surveys, investigate if there a need for your product or service, study what else is in the market and how your business differs, and lastly talk to people who may become potential customers to get their feedback and advice.
And that’s what we call a fierce woman with a fierce complimentary solution to your Maxim organic and natural cotton hygiene products… that’s a wrap (no pun intended)!