Women's Wellness | SALT Talks #119

TL;DR

Jordan Gaspar and Jordana Kier discuss the evolution of the natural personal care space and the rapid growth of Lola, the first lifelong brand for women's health.

Transcript

hello everyone and welcome back to salt talks my name is john darcy i'm the managing director of salt which is a global thought leadership forum and networking platform at the intersection of finance technology and public policy salt talks are a digital interview series that we started during this work from home period with leading investors creato... Read More

Key Insights

• 😨 Natural personal care is experiencing rapid growth, as consumers prioritize overall well-being and seek transparency and sustainability in products.
• 👶 Companies like Lola are expanding into new categories, embracing an omnichannel approach, and building supportive communities.
• 😨 COVID-19 has accelerated the shift towards online shopping and increased interest in natural feminine care products.
• 👩‍⚕️ Men can play a crucial role in supporting women's health by engaging in open conversations and advocating for change.
• 👩‍⚕️ Policy changes, like Scotland's decision to make period products free, are essential for menstrual equity and destigmatizing women's health.
• 🧔‍♀️ Building a brand that lasts requires innovation, authenticity, and addressing the needs of women throughout their reproductive journeys.
• 😤 The pandemic has challenged businesses to adapt, prioritize supply chain and financial stability, and support their teams' well-being.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the natural personal care space evolved in recent years?

The natural personal care space has seen significant growth, with consumers prioritizing products that focus on overall well-being. There is a blurring of categories between food and personal care, and the emergence of ingestible beauty and functional products.

Q: How has Lola been successful in expanding its d2c business and entering retail?

Lola sees direct-to-consumer as a vital channel but aims to be available to customers wherever they prefer to shop. They have successfully launched in Walmart, providing omnichannel access to their products. They focus on transparency, quality testing, and building a community.

Q: How has COVID-19 impacted Lola and the consumer landscape?

Lola's subscription-based model has remained resilient during the pandemic. They have adapted to changing customer routines and increased their digital resources. Walmart shoppers have shown increased interest in natural feminine care products.

Q: How can men be more supportive of women's health and periods?

Men can be supportive by not stigmatizing periods and understanding the importance of taking care of women's bodies. Open conversations, education, and inclusivity are key in breaking down barriers and creating a supportive environment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jordan Gaspar introduces AF Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in high-growth consumer brands, and discusses the proprietary resources and hands-on approach they offer to their portfolio companies.

• Jordana Kier explains Lola, a brand focused on providing transparent products, content, and a supportive community for women's reproductive health. Lola has expanded into sexual wellness and recently launched in Walmart stores.

• Gaspar and Kier discuss the changing landscape of the natural personal care space, the importance of transparency and sustainability, and the increasing demand for these products.