From Personal Struggle to Period Care Entrepreneur

August 25, 2026 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani

Women’s health challenges can sometimes inspire solutions that create opportunities for others.

For K Renuka, a difficult chapter in life eventually led to an unexpected entrepreneurial journey.

The 37-year-old medical laboratory technology graduate from Valavanur, Villupuram, spent nearly five years undergoing medical treatment and IVF procedures.

During this period, a doctor suggested that she consider organic sanitary napkins instead of conventional products.

The advice made Renuka explore menstrual hygiene more closely. However, she struggled to find an option that suited her needs.

She began researching natural menstrual products and experimenting with different materials. Then came the 2020 lockdown, which gave her more time to develop herbal sanitary napkins at home.

Initially, Renuka made the products only for herself. Soon, friends began trying them and shared positive feedback.

Their encouragement convinced her to consider turning the experiment into a business.

Renuka later partnered with a friend to establish a small manufacturing venture. Together, they invested around ₹25 lakh.

The venture produces herbal sanitary napkins using ingredients such as neem, nilavembu, tulsi, turmeric and aloe vera.

According to Renuka, these ingredients are traditionally associated with antimicrobial or soothing properties.

Aloe vera also helps improve softness and comfort. She says the products avoid certain chemicals commonly used in conventional sanitary products.

The venture currently operates with a three-member team. Its napkins are sold in packs of six. The XL pack costs ₹130, while the XXL pack is priced at ₹150.

The products have also received ISI certification through her partner’s funding company.

However, the business remains in its early stages. Renuka currently earns around ₹10,000 a month from the venture.

Despite the modest income, she sees it as an important step towards financial independence.

Her journey became harder after she lost her husband a year ago. While raising her child and rebuilding her life, the business gave her a source of stability.

Now, Renuka wants to expand online sales across Tamil Nadu. More importantly, she hopes to make menstrual hygiene products that prioritise women’s comfort and well-being.

For her, the venture represents more than a business. It transforms personal struggles into an effort aimed at supporting other women.

Image Credit: Gowtham Sampath, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons