What problem does the Floera solve?
In bathrooms, a trash can overflowing with plastic tampon applicators and single-use, non-recyclable menstrual products are a common sight. The plastic waste. The chemicals. The secrecy. Traditional, disposable period products are simply not insufficient. The planet is in crisis, but our periods don’t wait for disasters to end. Not enough menstruators are not buying the available reusable cups, washable pads, or period underwear on the market. We know transitioning to a completely new period product is a daunting task, so we upgraded traditional tampon applicators to be more eco-friendly while still being a familiar experience.
Millions of Americans also struggle to afford period products, so we provide reusable options that can undercut the cost of traditional plastic-heavy products. At Floe, we believe that every menstruator should have access to period hygiene.
Floera not only increases accessibility to menstrual products and addresses the issue of 7 billion menstrual products being thrown out each year, but it also tackles the stigma around periods. Combating the stigma around menstruation is crucial in progressing toward a more socially and environmentally conscious future. An amalgamation of technological innovation and social pressure has steered us toward sanitary products encased in plastic, but there is a better solution. Floe is building a future of confidence and shaping the discussion to align with the standards of the 21st century, where shame will not be sold along with sanitary products.
Tell us about the founder. What is their background?
We met as three California high school students with an idea and a passion to change the world with period care. In the summer of 2020, Koki and Will began to marinate Floe at a startup school and scaffold what would eventually turn into Floera. Since then, Laura has joined us, and together, we have turned a passion into a company. We fight to revitalize the period industry and end our society’s period stigma. We fight to protect our oceans from microplastics. We fight for sustainable, equitable periods one period at a time.
How did they come up with the idea?
We initially didn’t know a lot about the menstruation industry. However, when a speaker, Nadya Okamoto, spoke at our school about Period, her organization aimed to make period products more accessible. It got the gears in our head-turning about period products. Upon looking deeper into the period product industry, we realized that in addition to the shady and unfair system in many big businesses tons of plastic waste was going overlooked each year. That’s when we thought we could take a step towards comfortable, organic tampons without sacrificing the Earth.
How can this transform the world or our day-to-day lives?
7 billion menstrual products are thrown away each year, most of which will either bake in landfills or float in the ocean decomposing into toxic microplastics for thousands of years. Floera can reduce your plastic waste from tampons by 99% by simply using non-applicator tampons in a reusable tampon applicator.
What do customers love most about the product?
Customers love that they don’t have to sacrifice comfort for protection or sustainability because Floera provides all the luxury of a classic tampon experience but without waste. Our two-part design is convenient on the go and durable, so they can create a more eco-friendly and intentional period care routine. Floera’s suave feel, tampon string lock, ergonomic grip, freestanding feature, and anti-microbial technology all go an extra mile to provide the optimal experience. In addition, here at Floe, we understand that the transition to a menstrual cup for tampon users may be a daunting experience, so we transformed the traditional tampon experience into one that is both eco-friendly and enjoyable.
Where can people get this product?
Although we haven’t officially launched our product yet, people can find Floera on our eCommerce website soon! In addition, Floera will come with a travel pouch and a 3 month supply of Floe organic tampons. As for now, follow our social media to keep up with updates!
Personal bio:
Koki Mashita (CEO & CO-Founder): In addition to starting Floe, he has experience within both public equity and private equity. In his sophomore year of high school, he started Lallic Partners, an investment firm with over 1.6 million USD in AUM. Recently, the firm has also been named as 1 of 101 best investment firms in LA. He is also the youngest ever Venture Scout at HOF Capital, one of the most elite venture capitalists in the world, which has invested in companies such as Uber, Epic Games, and more.
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