LAST year Scotland became the first country in the world to pass legislation making period products such as tampons and sanitary pads freely available to all to tackle period poverty. But Julie Fitzpatrick has set up Femcup, Scotland’s first menstrual cup brand, because she believes there is still more to be done. In the next 10 years she plans to donate 50 million menstrual cups to those in need.
Name: Julie Fitzpatrick
Age: 42
Position: Founder
WHAT IS THE BUSINESS CALLED?
Femcup
WHERE IS IT BASED?
Glasgow
WHY DID YOU SET UP THE BUSINESS?
IT’S important for as many industries as possible to move away from tampons as they have chlorine and other hormone-disrupting chemicals in them. Tampons can give you toxic shock syndrome which is dangerous but with a menstrual cup there is no risk. The medical grade silicone leaves the vagina functioning more naturally.
One of my reasons for offering multiple cups is that I experienced having to empty the cup in a public toilet. This doesn’t work. The cups I had tried in the past cost £25-£30 for one cup but with Femcup you’re not reinserting the same cup. The steriliser cup can go in the microwave or you can boil the kettle and submerge the cup in water and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
What I do is leave sterilised cups in the steriliser cup. You can carry fresh cups with you and sterilise it at the end of the day.
I worked in the cosmetics department at Frasers and I left in 2003 to set up my own fitness company. I created a six-figure business and set up seven studios across Scotland. Having set up my own business before massively helps but it has changed massively in the past 10 years.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?
WE are initially focusing on the UK and getting people to convert from tampons and pads. Instead of paying every month, you pay once and it’s lessening landfill and ocean waste and exposure to plastic. At the moment my main focus is the UK, then I will expand to Europe.
People love Femcup as it is really comfy, you don’t feel them, and people say their period pain is reduced. People like that you don’t experience the dryness or pain of removing a tampon.
A lot of women in my age group and below are not aware of menstrual cups. Teens and those in their early 20s are conscious of sustainability.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COMPETING BUSINESSES?
THE customer always comes first and I want to go over and above what everyone else is offering. I wanted to have a set of cups, a carry bag, steriliser cup and donations to period poverty – three cups are donated per trio set. Why donate one cup when you can donate three?
We are also donating £1 to charity for every sale that goes through. I’ve been approaching charities to see where the money should go. Not only can the customer change their own life but they can donate to charity and help other people.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
IT’S a gradual process. Nothing is overnight so it’s all about making people aware of the brand and encouraging them to share information about their experience of using a menstrual cup.
Tampons and pads can’t be recycled. We are rapidly running out of space for landfills.
They have to sit for up to 20 years and be treated with chemicals. It would be beneficial for more people to make informed choices.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE THE BUSINESS WILL BE IN 10 YEARS?
TO see it being global and supporting three million people in donations in five years and 50 million donations in 10 years. We want those who experience period poverty to be supported.
I would also love for the product to be added into schools and universities and supplied as a period poverty option. One in 10 people experience period poverty and that’s not acceptable in 2021. We should have access to simple basics.
For 20% off Femcup visit www.fem-cup.com and use the code 20OFF at checkout
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