The Flex Company was started by Lauren Schulte after she wanted to find another alternative to pads, tampons and menstrual cups. She believed that if we used a period product that was designed to solve our major problems (leaking, cramping, bloating, smell, frequent changes, infections), we wouldn’t dread our periods. Lauren and her team then created the menstrual disc called FLEX. FLEX is a body-safe tampon alternative that lasts up to 12 hours, and that’s designed to mould to your body shape and is said to have reduced cramps in 70% of users.

She Society had the chance to ask Lauren a few questions about what she’s learnt throughout her startup journey and what’s next for The Flex Company.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt (in life or business)?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to live life by my values, which means to be clear about what I believe and what I want in life, and then to take an intentional path in a way that is true to me. The path won’t always be easy; it requires fearlessness and tenacity. But as long as I am living my values and fulfilling my greater purpose, I know I’m on the right track.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and by whom?
The greatest piece of business advice I received as an early stage founder was by a very successful, multi-time entrepreneur who sold one of their companies for $1B. I told him about my idea for FLEX and he was extremely supportive, which was a surprise to me because so many people pitch him their ideas and I’ve never seen him so excited. He told me 1) tell everyone you meet about your idea and 2) to hire people smarter than you.

What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of creating a new category of period product, the menstrual disc, which is the most substantial innovation in period care since the applicator tampon and menstrual cups were introduced in the 1930s.

Quote to live by?
You are what you love, not what loves you.

What’s next for The Flex Company?
We are focused on creating awareness of the menstrual disc, educating the market about the fact that so many period problems (leaking, smell, bloating, cramps) are worsened by traditional period products, and educating all people about women’s sexual and reproductive health.

Find out more information about The Flex Company here.

Published on April 19 on She Society

1. “You have to believe in yourself 100%, if you want to do this and you want to pull it off you have to believe in yourself, you can’t undermine and doubt yourself all day everyday and then expect to succeed.”
2. “Own what your gift is, know it, don’t be ashamed of it and do it as much as possible and then outsource or surround yourself with people who do everything else way better than you.”
3. “Don’t compromise on your need or desire for success, do whatever it takes, you’ve got to be willing to let some things go and adapt and focus on what works.

Mother’s Day can be a hard affair for those who have lost their mothers, but Danielle Snelling from Melbourne has set up an association that aims to support those dealing with the loss.

Motherless Daughters Australia was created after Danielle lost her own mum to cancer when she was 23.

Danielle put up a Facebook status, saying that she was going to start a Motherless Daughter support network and asked if there was anybody else in her position.

A woman named Eloise Hughes from Croydon in Melbourne commented back. She’d lost her mum when she was 13 from a heart attack. As soon as they had met, the bond was instantaneous.

Danielle said ‘It was comforting to meet someone who could fundamentally relate to how I was feeling. We decided to set up Motherless Daughters Australia together, because if the two of us felt so much better connecting, then imagine how wonderful it would be to have a whole group of women having a similar outcome.

We planned a pre Mother’s Day High Tea in Melbourne in May 2017. When your mum dies young, the pain isn’t only today, it is forever, but it’s most pronounced on birthdays, Christmas and Mother’s Day. Even projecting into the future and worrying about the inevitable sadness that will come because your mum won’t be at your wedding, or get to meet your partner or your children.’

‘Afterwards, we set up our non-profit because we could see there was a need. The next High Tea had 30 women, six from interstate. We’ve now developed a community through Facebook and Instagram. We have big plans for the future, including events and Australia-wide support and eventually want to support single dads raising daughters,’ she said.

They have also succeeded in getting a Motherless Daughters Awareness Week added to the National Calendar of Events, running from 5 to 12 May.

‘We’d like to take this week-long opportunity to raise awareness to the wider community that this time of year is particularly difficult for girls and women who unfortunately cannot celebrate Mother’s Day with their mum,’ their Facebook page said.

The group will be participating in the Mother’s Day Classic in Melbourne on 13 May, click here for more information or check out the Motherless Daughters Australia Facebook page here.

Published on May 11, 2018 on She Society

Homeward Bound is a groundbreaking leadership initiative, set against the backdrop of breathtaking Antarctica. The program has reached over 250 women from over 100 different countries, focusing on women in science. The year-long program will allow the chosen participants the chance to learn leadership skills, self-awareness, strategy, science, communication and they will also gain access to a powerful global network of women scientists.

There has been a Nobel Laureate, the program’s first African participant, a children’s science TV presenter and a renowned Australian model amongst the women that are attending the program. They have gone on to receive additional grants, start their own education programs as well as working with large corporations such as NASA to establish new models for addressing climate change.

The program has made waves across the globe in 2016 being the largest all-female group to travel to Antarctica on their first voyage, the second voyage breaking their own world-record. They also held the world’s most remote gender-forum.

Homeward Bound is set to invite more women to join its global collaboration in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) this month.

