Sustainable period underwear Hong Kong | Kiri
Check out our local brand interview with Kiri Journey. Kiri offers sustainable period underwear which holds up to 5.5 regular tampons/ 2.75 pads of regular periods. They can be washed and reused which makes them a sustainable period product! Let’s take a look at the founder’s journey of creating Kiri:
For Our Home Kong readers, you can enjoy 10% discount with this exclusive Kiri promo code: OURHOMEKONG
Tell us about Kiri! What inspired you to create period underwear in Hong Kong?
Nicolia: “I have always been interested in sustainable period care and have tried a few brands overseas. Although Hong Kong has begun to offer more eco-friendly products for feminine hygiene, I still found it difficult to get my hands on period underwear that offered a good fit and high functionality.
Furthermore, I wanted a solution to alleviate the anxiety and uncertainty females feel pre-periods and during our periods. I believe that every female in Hong Kong deserves a comfortable, secure and sustainable period product.
So when my boyfriend (Brandon), who had worked in the manufacturing industry, was able to source the absorbent pads for reusable period underwear, we immediately jumped on the idea of building our own business. We wanted to design a product that is kinder to the environment, while being able to provide women with extra protection from leaks and accidents during their periods.
We started working on Kiri in May 2021. Slowly but steadily, everything eventually started to come together by late August. Knowing how unique (and perhaps life-changing) this product could be in Hong Kong, we understood the urgency and tried to work efficiently throughout the development process. As expected, there were many sleepless nights, but of course, that is the way startups operate. And I would say, they were all worth it in the end!”
How was Kiri created and how do you juggle your full time job?
“I founded Kiri with my boyfriend, whose invaluable experience in the manufacturing industry helps run Kiri’s procurement and operations. Meanwhile, I am able to leverage my skills from the hotel and retail sectors by overseeing Kiri’s marketing initiatives, brand communications and customer experience.
We aim to curate a holistic platform that offers a reimagined period experience for women, as well as, to promote candid conversations surrounding women’s health.
At the moment, I am working on Kiri part time. I think it is extremely important to have a routine to help you stay on track and maximize productivity. I usually dedicate the time after my day job (post-dinner to pre-bedtime) to tackle my tasks and plan my weekly to-do lists. It also really helps to have a partner-in-crime who has quit his full time job to focus on the business. Plus, he also has a completely different skillset to mine, so we are able to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well.”
What's the biggest challenge you've faced so far?
“The hardest thing we have had to overcome was balancing Kiri with our full time jobs. After working a full day in the office, my boyfriend and I have spent many late nights discussing products and how we envisioned the brand to be. Recently, my partner has taken on Kiri’s operations full time, which has allowed me to fully focus on the branding, marketing and the customer experience side of the business.”
What's something important you've learnt along the way?
“First, I think it is important to be passionate about your business. You have to be willing to sacrifice your time and energy for the company you are building. Nobody else will tell you what to do, so you have to be self-motivated to move things forward.
Secondly, try to pick the right partner from the beginning! I am lucky to have a super supportive partner who brings to the table a different set of abilities. This makes it much easier when it comes to delegating and carrying out the tasks.
Lastly, I am grateful to have had immense support from my family and friends to start Kiri. Without their encouragement, Kiri might not have been able to come to fruition as quickly.”
What previous experiences led you to create sustainable period underwear in Hong Kong?
“Periods are a natural and healthy part of a woman’s life, yet even as adults, we are still made to feel embarrassed and ashamed of them.
I felt that it was time for someone to step forward and re-examine this social stigma surrounding periods. While this is easier said than done, a simple way to begin is to learn how to take care of ourselves during our periods. It’s time to show ourselves some love starting with reliable period care.
Say goodbye to stressful or uncomfortable periods with Kiri panties! Our panties consist of four layers of leakproof-infused technology that trap and lock in liquid within the water-resistant, moisture-wicking and antibacterial materials. It is odour-resistant, can hold up to 5.5 regular tampons/ 2.75 pads/ 50ml worth of flow and provides a barrier to keep your intimate areas comfortable and dry.”
Thanks for creating aesthetic and sustainable period panties and bringing it to the Hong Kong community 🙂 Can you share a piece of advice from your journey?
“I wish someone told me to learn to take breaks. We are always so engrossed in doing what we love that we forget to take time off to recharge our minds and bodies. Rest should not be an indulgence – it is good for our health, wellbeing and productivity!”
Connect with Kiri Journey
Shop period underwear and more: https://www.kirijourney.com/
10% discount code: OURHOMEKONG
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