I’ve been working in the fast-paced world of tech (think Snapchat) and start-ups (I’ve founded five) for my entire career. In such a historically male-dominated industry, I’ve felt a sense of constant competition with those around me, always fighting to carve out my own niche. Success in this space is often measured by how much you can do, regardless of the negative impact on your mental and physical health. But my body—like all women—follows its own rhythm. It’s taken years to understand that my energy, my productivity, my mood, and so much more are linked to my cycle. 

Being a founder, investor, and mother, I want the best for myself and those that depend on me. But during PMS and my period, I don’t feel like myself and it affects how I’m able to show up at work and at home. Menstruation affects each of us differently, but there are certain needs that are universal during that time of the month, number one being hydration. When looking at the beverage aisle, I was always craving something that tasted good, and actually relieved my symptoms, but there was nothing that fit this criteria. Tea was comforting but didn’t have enough relief benefits, kombucha focused solely on digestion, sports drinks were loaded with sugar, and even the healthy energy drinks were loaded with caffeine that led to crashes. 

That’s when I realized there was a gap: no functional beverage made specifically for menstrual wellness. Partnering with top women herbalists, I leaned into the plant power of the Himalayan Holy Fruit—and after experiencing its benefits firsthand, I created The Cycle. Relieving common symptoms is just the beginning; my goal is to make this more than a drink.