Life & Work with Chelsea Banks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Banks.

Hi Chelsea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My journey in creating The Yoni Company began in 2016. To provide a bit of a backstory, I had a lot of issues with my monthly cycle. I had painful cramps that were hard to bear, and occasionally, I’d have to treat a yeast infection right after my cycle ended. I thought this was my new normal.

The barriers I had with my cycle concerned my parents, so my dad found products that could possibly help me with these issues. He introduced me to an organization that wanted to spread awareness about the chemicals in our store-bought pads. I had no idea that chemicals were placed in our products.

After five months of following this organization, I learned that not only bleach was inside our sanitary napkins, but dioxins & furans, pesticide residues, fragrant ingredients, and so much more. I soon learned that these chemicals lead to cancerous diseases, and thyroid and reproductive issues. After learning this, it changed my life.

I knew I had to inform the population that their cycle wasn’t abnormal because of them; it was unnatural because of the products we were buying. After the company, I was following ended, I knew I had to search for the facility that manufactured these negative-ion pads. I researched the web for 2 1/2 months. After three months of sampling pads that didn’t work, I found the same manufacturer that supplied the company I used to follow.

I built a close relationship with their manager and created The Yoni Company (TYC). I made our online website and posted the products there. I began participating in pop-up shops and flea markets to spread awareness about women’s chemical-filled products. It pained me to witness customers’ reactions and heartbreaks over not knowing that their issues came from products they were using.

However, I knew sharing this information with as many women as possible was vital. After five months of being in business, I was so excited that TYC made enough money in sales to later have all four sanitary napkin sizes available to women of all shapes and sizes. Soon after, we raised enough money to invest in our chemical-free Yoni Bars. Our customers fell in love with our Sea Salt, Honey, Peach, and Aloe Vera bars.

After distinguishing how many customers TYC acquired, I saw it fit to have the company trademarked. Without my family and close friends, I couldn’t have created TYC. Family members helped me develop many promotional ideas, including Reuben King of ARE.CEE Productions was who captured every moment of TYC, and Latonya Lark of You Are Worthy Designs assisted us in developing our logo/packaging designs.

TYC also has the pleasure of donating reusable pads to Ghana, Africa, once every year. The girls there missed school whenever they were on their cycle. This was due to not being able to afford reusable pads or having a place to dispose of their replaceable pads.

In some instances, the girls would bury their disposable pads in soil, which wasn’t environmentally friendly. The reusable pads are more favorable for the girls, considering they’re good for the environment and the pads have a 5-year lifespan. In addition, the girls can wash the pads after each use and never miss a school day again.

Lastly, I am proud to share that you can purchase TYC products located in Columbus, MI, at Hair4u Beauty Supply. This is only the beginning for The Yoni Company. We have so many things in store. Be sure to stay tuned for the launch of our herbal and reusable pads!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s still challenging to encourage our customers to cease using chemical-filled products. Some didn’t believe the information The Yoni Company provided.

Others would say, “I use tampons, so this doesn’t apply to me.” When the sad thing is, tampons are worse. The money raised for The Yoni Company was reinvested into the company; however, it was never enough.

We applied for grants, but we wouldn’t get a response. Most of the advice given was to get a lawyer or a grant writer. But they were costly and rightfully so.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Mental Health Therapist and a Case Manager.

I’m in the profession of helping people. I love helping people set and meet their goals. One of my favorite things is to remind clients how capable and worthy they are. I’ve been counseling since 2018, but it’s always been second nature for me.

I enjoy empathizing with and assisting any individual in sorting through any barriers they may have. I enjoy witnessing people reaching their highest potential.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe that you really have to put yourself out there.

Anytime I had the opportunity, I’d carry on a conversation with anyone I met, especially at the pop-up shops and flea markets. If I were curious about how someone ran their business or how they raised funds to keep their business afloat, I’d ask.

I’m your typical introvert. I cringed before starting the necessary conversations and asking questions, but I knew it was required.

Pricing:

• Regular pads: $7.99
• Night Time Pads: $7.99
• Overnight Pads: $8.29
• Pantyliners: $6.99
• Yoni Bars: 9.99

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.theyonicompany.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyonico___/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyonico

Image Credits
Reuben King, Owner of ARE.CEE Productions