A girl’s first period is one of those subjects that require a sit down talk. A parent’s reaction and guidance to this milestone can affect the way a girl goes through puberty, how she sees herself as a woman, and how she is able to communicate with others about personal issues. And, what better excuse to get in some bonding time?
While it’s often hard for moms to talk with their daughters about periods, it’s that much harder for dads to sit down with their daughters to talk about lady parts and empathize. Addressing this problem is this month’s Fierce Woman, Samantha Kelly.
A Fierce Woman is someone who believes they can change the world with their each breath. Samantha was a woman seeking to make a difference in the world, and she proved, that by helping even one person, close to home, that big things can happen.
In response to addressing her friend’s concerns about having the talk with one of his three teenage daughters, Samantha decided to create a package to celebrate and both prepare girls for this early milestone. 
“I went out to the pharmacies and supermarkets and searched for a starter type pack or gift that I could give her. I was so surprised to see that this didn’t exist!”
She made the first package for her daughter, Leah, “to make her feel feminine and to enhance the bond we had.” Samantha turned what could have been an awkward conversation into a way to strengthen relationships.
And so, she created a “Welcome to Womanhood” box filled with things like special pads for teenagers, hot water bottles for cramps and aches, scented candles, a secret tin box to hold intimate items, a personal diary, and so on! For a full overview of the box and of Samantha’s story, watch this video.
The best part of the story? After being nominated for several awards and getting a lot of cool press attention, her products became stocked in 70 pharmacies all over Ireland and in the UK as well! And, she named her company (and herself) Funky Goddess! Why? “The name ‘Funky Goddess’ came to me as I wanted it to be funky and to represent a strong, powerful female.”
And a strong, powerful female she is indeed. We got a chance to speak with her and here’s what she said.
Why do you think it is so important to encourage girls to talk about their periods?
Here in Ireland periods are still a taboo, so much so that when I started the business, a few people said ‘shame on you.’ Also, my own experience was one of embarrassment and confusion…so I decided that it was time to help the next generation by encouraging communication and I wanted to make it a little easier for my own Daughter and her friends.
Many girls feel uncomfortable discussing femininity or puberty related changes with their mothers. What advice do you have for other parents?
Be open from as young as 8, mention bits and pieces, answer questions as they come up casually without showing you might be embarrassed. If you show that all of this is normal, then your children will learn that it is!
For more advice on how to talk to girls about their periods or for pieces that may be helpful for your daughter to read, visit the Maxim Hygiene blog and the Be Prepared Period website.
For products that are safe for you and your daughters, check out our Maxim products – they’re a healthier option for you and the environment!
**A few days after we wrote and scheduled this story, Samantha Kelly, announced that due to financial constraints and family matters she had to wind down the Funky Goddess trade. She is moving on to new and exciting ventures that we are sure will be just as “fierce” as her Funky Goddess creations. We’ll be following her fierce ambitions at her new Twitter handle @sunzusam