“Everyone has a butt,” notes Jennifer Dwork. “But no one talks about our butt issues!” Indeed, it can be difficult or uncomfortable for patients to talk plainly about pain experienced in a private part of the body — some feel embarrassed being honest about maladies like constipation, hemorrhoids, anal fissures and anal itching. But people need assistance with them all the same, which is why Dwork and co-founder Rebecca Monahan – along with Dr. Carmen Fong, a double board-certified colorectal surgeon who serves as chief medical officer – launched Bummed. The company offers private telehealth services to those struggling with such health issues, and provides products, educational materials and more.

Editor’s Note: Bummed has been named to The Story Exchange’s 2026 list of 15 Brilliant Business Ideas. Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, with Dwork.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We are the only digital health platform focused on anorectal care. No one else offers our specialty compounded medications, which are much more effective than over-the-counter solutions, and much less expensive than existing pharmaceuticals. These compounded medications have traditionally only been available after going to see a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon in person. We are bringing access to these medications online, via an asynchronous telehealth consult.

Also, unlike most other telehealth businesses, we are able to provide care for pregnant women, thanks to our expert medical advisors.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

My biggest “win” to date with Bummed includes seeing the high percentage of repeat orders — 20% of patients have returned to us since we began operating four months ago. Simply put: People who are helped by our service are coming back to us.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Patient acquisition and building brand awareness with a very limited budget. Because we’re bootstrapping the company, we don’t have the resources to rely heavily on paid marketing channels. Instead, we’ve had to be creative and disciplined about growing organically. Our small-but-mighty team is constantly testing and learning — from partnerships and provider relationships to organic social media efforts, organic search and in-person events.

It requires a lot of hands-on work and persistence, but it’s also helped us build a more authentic connection with our audience. We’re focused on finding the channels where we can genuinely help people and earn their trust, and then doubling down on what works.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

In the past, while working at other telehealth companies, I have seen clinical decision-making being influenced by business outcomes. We have strategically decided not to take on venture funding because we do not want to compromise our standards of care. At Bummed, we put patients first — period. We do not compromise care in order to squeeze out more revenue or profits.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Truly own every decision. As a founder, the buck ultimately stops with you. You’ll work with experts — lawyers, accountants, advisors — but you can’t simply defer to them. You need to understand all decisions being made. For example, even if you’re not a lawyer, you should still take the time to fully understand your contracts and agreements. Ask questions if you don’t understand everything at first. If something doesn’t seem right, say something. Ask for second and third opinions.

I would also emphasize the importance of knowing who you’re going into business with. Trust and alignment are critical. My co-founder and I worked together for four years before starting Bummed, which allowed us to build a deep level of trust and understand how we operate under pressure. We also created a “pre-nup” agreement before starting, understanding how we would both deal with hardships that would inevitably come up.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

Movement always helps clear my head, so on difficult days I try to get outside and go for a walk. It gives me space to reset and think more clearly. I also reach out to people I trust and respect who can offer perspective when things feel overwhelming.

And, I’m very open with my co-founder about how I’m feeling. If I’m having a tough day, she helps pull me up, and I do the same for her. Having that mutual support makes a big difference when you’re building something challenging.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“The Man” by Taylor Swift really helps me feel seen. It’s a mix of anger, snark and hope all in one.

Who is your most important role model? 

My grandmother, Adele, who passed away five years ago. She was an incredibly strong woman and a Holocaust survivor who lost everything, yet always maintained an optimistic outlook on life. She taught me never to feel sorry for myself, to keep moving forward no matter the circumstances, and to find humor even in the hardest moments.

Throughout her life, she was always figuring out how to rebuild and provide for her family, whether during wartime or in the years after. Her resilience and perspective continue to shape how I approach both life and entrepreneurship. I recently had a daughter, just two months after launching Bummed, and I named her after my grandmother, Adele.

Instagram: @bummed.co

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