Applications opened last week and will remain open until 18 May as Homeward Bound takes the next step towards its goal of networking 1000 women in 10 years. Initiated in Australia in 2014 Homeward Bound has become synonymous with women’s empowerment on a global scale.

The new team, already dubbed #TeamHB04, will be their largest cohort yet as they look to welcome 100 women of all ages from around the world. The fourth program launches in early 2019 and will run throughout the year. Over 11 months, the revolutionary program will be delivered via monthly video conference calls and small personal meetings with collaboration, leadership, peer coaching and gender equality all high on the agenda. It will culminate in a voyage to Antarctica, departing Ushuaia, Argentina, on November 22 and returning on December 10, 2019.

Founder Fabian Dattner comments, “This is what it means to build a global collaboration of women in STEMM. We are serious about diversity and encouraging these women to support one another. We want to bring together women from all walks of life, from different backgrounds, and support them into leadership and decision-making as it informs the planet. We are particularly focused on supporting women from countries most affected by climate change.”

Fabian continues “One of the things we find every year is how few women really believe they have what it takes to join Homeward Bound. “Imposter syndrome” dogs even the most experienced, talented women.

It’s this simple: if you have a background in science, want to explore what leadership is really about, are serious about shaping the future of the planet and want to be part of a caring, collaborative community, we want to hear from you.”

Find out more about the initiative here.

Essential Oils have started to gain a cult following, especially with celebrities such as Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Alexa PenaVega claiming that the miracle oils can reduce stress and help improvement simple ailments such as headaches and cramps. We’ve decided to make a comprehensive list of some of the most popular oils and their accompanying benefits.

Lavender Oil – The calming smell is great for promoting relaxation and easing any muscle tension. Can also aid in relieving anxiety, headaches or sleeping problems.

Peppermint Oil – There are discussions about it’s positive effect on Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers as it can support the digestive system. Can also ease motion sickness as well as helping to rid people of colds and allergies.

Lemongrass Oil – Diluted oil is said to help with acne spots along with improving immunity and calming the mind.

Oregano Oil – This has become a staple for many as the benefits include regulating menstruation, fighting infection and supporting the immune system. If you have a cold then steam inhalation is the way to go.

Tea Tree Oil – Originating from Australia tea tree oil is said to have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, great for treating acne, eczema and warts.

Frankincense Oil – Great for building immunity, reducing inflammation and supporting brain function.

Grapefruit Oil – Is said to support metabolism and even reduce cellulite along with helping to promote clear, healthy skin and an uplifting mood.

Sandalwood Oil – A natural aphrodisiac that improves libido and can also improve energy. Other health benefits also include its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as a diuretic helping to treat infections in the urinary system.

Published on April 10, 2018 on She Society

As the Commonwealth Games have come to an end, we thought it would be great to reflect on the comradeship of the games. With athletes really showing the world what they are made of, not only in the sporting arenas but in how they conduct themselves with their rivals.

We saw such an example on day 5 when Australian long-distance runners Eloise Wellings, Madeline Hills and Celia Sullohern remained on the track after finishing the 10,000m event waiting for the last competitor to finish.

The trio remained behind to wait for another of their competitors, Lineo Chaka from the small African nation of Lesotho, to cross the finish line five minutes behind the winner.

It really shows the support and sportsmanship, proving that at the end of the day everyone is doing their best and it’s about bringing all of the nations together.

Other such inspiring acts of sportsmanship over the years include the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where the New Zealander Nikki Hamblin tripped and Abbey D’Agostino of the United States fell over her. Instead of continuing on the US runner helped Hamblin up telling her, “Get up, get up! We have to finish!” D’Agostino told her. “This is the Olympic Games. We have to finish this.’”

There was Derek Redmond’s courageous moment during the 400-meter semifinal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Where near the end of the race, the British track star suffered a torn hamstring and began hobbling in pain. As Redmond struggled to finish, his father came to his aid, rushing down from the stands to reach his son and helping him to finish the race.

In the final of the 200 meters in Beijing in 2008, American sprinter Shawn Crawford finished fourth behind winner Usain Bolt, Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles and American Wallace Spearmon. But afterward, it was determined Spearmon and Martina had stepped on their lane lines during the race, a technicality that disqualified them. As a result, Crawford went from fourth place to second and was awarded the silver medal. After the Games, Martina received a package from Crawford. When he opened it, it contained the American’s silver medal and a note: “I know this won’t replace the moment, but I want you to have this, because I believe it’s rightfully yours!”

Japanese competitors Shuhei Nishida and Sueo Oe competed in a jump-off for the silver medal in the pole vault at the Berlin 1936 Olympics. Although both vaulters finished with the same height, the silver was ultimately awarded to Nishida for having fewer misses than Oe. However, when the Olympians returned home, they did the unthinkable. Nishida and Oe cut their medals in half to create two new medals of half silver, half bronze. They were called the “medals of friendship.”

