In this edition of our crowdfunding column, we feature women-run campaigns for products that could many many women’s lives easier, if they are funded. Below, discover baked goods to eat during your period, properly fitted button-down shirts, a high-tech way to report sexual assault, an app that tracks cosmetic expiration dates, and eco-friendly bags for discreetly disposing of tampons and pads.
Check out these 5 women-led crowdfunding campaigns:
1. Button-Down Shirts that Stay Buttoned (via Kickstarter)
The Business: Roz + Loki is a fashion brand tackling a very familiar gripe — women’s button-down shirts that gape at the bust or ride up while a woman goes about her day. Founder Roz Tamblyn spent over a year designing the tops in an effort to ensure women would feel comfortable and confident wearing them at work or out on the town. And, the Toronto venture proudly manufactures exclusively in Canada.
The Money: Just 8 days remain, but Tamblyn has exceeded her goal of $15,959 in U.S. dollars. The money will be used to manufacture shirts and generate new designs. Tamblyn says some of Roz + Loki’s profits will be donated to a charity, to be named after fundraising ends.
2. Tech for Reporting and Processing Assault (via iFundWomen)
The Business: Alegria Technologies, founded by Dr. Penny Smith, has developed a web-based app called Keys to Coping that gives survivors of sexual assault a way to privately report attacks from the safety of their homes or dorms. The app is designed “to allow sensitive reporting to be more victim-considerate, less painful and burdensome for both survivors and their schools,” she says. It also aims to support the survivor’s healing process and facilitate mandated reporting processes at schools. At present, her company serves four schools with a total of 20,000 students — but hopes to reach many more.
The Money: Nine days are left for this crowdfunding effort, which aims to generate $20,000. If funded, Smith will use the money to present Keys to Coping at conventions and trade shows, cover software hosting services and more.
3. Discreet Disposal of Tampons and Pads (via Indiegogo)
The Business: For those of us who flush tampons or dislike the wrap-and-trash disposal method for sanitary products, Martha Silcott has a solution — her FabLittleBag. The discrete, biodegradable, portable sacks she developed allow women to discard tampons and pads privately and neatly. “There are no leaks, no odor, no rustle-ly see-through plastic, no soaked tissue — just a neat package that you can put in the trash without embarrassment,” the London-based entrepreneur says in her campaign.
The Money: Silcott is trying to raise $5,000 and has 13 days left to reach her goal, which will help her ramp up production to meet growing demand.
4. Sweets to Enjoy on Your Period (via Kickstarter)
The Business: Many women have sugary cravings during their periods — and Moon Cycle Bakery in Olympia, Wash., is here to satisfy them. Designer and writer Devon Loftus cofounded the bakery with her chef husband, Brian. Together, they make gluten-free, nutrient-dense and sometimes chocolaty goodies for customers who place individual orders or sign up for monthly deliveries. The goal is to help each client “celebrate the art of being a woman, rather than wish it away,” she says in the campaign.
The Money: Loftus set a goal amount of $15,000, which she hopes to meet or exceed by Nov. 10. If she does, the money will be used to develop recipes, rent space in a commercial kitchen, develop an accompanying app and more.
5. Tracking Cosmetic Expiration Dates (via iFundWomen)
The Business: Sheena Franklin, founder of Baltimore-based Well-Kept Beauty, is the brains behind an app to help users keep track of when their cosmetics expire. After scanning new products into the app, it will send helpful alerts when expiration dates are nearing, and let users know when they may be running low on a favorite item. She views the app as a digital “personal beauty assistant” that will “keep your makeup and skin care collection current, fresh and complete.”
The Money: By or before Nov. 9, Franklin hopes to raise at least $5,000, which she will use to launch an email marketing campaign, among other outreach efforts.
[box_light]
Want to be featured in The Story Exchange’s Crowdfunding column? Drop us a line and tell us about your campaign at [email protected].
[/box_light]