Normalizing the conversation about periods featuring Karla Welch, co-founder and CEO of The Period Company
Periods. Let's talk about them. This normal part of life has often been an uncomfortable topic and even a source of shame — and it is time to end the stigma.
Karla Welch is the co-founder and CEO of The Period Company (TPC), a brand that specializes in comfortable, sustainable period underwear.
TPC was founded in 2019 when Karla was looking for a less stressful way to help her child who got their period early.
"I was dismayed at how unprepared I was both emotionally and physically, and literally felt like I was reliving my own period story (I am sure so many people here can relate)."
"I knew there was period underwear on the market but honestly, I felt it wasn’t good enough, not to mention way too expensive. So I decided to make, not only the most absorbent and safe but more affordable product in the market today."
TPC launched in 2020 on period.co and is now in Walmarts across America.
Below we continue the conversation about periods and how to make our experience a more comfortable one.
Q. What are some ways we can help normalize the conversation about periods?
A. Just talking about them. Period. And not just with people who get them, but everyone! And literally lets lose the idea that a girl is a woman when she gets a period — no, she is still a kid. Let’s let them be kids and also teach them that this is a superpower!
Imagine how much further we can go when we eliminate the manufactured shame about periods.
Q. What are the benefits of swapping pads and tampons for period undies?
A. Well, it’s just healthier. No toxins, allowing your body to flow. And then it costs way less and is so sustainable. Disposable products do not decompose and are sitting on a landfill. One pair of period underwear can last you more than five years.
Q. If someone is interested in trying TPC undies, which products and routine would you suggest to a newbie?
A. Well, def wear us at night — in fact make sure you are NOT wearing a tampon at night and sleep with us instead (haha).
Honestly, the sporty is my favorite for daytime and a great way to start is to use it as a back up plan to catch any leaks from your tampons. Or just jump in — you need ideally five pairs so that you can switch out on heavy flow days — but other than that, it is as easy as wearing underwear!