Published on April 15, 2018 on She Society

Subscription boxes have created a stir, becoming ideal presents and even just as a great way to treat yourself each month. While each subscription is different depending on what you choose most of them work on a monthly basis, with you paying a fee to receive a box full of all sorts of goodies, whether that be beauty items, books or food. While there are plenty of subscription boxes to choose from we’ve narrowed down some of the best boxes from each category and we bet you’ll be waiting impatiently each month for yours to come.

BellaBox

For $17.95 a month you’ll receive a box full of 5+ beauty samples which you can test and try out without having the hassle of buying a full-size product. Their past boxes have contained brands such as Estee Lauder, Citra & Co, Goldwell and Burt’s Bees and depending on what’s in the box for that month you may even get lucky and receive a full-size product.

PageHabit

Are you having trouble trying to find new books to read or are you just wanting to up your reading game? Then PageHabit is a great way to introduce new genre’s and books into your life. Genre’s include mystery, young adult fiction, horror, romance and many more. PageHabit picks the best new releases to feature each month and the featured author then writes special annotations, plus an exclusive letter just for PageHabit members. The book and the author’s annotations are then packed together with other quirky items and delivered to your door for $30 each month. Another great part is the fact that with every box purchased, a donation is made to support children’s literacy.

GoodnessMe Box

As Australia’s largest health food sampling service, the GoodnessMe Box is a great way to sample the latest health foods. For $25 a month, you get a delivery of 6-10 boutique health products and samples that help nourish your body. The products are all natural, GMO-free and clear of any artificial flavours. They can even cater the box to your dietary needs, personalising your box to be gluten-free, dairy free or vegan.

Bambino Box

This is a perfect gift for mothers of newborns or even toddlers as the Bambino Box sends out themed products that are useful for the baby’s current state of development, from birth to 4 years old. For $21.95, you get a box that caters to the baby’s gender, age and location, with brands including Tommee Tippee, Buddha Baby and Dream Baby.

Dollar Shave Club

A great idea for the man in your life, the Dollar Shave Club takes the hassle out of having to constantly buy shavers. Instead all he has to do is choose a razor, with twin blade, 4-blade, and 6-blade options. After the first month the replacement razor cartridges ship automatically every month at either $5, $8 or $11.  They also can deliver other products such as shaving cream, shaving butter and shampoo and conditioner.

Published on April 19, 2018 on She Society

Legendary Swedish pop group ABBA will be releasing new music for the first time in 35 years.

Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus said it was “wonderful” to be back in the studio with their former bandmates, Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, adding it was like “no time has passed”.

“It took moments and then we were back.”

Asked about the secret of their success, Bjorn said: “We’re still curious, both of us. Trying new things is still exciting.”

Benny quipped: “Recording an Abba song is not really new but it felt good anyway.”

“We all four felt that, after some 35 years, it could be fun to join forces again and go into the recording studio. So we did,” the group said in a statement after repeated comments that they would never reunite.

Their band manager Gorel Hanswer confirmed ABBA had recorded two new songs last summer, I Still Have Faith In You and Don’t Shut Me Down.

The news was announced in an Instagram statement from Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiEl5cslkdR/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=8&wp=658&rd=shesociety.com.au#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A2677.5999999954365%7D

Ulvaeus revealed earlier this month that digitally created virtual band members – “Abbatars” – would perform in a television show in 2018, followed by a tour in 2019 or 2020.

Published on May 4, 2018 on She Society

While colouring and cutting your hair can often lead to regret and sometimes even tears, there is one way to change your hair dramatically that you’ll surely love. You’ll have an abundance of hair to play with so you can’t be disappointed and you won’t have to worry about the threat of regret with hair extensions. Hair extensions are a great way to improve your overall look and to give you the glamorous long tresses you’ve always wished for.

There are many benefits to getting hair extensions, including not having to be patient. As you finally don’t have to wait months for your hair to grow back after a lackluster haircut as hair extensions provide the instant gratification of a full head of beautiful hair.

Hair extensions are also low maintenance, giving you effortless glamour without having to slug away with styling tools. Your hair will also benefit from your decreased use of curlers and straighteners, giving your hair a break from heat, allowing it to grow and become healthier.

The more hair there is, the more styling opportunities you have, no more stumpy braids or thin buns. The possibilities are endless and a bad hair day will become a rare occurrence.

Hair extensions also have the magical effect of hiding split ends. As they can become difficult and timely to remove, hair extensions allow them to be concealed, putting a temporary end to your split end woes.

The feeling of looking good and looking your best is an important benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re feeling like your hair doesn’t represent the true you and you’re seeking out change for better self-improvement and self-confidence then extensions are a sure-fire way to go.

Hair extensions Brisbane salon, Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions provide high quality hair extensions and bridal hairstyling. Offering premium hair and colour from J’adore and L’Oreal, providing both Russian and Indian hair that is 100% Remy. They also use all the leading application methods available, including beaded extensions, tape hair extensions and weft hair extensions.

Published on May 8, 2018 on She Society