MEET THE FIND: Mariah Mansvelt Beck Co-Founder of Yoni Female Founders

• Tell us about your brand and how you came about?

M: When I turned 30, a doctor told me I was developing cervical cancer and advised me to switch to organic cotton tampons and pads, to avoid further irritation. Up until then I had never really given much thought to what my tampons were made of. And when I tried to find out, I couldn’t. Most companies didn’t list the ingredients of their products on their pack. As it turns out, there are no regulations on what materials can be used to make tampons or pads. I also discovered that most products contain plastics and many perfume or super absorbent pearls whatever they may be. This is why I started Yoni together with my friend Wendelien Hebly. We make organic cotton tampons, pads and liners free from plastic, chemicals and shame. It’s our mission to bring women – and other people – in the know about all things vulva. Organic cotton is the vulva friendly choice.

Watch my short (3min) TEDX talk on this topic right at the start of Yoni: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dopWWw59MR4

• What’s your biggest challenge as a brand?

M: There are always challenges and they keep changing as you enter new phases with the business. One challenge that’s ongoing is of course: me and my own limiting beliefs or unclarities that sometimes can get in the way of the business. This is why I always have a coach or two to help me reflect and see how I might actually be the bottleneck in certain situations.

• Tell us your favourite quote, mantra or best piece of advice

Know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Always be clear on your intention and make sure those working with you do the same.

• Tell us your proudest moment as a business

M: My proudest moment is always when women share their personal story how happy they are with Yoni and sometimes even how Yoni has really changed their lives. Women whom have suffered from irritations and whom have finally found freedom in using Yoni - those are the stories that make me tick.

• Where are you off to on holiday this year?

M: I just got back from the South of Portugal where I went on a yoga retreat with my 4-year old daughter. I can definitely suggest for any parents whom like yoga to look into a parent and child retreat!

• What is your THE FIND?

M: I don’t live in the UK so I actually don’t use THE FIND myself. But taking a look around your shop I LOVE the fact you have so many choices when it comes down to sunscreen/crème. I always find it a struggle to find conscious options and you have so many wonderful ones!

• What is your favourite place to hideaway?

M: The beach! I try to get to the beach for long walks with or without friends as often as I can to help clear my mind and re-energise after a stressful week.

• What's the most stressful part of your day?

M: The logistics of my life… All of the practical things of being a mom of a 4 year old with a busy business I find the logistics e.g. making sure my daughter is picked up on time, what to do if a babysitter is on vacation, ensuring you have presents for friends’ bdays etc. etc. the most stressful thing in my life.

Now, let’s FIND Out About You

• Wellies or Flip-Flops
• Bubble Bath or Hot Shower
• Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter - Indian Summer ☺
• Lipstick or Lip Balm
• Cinema or Theatre - would love to go to either but almost never do
• Paperback or Kindle - Paperback but have as goal to get a kindle and see if I can become a kindle fan since lugging around books seems silly…
• Yoga or Run
• Pressed Juice or Cocktail
• Serums or Oils