At Be Prepared Period, we’re all about empowering girls and women. And whether that means sharing information that helps them to have better periods, healthier routines, or happier lives, it all factors into a well-rounded, positive life. As women, so much of what we decide to do with our lives is dictated by the messages we receive from an early age. From the time that we’re young children, we start learning what is expected of us, and what is possible. Little girls really can grow up to do anything their heart dreams of – they just have to believe it’s possible, and get the support they need to go after those dreams.
This month, we can’t wait to introduce you to the shop owner from the latest edition of the Meet the Makers blog series. Each month, we are featuring successful female entrepreneurs as they share their hot takes on everything from their first periods, to how they successfully run their own businesses.
We’ve taken the questions people often ask female entrepreneurs to the next level and asked them to share their self-care tips, what advice they’ve held onto, and what keeps them healthy and empowered. Because, as we all know, success is about so much more than the numbers or business basics – it’s about living a happy, healthy life on your own terms. We hope you’ll enjoy this deep dive into the lives and habits of professional women! If there’s someone you’d like to see featured in this blog series, be sure to let us know!
Josie of Zealo Apparel
This month, we’ll be hearing from Josie, founder of Zealo Apparel, based in Chatsworth, CA. Josie started Zealo with the mission of changing the status quo. But what does that mean, exactly? Josie explains, “As a female and a tomboy I’m frequently frustrated that the most practical and best quality items are usually to be found in the “men’s” section (and commonly cheaper than their flimsy, ill-fitting counterparts over in “women’s”). And I know this conflict must be felt by people of other gender identities, or even more so. This is what inspired me to launch Zealo Apparel. I wanted to create a shopping experience as gender-neutral as possible so that people can choose products based on what they like and not whether it comes under “women’s” or “men’s”. Apart from the shopping experience itself, I also want to create designs supporting causes that people care about such as feminism, LGBTQ rights, racial equality etc. to help spread positive messages, as well as fun, lighter themed products that people love.”
We loved Josie’s inclusive and inspiring approach to her business, which is why we can’t wait to share it with you! See her responses below:
Hi, Josie! What made you want to start your own business? What is the mission of Zealo?
The aim of Zealo Apparel stems from my own shopping experiences and the frustration I feel when faced with gender inequality and unnecessary gendering. As a woman, I don’t really want to shop in the men’s section or men’s stores; but I also don’t want to pay more in women’s stores for essentially the same item in a thinner material. This is something I come across time and time again. I also know people of non-binary gender identities, and can only imagine what it must be like to not only be catered for badly, but to not be catered for at all. So I wanted to create a shop as gender-neutral as possible. I know this isn’t a problem for everyone, but if I can reach just one person who feels like they’ve finally found somewhere they can shop where they feel represented and equal and not mislabelled, then I’ve achieved something.
Did you always know you wanted to start your own business?
I’ve always been interested in business since I was a little girl. I feel I have a unique skill set that I wouldn’t necessarily get to implement working for somebody else. And I like being my own boss, using my own ideas, making my own decisions.
We love that you’ve had that entrepreneurial spirit ever since you were young. What advice would you give to your teenage self, if you could go back in time?
If I could give advice to my teenage self I would probably say don’t feel like you have to be part of a big group, you’re your own person, you can be independent, it’s ok to want to be alone sometimes, it’s not a failure it’s a preference, own it and take charge of yourself.
Great advice! Speaking of your younger years, what was it like for you to get your first period? Did you feel supported by your family?
Very. Fortunately both my parents are very supportive and that helped a great deal. I also found that teachers and other (adults at school) can be very understanding. You shouldn’t feel like you have to deal with it on your own.
How did you feel when Aunt Flow arrived for the first time?
I remember feeling like I was now supposed to be a woman, feeling like my childhood was behind me all of a sudden. Which is ridiculous! Nearly everyone gets their first period as a child, some when they’re particularly young. I think the association of periods and womanhood needs to stop. Not only does it make it especially difficult for children and people of other gender identities, but it’s not helpful to anyone. It’s a basic biological function that half the population go through at some point in their lives and by making it “women’s issues” it creates a taboo around it as something that women can only talk about with each other, something that should be hidden from men and boys. I think that just makes everyone uncomfortable. I think it’s important that everyone is educated about it and everyone feels like it’s acceptable to talk about.
Fantastic insight – we agree. Even in 2017, there is still far too much stigma surrounding the topic of menstruation. Do you remember feeling menstrual shame when you started your period?
Not so much shame as embarrassment. When I was about 11 years old, I hadn’t started my period yet but I was carrying pads in my schoolbag just in case, a boy rudely went through my bag when I was looking the other way and pulled them out, waving them around. He made out like it was something disgusting, and it was all so new to me that I was embarrassed. I used to be too embarrassed to purchase sanitary products and would get my parents to buy them for me. Now I can talk about it without embarrassment. I realised that it’s just a fact of life that some of us have to deal with, we have no control over it, so there’s no need to be embarrassed. That was my natural development, along with becoming more familiar with the experience and learning about other people’s experiences, and generally getting more self-assured with age.
What advice would you give a young girl that struggles with menstrual shame?
I think if anyone tries to make you feel uncomfortable about the topic, it’s because they feel uncomfortable. That’s their problem, and it doesn’t need to affect how you feel. It’s not something that’s disgusting and shameful, it’s natural. You having the strength to deal with it, and continue with your day-to-day life as normal is admirable, not embarrassing.
Sound advice – we agree. What would you tell that same girl if she wanted to start her own business?
Follow your dreams! If you’ve got an idea that you think could work, and have the skills you think you’ll need (or are able to learn them) then go for it! It’s a very viable option in the modern day with the Internet. There are options that don’t require a lot of start-up capital, and you can learn information and many skills online. It’s an especially good option for young people who have knowledge and skills that might not be valued in entry level jobs.
We love your can-do spirit and positive attitude! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us today. Okay, last question. Who did you look up to when you started your business? What’s your favorite empowering quote?
I wouldn’t say I have any idols or role models at this point in my life, but the women in my life inspire and influence me and make me proud all the time. And when I see, hear, or read about any strong woman standing up and making a positive change, it’s reassuring and inspiring. My favorite quote is:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” —Eleanor Roosevelet
Thank you so much, Josie! Be sure to check out Zealo Apparel.
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