In a world where female empowerment and health awareness are crucial, Meredith Johnson-Evans is a trailblazer. As the co-founder of Women’s Haven, the first female Caribbean-owned organic feminine care brand and product line, Meredith is transforming the narrative around menstrual care. Her journey from concept to launch serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
A Vision Realized: The Mission Behind Women’s Haven
In 2018, Meredith partnered with her long-time friend Melesia Adderley to establish Women’s Haven. The mission was clear: to make organic sanitary products accessible and affordable for women in the Caribbean. Meredith explains, “We both struggled with our menses and found that organic sanitary products decreased our issues. However, getting access to these products at a competitive price was nearly impossible.”
The Pivotal Moments That Sparked the Idea
Meredith's journey began during her university days when a friend introduced her to organic pads. She explained, “I realized there was a significant difference between traditional and organic pads, especially regarding their impact on menstrual health.” However, the true catalyst came when she faced a frustrating shipping fee for a single pack of organic pads. Hours later, she saw Melesia promoting an affordable alternative in the Cayman Islands and seized the opportunity to collaborate. “I shamelessly asked her if we could join forces, and that was the beginning of Women’s Haven.”
Validating the Concept Before Launch
In the early stages, Meredith kept her plans regarding her new business only between her and her partner Melesia. “I didn’t share my idea widely, instead, I exchanged concepts with Melesia. I knew the need for these products existed because every woman eventually needs sanitary pads but we needed time to plan properly. Taking that leap was daunting, but I learned to keep my vision focused until it was ready for execution.”
Overcoming Obstacles During Launch
Like many entrepreneurs, Meredith faced significant challenges, particularly with funding. “We had to personally finance the production, which was a huge risk. If it didn’t work out, we could lose everything”, Meredith shared. To navigate this, she immersed herself in female-centric events to raise visibility for Women’s Haven. “We focused on educating women about the dangers of traditional sanitary napkins and building trust in our brand. It was crucial to get comfortable with discussing period care openly.”
Decisions That Shaped the Company's Path
Two pivotal decisions greatly impacted Women’s Haven’s trajectory: emphasizing education and developing an empowering organizational structure. Meredith said, "Focusing on education helped us establish credibility, and creating a structure that encouraged other women to start their own businesses by carrying our products, allowed us to expand our reach across the Caribbean.”
Reflecting on the Launch Journey
When asked if she would change anything about her launch phase, Meredith reflected thoughtfully and explained, “I wouldn’t change too much. Every trial was a lesson I needed to learn from. If I hadn’t used my own money to start, I might not have been as driven to ensure its success. The challenges fueled my passion for the brand.”
Biggest Lesson for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Meredith’s experience offers invaluable insights for those looking to bring their ideas to life. Her advice to new and seasoned entrepreneurs is, “Get legal. Protect your brand name, secure your business license, and establish a proper accounting system. A great idea is just that—an idea—unless you have the necessary documents and plans in place. Always be prepared to present your vision.”
Meredith Johnson-Evans’s journey with Women’s Haven exemplifies the power of perseverance, collaboration, and a commitment to improving women’s health. As she continues to break barriers in the feminine hygiene industry, her story serves as a powerful reminder for aspiring entrepreneurs to take action on their ideas. With determination and the right support, anything is possible.
To connect with other purpose-driven women like Meredith, join the Purposed & Called Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/purposedandcalled where you will get resources and support to activate and elevate you throughout your entrepreneurial and corporate journey. Our upcoming masterclass, Sent Into Action, will take your ideas from concept to creation, to launch. Learn more here: https://www.earlenecamielle.com/impact
Contact Meredith and the Women's Haven team for product information and recourses concerning feminine health by logging onto www.womenshaven.com. You can also email them at Orders@womenshaven.com. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @thewomenshaven and support this female-owned business that is making waves across the Caribbean.
Share Meredith's launch journey with another woman you know this will inspire.
Until next time....
Sincerely,
Earlene Camielle
Media Expert & Purpose Coach
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