Susie Hewson, founder of Natracare. (Credit: Courtesy of Natracare)
She Developed Some of the World’s First Organic Period Products – Before it Was Cool
Susie Hewson is the founder of 35-year-old company Natracare, one of the first businesses to ever make and sell all-natural menstrual products.
Susie Hewson says that when she set out to develop organic tampons and pads, she didn’t mean to start a business. But as Hewson became increasingly determined to remove toxic chemicals from feminine hygiene products, she found herself following an entrepreneurial path, launching Natracare 35 years ago to bring her dream to life. In the decades since, Hewson has been a staunch advocate for ensuring people’s right to safe and natural menstrual products, working with environmental groups and women’s organizations alike on access while also supporting legislation like New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s Tampon Safety and Research Act of 1997 (now called the Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act). Today, the Natracare CEO is living in Bristol, England, where she oversees her company and continues to set the bar high as a simultaneously ethical and sustainable company.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We have earned several certifications and awards for exceptional environmental and ethical integrity. We regularly submit to independent and accredited testing for detecting heavy metals, PFAs, pesticides and glyphosate to validate our organic and natural status. These test results are publicly available on our website.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Creating an organic and natural shopping category for period products, which previously had not existed. We carved out our space in the sector and shook up the status quo amongst corporate brands. Now, this is the fastest growing sector in period care, and I will continue to push for more regulatory oversight and transparency.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Once you realize that something needs to be changed, and you decide to be the one stepping forward to take on that task, then life starts to exist on the frontlines of action. It has been so for me since I first put my head over the metaphorical parapet in 1989! For this reason, balancing work and life is a major challenge for me. So if I can delegate tasks, then I try to do so.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions?
If you are running a business where you are responsible for other people’s livelihoods, then your personal situations need to be balanced and figured out as part of your business management strategy. On December 24th, 2019, I had breast cancer surgery, followed by radiotherapy during the Covid lockdown. I was back at my desk after the holiday break, and every day during my treatment period. Having something to focus on outside of cancer helped me recover my sense of control and think positively.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Never underestimate how hard the tasks are going to be. Business challenges can be especially hard on your financial safety net. I was a self-funded startup, so it was important to the security of my family to manage the finances – and therefore, my business decisions – with sharp focus.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
Gardening and walking in nature. And when I say gardening, I don’t mean small pots on the terrace kind of stuff – I thrive on garden reclamation and regeneration. It’s the big work of shaping and designing, and ripping, chopping, digging and planting. I have designed and built some awesome organic and wildlife gardens in my time, and have the injured wrists to show for it. Mother Nature is a generous healer.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
You can’t beat dancing around the room to “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers.
Instagram: @Natracare
Facebook: @Natracare
YouTube: @Natracare
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