Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Wynn.
Hi Lindsay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Momotaro Apotheca is a business that was born out of necessity but has grown out of passion. We first got our start as I was experiencing recurrent vulvovaginal health discomfort (hello UTIs, Yeast infection, and general pain). This can mean so many things and is extremely common for people with Vaginas. After 6 months, no real relief, myself and my business partner knew we had to take things into our own hands.
After months of research, not only within the antiquated “feminine care” space, but within sexual health care culture as a whole we began to deep dive into all of the social taboos, educational misconceptions, and general misgivings that surround what it means to take care of your vulvovaginal health and beyond. We knew we had to create efficacious solutions that were not only efficacious but truly inclusive to all people, bodies, and identities.
Today we have launched a diverse line of products that address the common infections many people deal with today. We pride ourselves not on only creating certified organic solutions but prophylactic care to help cut down on expensive doctors’ visits and recurrent trips to the pharmacy for products that are often doing more harm than help.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Simply put no. As someone who started this company with no generational wealth, a business degree, or any experience creating products or an investment deck, we have learned a lot of lessons the hard way. Beyond general barrier to entry as a woman without access to traditional support, starting a company that champions inclusivity around sex, gender, race, and identity in a world full of censorship, has no doubt been an uphill climb. Additionally, as an e-commerce company we are constantly hitting walls with language we can use, the things we can advertise, and what people, publications, and our unfortunately puritanical culture has deemed palatable.
However, the sexual health community is inherently rich with people that support and will uplift voices, businesses and the people who are doing good work. No matter the amount of blows we face from the “system”, even our modest amount of success has been incredibly gratifying. Helping people in a space where their needs have never really been met is still a consistent tenant of our brand. We will always continue to unlearn, learn and strive to do better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Momotaro Apotheca is a certified organic and cruelty-free vulvovaginal care line that supports your body’s natural ability to heal. Our proactive plant-based products work gently yet effectively to systemically address symptoms associated with common vulvovaginal issues stemming from infection and general irritation without interfering with pH balance, hormones, pheromones, or medication.
Unable to find a safe, effective over-the-counter product that weren’t full of harsh chemicals or offensive language that often did more harm than healing, we set out to create simple solutions for vulvovaginal self-care. The result of that curiosity is an accessible and discrete suite of products gentle enough to be used on everybody, every day. We continue to push boundaries in our industry to provide safe and accessible products and education. We also pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to creating certified organic and sustainably sourced products.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I was born and raised in San Diego and am eternally grateful for the childhood it provided me. Access to the ocean and Mexico was enriching and inspiring. My only qualm is that I don’t feel as if it fostered as creative, inclusive, or productive environment as I needed in my adolescence. As I return after 13 years in Brooklyn, I am grateful to see people and businesses start to push culture and creativity in ways I wasn’t exposed to before leaving.
Pricing:
- Salve $35
- Tonic $45
- Probiotic $31
Contact Info:
- Website: www.momotaroapotheca.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemomotaro/
Image Credits
@lindsaywynn
